Randolph Community College Magazine - Summer 2017

RANDOLPH COMMUNITY COLLEGE Summer 2017 | Magazine

REDESIGNING

REALITY

These students are turning the world of advanced B manufacturing on its head. .200 TYP

R 5.000

Ø 0.875

R 1.0

A

Ø 0.375 (3)

0.500

A

0.20

1.750

1.500 0.200

B

0.950 1.350 2.475

4.950

In this issue:

Awesome Awards • Welding Woman Horse Humans • And more...

Inside Cover

Sporting the latest in comic book formal attire, Reality Redesigned producer and co-creator Josh Pies pumps up the teams as they begin the final stage of the competition in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium.

On the Cover

Up is down, and reality is twisted as young people from around the county discover what advanced manufacturing means in today’s world. The answers just may surprise and fascinate them...and you!

2|SECTION NAME

RANDOLPH

C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E Magazine | Summer 2017

CONTENTS President’s Message......................................................................................2 Congressman Walker..................................................................................4 Apprenticeship Randolph..........................................................................8 Coming Full Circle....................................................................................... 13 Moving East....................................................................................................16 Kathi Keys: A Tribute ................................................................................26 Back in the Saddle.....................................................................................38 RCC Foundation...........................................................................................41 Reality Redesigned (Cover Story)........................................................42 In the Line of Fire - Alumni Photographers....................................48 Armadillo Archives.....................................................................................58

RANDOLPH COMMUNITY COLLEGE Board of Trustees F. Mac Sherrill, Chairman Fred E. Meredith, Vice Chairman John M. Freeze James G. Gouty J. Harold Holmes Jorge A. Lagueruela

T. Reynolds Lisk Jr. Curt J. Lorimer Shirley D. McAnulty Bonnie R. Renfro Cynthia G. Schroder R. Andrews Sykes

 www.randolph.edu  www.facebook.com/RandolphCommunityCollege  www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=32471  @RandolphCC

Information: 336-633-0200 Alumni Relations: 336-633-1118 Public Relations: 336-633-0208

The Randolph Community College Magazine is produced twice a year by Randolph Community College and the RCC Foundation.

Magazine Staff

Felicia Barlow, Managing Editor Cathy Hefferin, Editor Shelley Greene, Vice President

Contributing Writers Clark Adams Micki Bare Denise Greenwell Kelly Heath Bryan Marbert Lorie McCroskey Tonya Monroe

Design & Production

Kris Julian, Magazine Art Director

Photography by

Felicia Barlow Sydney Bartholow Cathy Hefferin Kris Julian Guest photographer credits provided in articles.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Have you ever thought about the impact that education can have on a person’s life?

I think about that question almost every day. While the College has continued to grow its facilities and services to this community over the past several years, the greatest impact we can have is to prepare a student for further education or to get a job when they complete their time with us. We, of course, cannot earn that four-year degree or secure that job for a student – all we can do is ensure we have given them the best education possible in the field they have chosen so that they are prepared for their next step in life.

Twice a year, we host a President’s Advisory Council meeting to share with community leaders what is going on at RCC and to ask them for feedback on how we are doing and what we can do better. The theme of this spring’s Advisory Council meeting was impact, and we invited three former RCC students and three Randolph County employers to tell us how RCC had impacted them.

Randolph Health Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Tremonteo Crawford started it off with some statistics about the number of people at Randolph Health who had received their associate degree at RCC. She stated that the hospital simply could not do the work it does without the graduates that RCC prepares and trains. Director of Medical, Pediatric, and Surgical Services Martica Craven received her nursing degree almost 15 years ago after a break from being in the workforce. She shared how challenging the program was but what fond memories and lifelong lessons she carries with her to this day from her instructors. After RCC, she went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nursing.

2|RCC • Summer 2017

Dr. Todd Williams of Asheboro Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center and medical assistant Hope Earnhardt spoke next. Hope was a Presidential Scholar at RCC and spoke of the Medical Assisting training she received at RCC that prepared her very well for her job with Dr. Williams.

