Cougar Bytes for Friday, Nov. 20, 2020
Cougar Bytes
Friday, Nov. 20, 2020
Vol. XIII, No. 11
The next issue of COUGAR BYTES will
be published on
Friday, Dec. 18, 2020.
IN THIS ISSUE
- CCCC EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH!
- WOW! WHAT A TEAM!
- CCCC FEATURED
- PERSONNEL NOTES
- CONTRIBUTE
CCCC Employee of the Month!
Full-Time Employee of the Month: Jairo McMican
Jairo is all in our push for equity and inclusion at the college in the most collaborative way possible. Whether it is his work with the IDEAL committee, his reaching out and supporting faculty and staff from various cultures and backgrounds, or his mentoring of other employees, he is really walking his talk.
[Jairo has] a passion for student success. Jairo is here because he is passionate about helping students succeed. He wakes up every day thinking about it, he reads about it, he studies about it, he will talk with anyone who will listen (and even those who won't), and he is constantly pushing all of us to be thinking about ways we can improve student success too. He is truly an inspiring educator.
...It's clear he spends much of his free time thinking and researching how to make CCCC more welcoming to everyone...
[Jairo] absolutely lives up to the aspirational value of the college to provide "exceptional learning for all." He is the epitome of a lifelong learner and supports his team in their learning.
[Jairo's] actions, spirit of kindness, and passion for learning lead him to go above and beyond in every aspect of his work.
He hosts events to help both staff members at CCCC and other colleges learn about challenges people of color face in today's culture. He is always ready and willing to have those hard conversations regarding race and poverty in our politics and how we must be leaders in this area to help support the cause.
Jairo McMican (Hi-rrow Mac-Mee-Kan) he, him, his, we
Dean of Student LearningHow long have you worked for CCCC?
Two years.
What brought you to CCCC?
The reputation CCCC had of being dedicated to innovation, and the opportunity to learn from Dr. Merritt and Scott Byington. I previously worked with Dr. Merritt at NCCU. I attended a NACADA presentation and was able to witness the passion and brilliance of Scott Byington. CCCC was on my radar after that, and I was able to capitalize on a great opportunity when it became available.
Describe what you do for CCCC.
I am granted the privilege to directly support the following areas: Job Corps, Academic Assistance Center, TRiO, Student Onboarding and Outreach, Center for Academic Excellence, Success Coaches, and College and Career Readiness. In addition, I am fortunate to co-chair the I.D.E.A.L. committee.
Where were you born?
Ft. Bliss, TX
Where did you grow up?
Dad served 23 years active duty in the Army. We lived in Germany twice, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, and Kentucky.
Educational credentials?
B.S. in Psychology, M.S. in Strategic Leadership, working on my dissertation for an Ed.D. in Adult and Community College Education.
Where do you live now?
Fuquay-Varina
Tell us about your family!
My best friend, reflection, best thing that has ever happened to me; and I celebrated 10 years of marriage this year. I have two sons, the oldest is currently enrolled at CCCC.
What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
Reading, reading, and reading. I especially like consuming materials that challenge my core.
What superhero power would you most like to have?
Photographic memory.
Which actor would portray you in a movie about your life?
Rick Fox.
What is your favorite meal?
Paella, Empanadas, Chana Masala, Sushi, and a medium rare bone-in Cowboy Ribeye.
Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I just want to give a sincere thanks to whomever nominated me. It is sometimes easy to forget the power of showing appreciation. Many of us, including myself, are guilty of forgetting to express gratitude to one another. With that being said, I have many folks that I truly love working with especially the areas that I get to directly support. However, there are some folks that inspire me to BE more on a daily basis and I want them to know that. Dr. Merritt, Meghan Brown, and Scott Byington; I appreciate you and am grateful for the impact you all have had on my life professionally and personally.
Part-Time CCCC Employee of the Month!
Part-Time Employee of the Month: Mervin Moats Jr.
Mervin makes every effort to help complete tasks that are needed for running the Electronics program. This includes coming in and helping build and move heavy benches. He is constantly talking to individuals that he comes into contact with in his daily life outside of CCCC about education, and not just what our department can do for them, but the College as a whole. He encourages these people to seek advice and information for programs in which they are interested. He is a true asset to the department.
