Student Wins State Design Competition

Moore Family Fund Established

Alan Moore, center, with President Lew Hunnicutt and Vice President of Advancement Pam Ballew

The late J. Edgar “Ed” and Peggie T. Moore of Rocky Mount were longtime supporters of Nash Community College and their legacy will continue with the establishment of the Moore Family Fund.

The Moores’ adult children, Alan and Ashley, have chosen to pay tribute to their parents’ memory by establishing the Moore Family Fund to support the NCC Ambassadors Program and the NCC Foundation Campus Mini-Grant Program.

“We like the idea that we are supporting students and employees with student success being our priority,” Alan Moore said. “Our parents always wanted to give people opportunities to better themselves through life experiences and education.”

Through the Student Ambassador Program, four to six students are selected annually to represent the college. They participate in an ambassador leadership training session and serve as hosts for campus and community events. NCC ambassadors conduct campus tours, recruit students, complete service hours and share their college experiences in the community. In return, each ambassador earns a $2,000 annual scholarship.

“Our parents would be so pleased to know these individuals are being provided opportunities for growth and learning beyond the classroom,” Moore said. “They loved people and loved sharing their experiences in order to enrich the lives of students. They saw the potential in people and understood the importance of social etiquette and soft skills. This is a great way to encourage students as they hone their skills, build their resume and become leaders,” Moore said.

The Campus Mini-Grant program provides funding for instructional and organizational needs including professional development, special projects, equipment and supplies that help advance the college.

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Student Wins NC Community College System Design Contest

The North Carolina Community College System announced Nash Community College Advertising and Graphic Design student, Josh Ludlow, as the winning designer of the cover art used to promote the 2021 systemwide virtual conference.

“Josh is a creative and talented graphic designer,” Instructor Natasha Neal said. “He is a hard-working and energetic person who embraces design challenges and delivers amazing design solutions. He is exceptional at communicating his ideas through his designs.”

Ludlow, of Rocky Mount, is a multimedia producer who loves to bridge the gap between functional layout and beautiful design. “The quality of his work and attention to detail are superb,” Neal said. “His work ethic has been exemplary, and he is always learning new skills and expanding his talents outside of traditional print-based media.”

“I have enjoyed my time as a student in the Advertising and Graphic Design program,” Ludlow said. “I am extremely grateful for the teachers who have gone above and beyond to teach and encourage not only me but all students. We, the students at Nash, have a lot to be thankful for with such dedicated and hardworking staff.”

Ludlow graduated from NCC in May. Josh Ludlow

Pictured above, 2021 NC Community College System cover art designed by Josh Ludlow.

College Renews Partnership with NC Wesleyan

Nash Community College and North Carolina Wesleyan College have reauthorized an agreement that will help qualified NCC graduates transfer to Wesleyan. The agreement aims to provide a seamless transfer for students who enroll at Wesleyan following completion of their two-year degree at NCC.

Leaders of both colleges attended the November 6 signing held on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan College. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) expands upon the previously signed agreement, allowing NCC students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits.

“I am proud to continue to partner with President Duff and North Carolina Wesleyan College to enhance educational access and opportunities in Nash County and beyond,” NCC President Dr. Lew Hunnicutt said. “Our two colleges complement each other well, and together we will continue to meet community and student needs well into the future.”

The agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering NCC graduates access to the benefits of the Wesleyan Works program, pre-admission advising, generous transfer credit and a clear definition of the transfer of courses from NCC to NC Wesleyan.

Dr. Evan Duff, President North Carolina Wesleyan College (left); Dr. Lew Hunnicutt (right) renew memorandum of understanding.

“North Carolina Wesleyan College and NCC have long partnered for the education and service to the greater Nash County area. We are fortunate to continue this long-lasting and thriving relationship which offers NCC graduates the opportunity to matriculate for undergraduate and graduate degree options at NCWC. These partnerships are vital for employers and businesses to advance our region,” stated Michael Drew, NCWC Dean of Admissions & Adult Studies.

Students who graduate from NCC and transfer under this agreement may select any of NC Wesleyan’s programs of study or may transfer to the college’s Adult and Professional Studies program, taking advantage of the Wesleyan Works program. Students are required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and be in good academic standing. The agreement brings NC Wesleyan within the reach of NCC students who may not have otherwise been able to attend the College.

Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NC Wesleyan. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NC Wesleyan, as well as access to events on the College’s main campus.

Instructors Use Virtual Reality Technology in HVAC Classes

Nash Community College’s Applied Engineering Technologies Department met with representatives from Mimbus to explore opportunities to enhance virtual learning for HVAC students. The company provides innovative solutions for training and helps schools lower training costs, accident risks and the time it takes for students to learn techniques used in vocational fields.

During the visit, NCC instructors and instructional designers learned to use virtual reality equipment in the context of refrigerant fluid handling. “There are many benefits of implementing virtual reality technology in the classroom,” Department Chair of Applied Engineering Technologies Alex Barnhill said. “By practicing their skills in a virtual reality environment, our students can apply what they learn in the classroom in a simulated environment and without the risk of making costly mistakes.” Additionally, Barnhill said, students go through the physical motions of completing tasks during the simulation. The training participants also completed modules involving pressurization and evacuation and refrigerant fluid charge. “As we strive to be at the forefront of providing the latest technology for our students, this approach prepares our graduates to bring an innovative mindset to the workplace,” Barnhill continued. “Virtual reality technologies and controls may also be helpful when integrated into the workplace. In the future, workers could even perform their jobs remotely, not unlike a pilot flying a drone.” Alex Barnhill, Department Chair, Applied Engineering Technologies, learns to apply virtual reality technology to teach HVAC applications.