Dr. Williams weighed in that Hope was a bright star during her interview with the Center and the level of maturity and professionalism she showed in both the interview and in her work habits were a positive reflection of the degree and preparation she received while she was at RCC. Our final speakers were Nina Allard, director of Teddy Bear Child Care Center, and lead teacher Cryss Castellano.

Nina’s center was short staffed that week, and she was unable to join us in person, but RCC Vice President of Instructional Services Suzanne Rohrbaugh read a prepared statement from Nina, highlighting the many strengths she saw in RCC’s Early Childhood program and that those strengths were reflected in Cryss. There was not a dry eye in the house after Cryss’ comments. To say that this young lady has been through some tough times in her life would be a vast understatement, but she has persevered so positively, and she credits that to RCC. She said her experience here in earning her GED and her associate degree changed her life.

In the weeks since this Advisory Council meeting, I find myself thinking of what these students and employers said about their experience at RCC, along with the hundreds of other students and employers who have taken the time to communicate with me personally over the years how RCC helped them or changed their lives, and in some cases, literally saved their lives and gave them new hope.

We could not do it without all of our community partners and supporters, and that includes you. Thank you for your help in creating opportunities and changing lives!

randolph.edu | 3

A WALKABOUT with WA L K E R Congressman Mark Walker stopped by the College on February 24 for a tour and sneak peek at the renovations in progress for our world-class photography department.

Walker is a U.S. Representative for the 6th District of North Carolina, which includes most of Guilford County and all of Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Lee, Person, Randolph and Rockingham counties.

Congressman Walker gets the low-down on the upcoming renovations to the photography facilities from instructor Jay Capers and RCC President Bob Shackleford.

4|RCC • Summer 2017

randolph.edu | 5

Striking

GOLD!

The Randolph Community College Magazine, produced twice a year

by RCC and the RCC Foundation, was awarded a Gold Medallion Award (first place) at the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) District 2 Conference in October 2016. Colleges were asked to submit any two consecutive issues within the entry year for the magazine category. RCC submitted the fall 2015 and summer 2016 magazines.

The NCMPR District 2 Medallion Awards recognize outstanding achievement in communications at community and technical colleges in District 2. It’s the only regional competition of its kind that honors excellence exclusively among marketing and PR professionals at two-year colleges. The creative effort/concept must have originated from a community or technical college or district or state governing organization for two-year colleges.

NCMPR’s District 2 is made up of the community and technical colleges in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas.

With support from Randolph County, Randolph Community College partnered with Asheboro City Schools and the Randolph County School System to submit an application to the Golden LEAF Foundation to further advance the Pathways to Prosperity program. We 6|RCC • Summer 2017

received the good news in April that we had been awarded $960,000 for this Golden LEAF Community Based Grant proposal.

This project specifically addresses Golden LEAF’s funding priority of workforce preparedness in

economically distressed and rural communities in the areas of advanced manufacturing. It also continues the Pathways to Prosperity partnership between three school systems that was first unveiled in April 2015 to create seamless educational pathways for students to go from local high schools to community college into lucrative advanced manufacturing jobs.

Funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation will be used to purchase equipment to open two new high

school advanced manufacturing programs: a metals manufacturing program at the Randolph County School System’s Eastern Randolph High School; and an advanced manufacturing program at Asheboro City Schools’ Asheboro High School.

Equipment will also be updated at the existing metals manufacturing program at Randolph County School System’s Randleman High School and at the Computer-Integrated Machining program at Randolph Community College. Students will benefit as these new and improved

facilities will allow the partners to double high school enrollment (from 250 to 500+ students) in advanced manufacturing programs, and student access to community college classes, industry-recognized credentials, and work-based learning will increase.

Randolph Community College will serve as the fiscal agent for the grant, and all three school systems will work together through our existing Pathways structure and collaboration to implement the project to

achieve its desired outcomes.

Each educational organization will designate a project manager as part of the in-kind contribution, with RCC designating the lead project manager and providing overall oversight of the project, as well as collecting and reporting data on behalf of all partners.

randolph.edu | 7

Dylan Brady welds a project that he has been working on in class at Southwestern Randolph High School.