Mervin has assisted in rearranging the classroom and building workbenches to allow for social distancing during classes. He has assisted in many workshops with TRiO and 4-H students, and this was all done during his time-off contract. He is instrumental to the success of the department.
Mervin's students know that he cares about their success both inside and outside of the classroom as many of them come to him for advice on both academic and personal matters.
Mervin Moats Jr.
Adjunct Electronics Engineering TechnologyHow long have you worked for CCCC?
I have been on staff for two years now and split my time teaching at CCCC and teaching electronics to veterans out on Ft. Bragg.
What brought you to CCCC?
Well, I am a product of the electronics and computer engineering program here, so it was a no-brainer for me when I had an opportunity to come back to be an instructor.
Describe what you do for CCCC.
Currently, I teach electronic communications during the fall, and I teach both digital electronics and troubleshooting in the spring.
Where were you born?
I was an Army brat and was born at Womack Army Hospital here at Ft. Bragg.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Spring Lake, N.C.
Educational credentials?
I received my Associate in Electronics Engineering Technology and Computer Engineering Technology from CCCC, and my Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology with concentrations in Industrial Engineering Technology and Industrial Management from East Carolina University.
Where do you live now?
I currently live in Sanford.
Tell us about your family!
Well, my dad was in Special Forces in the Army, and my mom is a retired schoolteacher. I have one sister, who teaches for the DoD out on Ft. Bragg. I am married, my wife is an RN and works at Duke, I have five children (three girls and two boys), and eight energetic (very energetic) grandkids.
What are some of your hobbies or other interest outside of CCCC?
I love sports, especially football, basketball, and boxing. I also enjoy bowling and model airplane building. My most recent hobby, which I have been doing for a few years now, has been recovering precious metals from electronic devices. I am not above turning on my PS4 and playing video games either!
What superhero power would you most like to have?
I'm a huge Wolverine fan so shiny retractable claws, unbreakable bones, and quick healing properties would be amazing!
Which actor would portray you in a movie about your life?
I could never go wrong with Denzel Washington, but I'd have to go with the late Chadwick Boseman.
What is your favorite meal?
Hands down, I am a ribeye man, all day, every day! Baked potato, asparagus, lobster tail; why am I hungry all of a sudden?
Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I enjoy having the opportunity to work with the students at CCCC.
WOW! WHAT A TEAM!
Veterans Day Ceremony
Local military veterans were honored Wednesday (11/11/2020) during the 2020 Veterans Day Ceremony at Central Carolina Community College, an annual "thank you" to members of the college community who have served their country in the United States Armed Forces.
Though the ceremony largely followed tradition, things looked different this year with the pandemic forcing observers onto Facebook Live and rain shifting the ceremony from the college flagpole to a space just inside the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center.
Still, even with accommodations to the unusual circumstances, the message remained as focused as ever: Veterans are important to the nation and valuable members of the college community.
Guest speaker Richard Biggs made the point by giving several brief examples of inspiring veterans he has met over 12 years as a computer information technology instructor at the college. Biggs is a veteran himself, a retired Master Sergeant who served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years as a flight engineer, including overseas in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War.
Biggs recalled meeting one veteran in particular, Joey, who was waiting for class in a wheelchair after losing both legs and one hand during an explosion while serving in Iraq. At some point after the two became friends, Biggs asked Joey about his rehabilitation. There were other veterans who were far worse off, Joey told him, and it was all they could do to get up in the morning and open their eyes. So, Joey wanted to be released so he could return home and begin recuperation with his family.
He had the most positive attitude of anyone Biggs had ever met. "The man said he had to force the military doctors to release him from rehab," he recalled. "That's the kind of man he was."
Earlier in the ceremony, CCCC Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Brian Merritt expressed gratitude to the large number of veterans associated with the college -- including many faculty and staff that students may not know have served in the Armed Forces. To make the point, he read a short list of about 15 names before saying there were many more.
"We owe you our freedom," Merritt told them all. "We owe you our deepest respect."