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Pictured, Xavier Johnson-Graham adjusts levels on a digital mixer in the NCC Studio 67 control room.

Student Shares Perspective as NC Community College System Panelist

Broadcasting and Production Technology student Xavier JohnsonGraham represented North Carolina community college students on December 10, 2020 as a panelist at the “Rise Up” event. Hosted by the NC Community College System, the question and answer session provided insight into the community college student experience from an African-American male perspective.

During the virtual event, students and alumni discussed their higher education stories to help future students gain valuable insights about their experiences. In addition to Johnson-Graham, the panel included a medical student, student government leader and an Ivy League student. Each panelist explained how NC community colleges helped set them each on a successful path.

Johnson-Graham was selected as a participant because of his experience as a graduate of Nash Community College and East Carolina University, and now a current NCC student.

When asked about his experience as a community college student, Johnson-Graham encouraged instructors to promote in-depth discussions in the classroom. “Ask young black men for their perspectives,” he urged. “We’re at a time where black people can share their experiences in the classroom without backlash. As students, we see this is as knowledge. We like learning from our classmates just as much as learning from our instructors.”

“I chose to start my higher education journey at Nash Community College because I didn’t know where I wanted to go or what career I wanted to consider,” Johnson-Graham told attendees. “So I decided to start taking general education courses at NCC first.”

Johnson-Graham’s time at NCC began in 2016 when he enrolled as an Associate in Arts (transfer) student. “Nash was everything I thought it would be. It allowed me to save money while deciding what I had a love for. At NCC, I found my love for production.”

“I chose to transfer to ECU because I knew they had one of the best communication programs in the state,” he said. “My advisors at NCC and ECU and I had a phone conference just to make sure everything would transfer,” Johnson-Graham said. “I had to do my due diligence to make sure everything was in line, but my transfer was seamless.”

In 2018, Johnson-Graham graduated from NCC and transferred into East Carolina University’s School of Communication where he was active in a transfer living and learning community, served as an ambassador, wrote for the ECU student newspaper and completed an internship with a multimedia company.

“Once I graduated from ECU I knew that I wanted to be doing what I loved and that was radio and TV production,” he said. With an Associate in Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Communication under his belt, Johnson-Graham re-enrolled at NCC.

“Xavier’s experiences at ECU matured him personally and professionally,” NCC Broadcasting and Production Technology Instructor Andrew Small said. “He’s taking the communication theories and applying them to the technical aspects of our profession. It really shows in the classroom and lab, especially in the way he approaches learning the material and his participation.”

Johnson-Graham said his favorite part of the program is the handson approach applied in teaching. “I love being able to walk into the studio at Nash and being able to learn about and use the equipment I will be using in a real-world setting and career.”

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“The professors and staff at NCC really care for their students and want to see them succeed. The campus feels like home. It was one of the first places I have felt like I was accepted as an African American male.”

Xavier Johnson-Graham is a native of Rocky Mount. He graduated from Rocky Mount Preparatory School. He is a recipient of the Georgia Davis Roberson Memorial Scholarship at NCC.

Desiree Dolberry was selected as the 2020 Outstanding Alumnus Award recipient.

Desiree graduated from NCC in 2015 with an Associate in Applied Science in Advertising and Graphic Design, with honors.

Desiree was an intern in the College’s marketing department, during her second year as a student, assisting with graphic design and other marketing and communication campaigns.

Upon graduation, she began her career as Marketing and Events Coordinator at Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce later being promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Special Events Coordinator. She currently serves as the Marketing and Events Coordinator, Boys and Girls Club Tar River Region. “Desiree is passionate about her work and her community, and uses her skillset and talents for the betterment of the Twin Counties,” Denise Beamer, NCC Coordinator of Donor and Alumni Relations said. “This is evident in every aspect of the work she does in the community.”

Desiree founded the Young Professionals of the Twin Counties (YoPros) and is their co-organizer. She currently serves on the Nash Community College Advisory Committee for Advertising and Graphic Design and the Small Business Center.

The College honors an Outstanding Alumni recipient annually in recognition of the contributions students and graduates make in their profession and community. As part of the recognition, the recipient serves as a member of the NCC Foundation Board of Directors.

Pictured above, Desiree Dolberry, 2020 Outstanding Alumnus Award recipient

Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund Aids Students

Nash Community College was awarded $211,400 from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund to provide scholarships over the next two years for students pursuing highdemand workforce training within pathways leading to a State or industry-recognized credential.

The GEER scholarship provides up to $750 or the cost of the course fee(s) if the fee(s) exceed $750 for students who reside in North Carolina and are pursuing training in a high-demand workforce program. The eligible training courses are CDL Truck Driver Training, EKG Technician, Emergency Dispatch Academy, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Initial and Advanced, Firefighter Academy, HVAC, Nurse Aide I & II, Paramedic, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy, and Underground Electric Line Construction Academy. Students must complete the GEER application.

“These funds will provide a boost for our region as individuals who wish to pursue careers in sectors of the workforce that are highly employable are able to do so,” NCC Vice President of Economic Development and Chief Economic Development Officer Wendy Marlowe said. “I am excited about the growth happening with new industries in the Twin Counties. New and existing industry requires skilled workers to fill the increased employment opportunities in our communities and we are proud to serve as the training entity that continues to help grow our workforce pipeline.”

A total of $14,549,996 was awarded to community colleges throughout the state. The scholarships help cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, credentialing tests, transportation, childcare and other components of the total cost of attendance.

The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Scholarship is awarded by the Governor under North Carolina’s federal award of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funding.