(PJ Ward-Brown / The Courier-Tribune)

Apprenticeship Randolph set to bridge gap between workforce, industry

By Micki Bare Reprinted with permission from The Courier-Tribune There is a skills gap in Randolph County. There are plenty of manufacturing jobs in the area.

However, manufacturing has changed dramatically. Today’s manufacturing jobs require more than a high school diploma. The jobs require technical skills. Randolph County’s workforce does not currently offer local industries a large pool of qualified personnel.

“You cannot go out and hire the talent that you need,” Chris Harrington, Elastic Therapy Inc.’s director of operations, said. “The skills that you need; we can’t find it. So we’ve got to develop it ourselves.”

Four entities are working together to develop that much-needed talent within the community — Randolph County Schools, Randolph Community College, Asheboro-Randolph Chamber of Commerce, and members of the manufacturing industry.

For years, each sector has been seeking a way to connect the dots 8|RCC • Summer 2017

and meet the needs of students, the workforce and industry. One of the largest roadblocks to success has been the interest gap, or the disconnect between public perception and modern manufacturing.

“There’s this negative stigma to manufacturing,” Harrington said.

“Frankly, it’s hard to get the younger people interested.”

RCC recently launched Reality Redesign, a competition for teens that is targeted at closing the interest gap. At the same time, RCS has taken the lead on recruiting students from its school system as well as Asheboro City Schools, Uwharrie Charter School and the home-school community to participate in the inaugural year of Apprenticeship Randolph.

What is Apprenticeship Randolph?

Modeled after Guilford Apprenticeship Partners, Apprenticeship Randolph is a fouryear educational and on-the-job training program. Students accepted as apprentices will begin taking

college courses at RCC during their senior year of high school, while also working in the industry.

“Randolph County’s industries have partnered with us in so many ways as RCC has continued to help thousands of people to build a better future for themselves and fulfill hopes, plans, goals and dreams,” RCC President Dr. Robert S. Shackleford said. “Since Apprenticeship Randolph will allow students to have educational and industry experiences at the same time, the program will provide a unique immersion in advanced manufacturing and provide yet another avenue for students to build toward a successful career.”

The company that selects the apprentice will pay the student an hourly wage. While the student is still in high school, the Career and College Promise program will pay the cost of tuition and books. Once the student has graduated from high school, a grant will pay the cost of college tuition and the company will cover the cost of books. Should the grant program be discontinued, the company will step in to pay the cost of tuition.

The students will not have to pay for tuition or books and will earn $9 per hour in year one. By year four, the students will be earning $13.50 per hour.

The chamber is serving as the program’s fiscal agent, which is set up through the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber Foundation, a charitable 501(c)3 organization. Participating companies must pay a $1,000 fee to participate and take on apprentices. However, since the program is set up as a nonprofit organization, the companies may claim a tax-deduction for their contribution. The structure also allows the schools and RCC to entertain the possibility of holding fundraisers in the future for the program.

“The ability to offer a tax-deductible opportunity to donate may encourage some individual contributions as well as corporate ones,” Linda Brown, chamber president, said.

Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, each student will have earned a Manufacturing Technology Associate in Applied Science degree as well as a portable Journeyman’s certificate issued by the N.C. Department of Commerce and U.S. Department of Labor.

Apprenticeship versus a four-year college degree In December, informational sessions were held for students at area high schools. During the presentation, data was shared that compared the cumulative cash flow of an N.C. Triangle Apprenticeship Program (NCTAP) participant and an N.C. State University engineering student.

Successful completion of an apprenticeship program provides the participant 6,400 hours of work experience and the skills local employers need for high-paying manufacturing jobs, thus closing the skills gap.

“To me, one of the most compelling things I took away is the fact that 70 percent of the jobs require no bachelor degree type skills, but they require higher skills than high school,” Harrington said. “We’ve been kidding ourselves, saying hey, go to college and you’ll have a job. When you go to college, you’re going to have debt — you may or may not have a job.”