The ceremony concluded with a surprise presentation. CCCC's Veterans Upward Bound Director Matthew Thewes presented a certificate of excellence to Biggs, who plans to retire this spring, for his service to CCCC's veteran community. Thewes organized the 20-minute ceremony.
The 2020 CCCC Veterans Day Ceremony is available on the college Facebook page at facebook.com/iamcccc/videos.
Angel Tree
Our 2020 Angel Tree program is in full swing and adoptions are open! All you need to do is to go to the Angel Tree adoption webpage and enter your email address. From there, you will be redirected to our e-Tree where you can see all the Angels open for adoption.
Want to help out but can't commit to a full Angel adoption? We are currently in need of gift wrapping material! You can sign up to donate on the e-Tree as well!
If you have questions, view the Angel Tree Information Sheet or email Samantha Carroll at scarr686@cccc.edu.
Chamber Clays Tournament
A perfect day with perfect weather at the 2020 Chamber Clays Championship with our CCCC team at the Deep River Sporting Clays and Shooting School.
Pictured from left to right: Alexandra Dowdy, Kelly Klug, Jerod Kirk, Morgan Steele, Margeret Roberton
Foundation is Here to Help
The Foundation is Here to Help!
Not only do we strive to assist our students,
we are here to help YOU as well!
Equipment needs
Program needs
Funds for upcoming projects
Professional Development opportunities
Success stories we can share
Student needs/scholarships
I would love the opportunity to speak with you!
Please contact me so we can get started on a plan
for you and your program!
As always, thank you for all you do!
Abby Walker
awalker@cccc.edu
(919) 718-7332
Best of Luck and Fond Farewell
Please join me/the Health Sciences and Human Services Division in wishing a fond farewell and best of luck in her future endeavors for Shantel McNeill, Medical Sonography Program Director.
Shantel has been an incredible asset to the Medical Sonography Program and her contributions have resulted in new program development, a successful initial accreditation site visit, and graduates who are passing their SPI and registry exams and obtaining JOBS. Shantel's contributions will live on in each graduating class and will continue to contribute to our three-county service area.
We are incredibly proud of her service here at Central Carolina Community College and excited to see where the future takes her and her family. She will remain adjunct faculty in the program until the end of this semester (and we are hoping even after the conclusion of this semester).
Soni Sundquist will serve as the Interim Medical Sonography Program Director as we conduct a hiring search for a permanent Program Director.
Holiday Challenge 2020
Eat Smart, Move More...Maintain, Don't Gain!
The Holiday Challenge 2020 is from Nov. 16 to Dec. 31. Registration does not close and you may sign-up at any time. Please view the attached flyer for additional details.
Safe Zone Ally Training
Safe Zone Ally Training is available for all CCCC faculty, staff, and students. Our next Safe Zone Ally Training sessions are coming up in the Spring 2021 semester. If you're interested in attending this session, register on the Center for Academic Excellence website. Upcoming sessions include Feb. 26 from 1:30 - 4 p.m. and March 11 from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Visits to SBC
Photos courtesy of Lillington Chamber.
Recently, the Harnett SBC visited the Lillington and Dunn Chambers to check-in with a few businesses and offer support through our SBC services and our Central Carolina Recovery Program.
Student Services Dropbox
Students who need to drop off physical documents for the Registrar's Office or Financial Aid may do so by going to the Chatham, Harnett, or Lee Campuses and placing their documents in the Student Services Dropbox.
Locations:
- The Lee Main Campus dropbox is located outside the lobby door of the Hockaday Building
- The Chatham Main Campus dropbox is located at the entrance to the Administration Building (#41)
- The Harnett Main Campus dropbox is located at the entrance to the Miriello Building.
Students should note on the envelope if the document is for the Financial Aid Office or the Registrar's Office or if it's for a specific employee.
These dropboxes will be checked daily and Chatham and Harnett staff members will make sure the deposited documents on their campuses are routed to either office on the Lee Campus. If you have any questions, please contact your campus Student Services representative or the Registrar's Office.
Board of Trustees Approvals
The CCCC Board of Trustees held a virtual meeting on Oct. 28, 2020.
The Board approved the naming of the Classroom and Fitness Center (CFC) Building on the Lee Main Campus in honor of Bobby and Linda Powell. Mr. Powell is a long-time Trustee of the College.
The Board gave its approval to various items, including:
- Approved the College budget for 2020-2021.
- Approved the bid for the Large Animal Facility.
- Approved the sale of Chatham Shed #2.
- Approved a National Advising Day proclamation.
- Authorized the preparation of a resolution for presentation to Bob Joyce, recognizing his honor of being named the NC Economic Developer of the Year.
- Approved of the following degree programs - Public Safety Administration, A.A.S. Degree; Emergency Medical Science, A.A.S. Degree, and Emergency Medical Sciences, A.A.S. Degree Bridge Program.
Christmas at Biltmore
Enjoy Christmas at Biltmore with America's largest home completely decorated for the season. Explore all Biltmore offers, including shopping, dining, and relaxing at Antler Hill Village & Winery. Children nine and younger may accompany you for free.
Take advantage of this wonderful savings opportunity for CCCC employees and save $10 when you purchase your tickets at biltmore.com/corporateperk, and use our promo code: cccc (all small letters).
CCCC FEATURED
Spotlight on New Faculty and Staff
Spotlight: Faculty
Wayne T. Cole
Wayne T. Cole, retired U.S. Army (25 years, 8 months), is CCCC's new Automotive Systems Technology Instructor.
"I enjoy knowing that I'm able to make a difference in someone's life, especially when they are unsure of what they want out of it," said Cole, who was born in Fayetteville and now lives in Sanford.
Cole has an Associate in Business Management with Campbell University, an Associate in Automotive Technology with CCCC, and a Diploma in Automotive Restoration with CCCC.
"I've always enjoyed teaching so this was a way to continue what I did in the military," said Cole, who is married to Orchid and has a stepdaughter, Chandra. He also has a dog, Danni, who Cole says is the "true definition of a road dog."
"Automotive technology is changing daily. This fact alone makes it challenging but rewarding to pass this information on to our future technicians," said Cole.
Cole notes that a true community college does everything in its ability to assist people in getting the education they desire. "This is CCCC 100 times over," he said.
Amazing fact about Cole: "I'm probably the biggest Redd Foxx fan. In my opinion, Sanford and Son was the best television comedy show ever."
QEP Corner: My Academic Pathway
Fall 2020 MAP Newsletter!
The Fall 2020 MAP: My Academic Pathway Newsletter is now available! MAP: My Academic Pathway is CCCC's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). The purpose of MAP is to provide a personalized approach that enables new students to make efficient, effective, and timely choices in order to complete their educational and career goals.
Learn more about My Academic Pathway by visiting our website!
Notes from Institutional Effectiveness & Research
Spring 2021 Data Dashboards
The Spring 2021 data dashboards are available on the CCCC Dashboards website. Dashboards are updated daily mid-morning. New data dashboards include:
- Enrollment (Spring 2021)
- Retention (Spring 2021)
- Course Fill Rate Report (Spring 2021)
- 2020 CCCC Facts
- 2020-21 Estimated FTE
Institutional Effectiveness & Research is your home for accreditation, strategic planning, outcomes & assessment, and institutional research!
Professional Development
Our 2020 United Way Campaign ended on Nov. 6, and I am happy to announce that, even during this challenging year, we surpassed our donation amount from last year by over $500 with donations totaling $3,850!
Thank you for your contributions and continued support for the communities we serve!
Red Clay Review
Read and download the complete 2019 issue of Red Clay Review.
Nancy Walker Benjamin worked as a writer/editor in New York and taught French and Russian in Charlottesville, Va. She has published three collections of poetry and lives in Chapel Hill with her husband, a retired pediatrician.
Messiah in Paris, 2017 by Nancy Walker Benjamin
Bitter cold it was that night,
a sleety wind swirling
around the ancient church
when doors opened at last
to huddled ticketholders.