“We send 75-85 percent of our students on to four-year schools, when only 30 percent of the jobs require a four-year degree,” Nancy Cross, director of career and technical education for RCS, said.

The educational system and society focus on preparing students to pursue four-year degrees. Meanwhile, there is a population of students who are at school every day, arrive on time, do their work and get good grades, but are not passionate about attending a four-year college.

“I think the apprenticeship will help those students see an immediate purpose and a connection to what they enjoy — the hands-on, the making of something, the production piece, the creativity that comes with that — and tap into a method to get the education that is needed while earning a wage,” Cross said.

Requirements for Apprenticeship Randolph Academically, students must have a minimum un-weighted grade point average of 2.5 to apply for an apprenticeship. Also required are successful completion of Math 1, 2 and 3, and community college placement test results.

Applicants will have coursework in electronics, metals, automotive technology, robotics, masonry, construction, apparel and textile production, and computers will be prioritized.

“Even if it’s unrelated, we want to see that they’ve shown an interest,” Harrington said. “That they want to work with their hands, they want to create something.” (continued on page 10)

A class of students explores the mechanics of what would make up their apprenticeship opportunity through a classroom orientation. (Contributed photo)

The comparison revealed that four years after high school graduation, the apprentice would have earned an AAS degree, Journeyman’s certificate and over $122,000. The N.C. State student would have accumulated over $37,000 of debt and may or may not have graduated and still has to find a job. randolph.edu | 9

Program administrators are also looking for candidates with good attendance, defined as no more than five absences per year.

The application process For the program’s first year, applications from high school juniors and seniors were accepted. Informational sessions were held at area high schools in December 2016 and at RCC in January and February.

Interested students were required to attend at least one industry open house with at least one parent or guardian in February and March.

Applications were accepted during March through the website. A group of students were invited to orientation week in April. During orientation, students participated in 16 hours of testing. About twice as many students who will be awarded apprenticeships will take part in the orientation event.

Two students get hands-on experience with machining through the Apprenticeship Randolph program. (Contributed photo)

From the orientation group, 18 students were selected for a six-week pre-apprenticeship program in the summer. It is during the summer program that industry partners will be able to observe and get to know the applicants. Students will gain industry knowledge and work experience.

In August, there will be a signing day, at which time the companies will offer apprenticeships to selected students who have successfully completed the pre-apprenticeship program.

A full apprenticeship for those who are now seniors in high school includes a 20-hour workweek, the rest of their high school coursework, and classes at RCC. “There’s also going to be an indirect benefit to students who may not get accepted into the program the first year just from the standpoint of exposure,” Cross said. Information sessions, open houses and an orientation week will provide “experiences that are going to build capacity within those students for whatever they’re going to do next.”

Meet a future applicant Apprenticeship Randolph’s success is tied to the interest it can garner among high school students in Randolph County. If the informational sessions thus far have been any indication, there will be plenty of qualified, enthusiastic applicants.

Alison Shelton, a sophomore at Randleman High School, attended the Dec. 14, 2016, informational session. She recently completed Metals I and Electronics II courses. As a student who loves creative, hand-on projects, the program offers an exciting opportunity.

From Shelton’s perspective, the program offers students like her the chance to create and build products that “make people’s lives simpler,” a goal to which she aspires.

Shelton and her parents, Jamie and Scott Fearington, live in Sophia. She also has an older sister, Emily Foster. When talking about Apprenticeship Randolph, the youngest member of this family’s eyes light up as she articulates a passion for not only the opportunity, but also her talent for working with her hands.

“I like to build and create,” Shelton said. “I think that would be a better opportunity for me because you’re working and learning — it’s more hands-on. I can learn better like that.”

In five years, Shelton sees herself in an apprenticeship on the threshold of a good job where she will be able to work her way up. In 10 years, “I see myself being successful,” Shelton said.

10|RCC • Summer 2017

Alison Shelton, Randleman High School sophomore, just completed Metal I, which will look good on a future Apprenticeship Randolph application.