Little warmth inside either,
we stomped feet and perched
on chairs in our bulky coats,
gloved hands struggling
to grasp and open programs.
A baton lifted, lilting strains
familiar as a mother’s voice
calmed the shuffling
and dispelled the cold
as glorious sounds filled the air.
Nothing but the music mattered,
soaring, spiraling, insisting.
We nodded, swayed, anticipated
singing to ourselves
deep inside.
Then suddenly a voice,
"Behold! A virgin shall conceive"
pierced our reveries.
We craned our necks, startled
as shepherds in the fields
by celestial music,
this from a counter-tenor
whose coloratura shivered
up and down our spines
until breathing stopped.
From that moment we were his,
awaiting his next aria
looking up from libretti
to read an expressive face
encircled by gray curls
in a cherubic halo.
His visage so sorrowful,
his voice breaking to a whisper
when he sang “He was despisèd,”
we wept with him.
PERSONNEL NOTES
Thank You
Thank you, CCCC family, for the many kind expressions of sympathy to Mary and our family during the recent passing of Mary's mother, Dena Clark. The flower arrangement was beautiful, and the many cards, prayers and messages are very much appreciated. We will always remember you sharing your love and kindness during such a difficult time.
Sincerely,
Tommy, Mary and family
Birth Announcement
To My CCCC Family,
Our triplets were born on July 24, 2020. Aaron, Abigail, and Amelia are simply three little angels. My family has grown to six and we feel so blessed. Our family is so grateful for leave share and for the love shown to our family. I am glad to be back at work serving students, but I wanted to take a moment to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely,
Candice Solis, Success Coach & Family
Shout Outs
Please join CCCC in sending a Shout Out to Shelly Watkins, PTA Program Director and Biology Instructor, for being recognized in the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners November Newsletter, available at www.ncptboard.org/
documents/newsletters/NCBPTE_Newsletter_Nov2020.pdf.
Shelly is a National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE®) item writer, developing both quality and quanity items for the for the Academy of Advanced Item Writers.
Congratulations, Shelly!
2020 Pay Dates
| MONTH | DUE DATE | PAY DATE |
| November | Nov. 10, 2020 | Nov. 30, 2020 |
| December | Dec. 3, 2020** | Dec. 23, 2020 |
** Payroll is due EARLIER due to early pay date in December
2021 Pay Dates
| MONTH | DUE DATE | PAY DATE |
| January | Jan 8, 2021 | January 29, 2021 |
| February | Feb. 10, 2021 | Feb. 26, 2021 |
| March | March 10, 2021 | March 31, 2021 |
| April | April 9, 2021 | April 30, 2021 |
| May | May 10, 2021 | May 28, 2021 |
| June | June 3, 2021 * | June 30, 2021 |
| July | July 8, 2021 | July 30, 2021 |
| August | Aug. 10, 2021 | Aug. 31, 2021 |
| September | Sept. 10, 2021 | Sept. 30, 2021 |
| October | Oct. 8, 2021 | Oct. 29, 2021 |
| November | Nov. 10, 2021 | Nov. 30, 2021 |
| December | Dec. 2, 2021** | Dec. 21, 2021 |
* Payroll is due EARLIER due to fiscal year end
** Payroll is due EARLIER due to early pay date in December
Employee Assistance Program
During these times, the EAP can provide resources to assist you and your family. EAP stands for Employee Assistance Program. It is a benefit provided by CCCC and covers you and anyone in your household. Read this attachment for more information on how to access this amazing program.
Please contact Trinity Faucett with any questions.
Birthdays
| 11/20 | Sherica McNeill |
| 11/21 | Kevin Coleman |
| 11/22 | Fae Goodman |
| 11/22 | Ty Stumpf |
| 11/26 | Bianka Stumpf |
| 12/2 | Jaime McLeod |
| 12/3 | Kelly Burton |
| 12/5 | Martin Haley |
| 12/5 | Mari-inetta Pavlic |
| 12/7 | Amanda Alston |
| 12/8 | Ryan Cobb |
| 12/8 | Lauren Pickens |
| 12/8 | Kaitlyn Schlein |
| 12/8 | Zan Thornton |
| 12/9 | Cynthia Price |
| 12/13 | Joanna Lewis |
| 12/14 | Ginger Bartholomew |
| 12/14 | Nicole Malott |
| 12/16 | Danielle Bruner |
| 12/18 | Karen Weaver |
| 12/19 | Wenonah Craig |
| 12/19 | Liza Guzman-Ramirez |
| 12/19 | Dianne Johnson |
| 12/20 | Michael Parrish |
| 12/21 | Trevor Dobbins |
| 12/22 | Crystal Sanders |
| 12/23 | Maryann Aucompaugh |
| 12/23 | Anne O'Shaughnessy |
| 12/24 | Heather Willett |
| 12/27 | Henry Wilson |
| 12/28 | Katie Hall |
| 12/29 | Benjamin Buchanan |
| 12/29 | Derek Chester |
| 12/29 | Mike Spivey |
| 12/29 | Adam Wade |
If you would prefer not to be listed or if your name does not appear as you'd like, please email marketing@cccc.edu and let us know!
Cougar Kudos
We love recognizing our peers in our college family! In addition to our Annual Awards and Employee of the Month program, don't forget about Cougar Kudos.
Cougar Kudos is a quick and anonymous way to send a note of appreciation or a pat on the back directly to a colleague. You can find the link on the CAE homepage. A little note of appreciation goes a long way!
*Your name and email address will be kept confidential and not sent with your message.
News From The CCCC Family
We sadly want to inform everyone of the passing of Tommy Holder's wife, Mary's, mother, Dena Loraine Hollie Clark, age 90. Mrs. Clark passed away Nov. 7 at Forsyth Medical Center. Please keep Tommy and his wife Mary in our thoughts and prayers. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.
We sadly want to let everyone know that James Thomas' brother, Rickey Jordan Thomas, passed on Nov. 4. Please keep James and his family in your thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to any State Employees Union for the benefit of Jordan's sons, Noah and Hayden Thomas.
FACULTY AND STAFF ONLINE
Join the Activity on Social Media!
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
YOUTUBE
BLOGS
Digital NCDo you write a blog, have a Twitter account, or Facebook page for your department or classroom? Share your link! Send to Marketing.
COUGAR PETS
Cougar Pets News
Cougar Pets are proceeding with adoptions for all of our animals who are already spayed/neutered. If the animal hasn't been spayed and neutered, then we notify the applicant that we will hold them until PPE resources become more readily available, and we can get the animal into surgery or we can suggest alternative pets that may have similar qualities for what they are looking for.
We are not able to host any meet-and-greets right now, so we are doing adoption trials in home with pets that we think might be compatible. If they aren't a good fit for the household, then we can pick them up.
Meet Josephine
My name is Josephine. I am a 1-year-old female that is as lovable as can be. I am very playful and enjoy running around with my kitty friends. I love laying in cardboard boxes, or any box I can find! Exploring is another one of my favorite activities. I cannot wait to find my furever home. Maybe, if I'm lucky, I can go home with one of my siblings (Fergus and Sooki)!
Josephine is currently available for adoption!
Meet Statler
My name is Statler. I am a 4-year-old neutered male that would love to be your new best friend! I enjoy the company of people, but I am picky about my canine friends. I love to run, play, and cuddle.
Statler is currently available for adoption!
All adoptable dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on all vaccines. They have had regular dental cleanings, blood work, and physical exams. We pride ourselves on the care that our cats and dogs receive during their stay. Contact us at www.cougarpets.org for more information on our colony dogs and available cats.
CONTRIBUTE
Contribute to Cougar Bytes
Send along your Cougar Bytes contributions!
Our monthly Cougar Bytes newsletter continues to be focused on staff and faculty. We welcome your stories, successes, events, photos, or shout-outs in every issue. Please submit your contributions to marketing@cccc.edu or contact Cris Oliver with any questions or suggestions.
The deadline for contributions is Dec. 16 for the December issue. Upcoming issue dates:
Dec 18
Jan 22
Feb 26
March 26
April 23
May 28
The next issue of COUGAR BYTES will be published on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020.