(PJ Ward-Brown / The Courier-Tribune)

Charter Member Companies Accuchrome Allen Machine and Fabrication Covanta Environmental Solutions EG Industries Elastic Therapy Inc. Hubbell Jaeco Precision Inc. Mohawk Industries Inc. Pemmco Manufacturing Sapona Manufacturing SouthCorr Packaging Technimark

Current career opportunities Apprenticeship Randolph will open the door for participants in the following careers:

Tool and Die Maker/Mold Maker

CNC Machinist Machinist

Maintenance Technician

Process Technician Welder

Mold/Plastics Technician

Electronics Technician

Robotics Technician

Mechanical/Electrical Technician

Medical Knitting Technician

Automation Technician

Instrumentation Technician As the program grows, apprenticeship opportunities could expand into nursing, other health care careers, the automotive industry and more.

More information can be found at www.apprenticeshiprandolph.com. randolph.edu | 11

All is fair...

RCC Student Leadership Team Rocks Job Fair A team of students from Randolph Community College’s 10th annual Fountain-Luria Student Leadership Academy worked with RCC employees from the Southeastern Economic and Education Leadership Consortium (SEELC) to host a Job Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the JB and Claire Davis Corporate Training Center that attracted over 400 people.

The Job Fair featured a number of local employers including Asheboro City Schools, Asheboro Police Department, Ash-Rand Rescue, Charter Furniture, Cross Road Retirement Community, Genesis Healthcare Woodland Hill Center, Hospice of Randolph County, Klaussner, Lawrence Industries, Lowes Foods of Asheboro, North Carolina Highway Patrol, PEMMCO Mfg., Piedmont Triad Ambulance

& Rescue, Randolph County Emergency Services, Randolph County Government, Randolph County School System, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Technimark, and Trinity Furniture.

The Student Leadership team was part of a leadership project required by the Academy. The team members were Emily Escobar, Aby Hughes, Morgan Kinney, and Isaac Rumbley, all of Asheboro. The team advisors were Clark Adams, English/ Communications instructor, and Kevin Jones, lab facilitator/sciences.

The SLA students discussed the project before it was held: “I’ve had a great time working with my Student Leadership Academy group. I hope that this job fair betters the life of a lot of people in our community,” said Rumbley, an Associate in Arts (College Transfer) student. Emily Escobar, who is enrolled in RCC’s

Associate in Science program, said, “It amazes me that this started as an idea and now it has the potential to help people. I do have high expectations for our job fair and hope it does help our community.

It’s a great experience and we are learning to lead by serving others.”

The SEELC Grant funds a consortium of six community and state colleges located in the southeastern section of the United States, who have formed a unique and lasting partnership to improve education and training opportunities for TAA-eligible workers, veterans and long-term unemployed adults, but more lastingly, facilitate a permanent change in approach to serving employers, workers and the community at-large.

Over 400 visitors learned about the unique job opportunities in the region at the job fair coordinated by the RCC Student Leadership team and campus employees.

12|RCC • Summer 2017

By Clark Adams

Davis Becomes Part of the RCC Family

E •

CO

• C I

L UL

ING F M Victoria

R C L

When she was an 8th grade student in 2006 at Southwestern Randolph Middle School, Victoria Davis made a decision that would change her life. She chose to take a risk and become a pioneer when she applied for admission to the new Randolph Early College High School at Randolph Community College. After an interview and several conversations with Randolph Early College High School officials, Victoria was accepted and became a member of the first class of the Randolph Early College High School.

In 2010, Victoria completed her high school diploma and Associate in Arts degree as a member of the first graduating class whose graduation was held on the front lawn of Randolph Community College. Seven years later, Victoria is now teaching English classes, grading papers, and staffing the Writing Center as a full-time English Instructor at Randolph Community College. As the first Randolph Early College High School graduate to become a member of the faculty at Randolph Community College when she was hired full time in January 2017, Victoria has accomplished quite a bit in a short amount of time, but how did she get here?

A native of Asheboro, Davis began her education at Fayetteville Street Christian School and then transferred to Southwestern Middle School for her 8th grade year.

“RECHS staff came to our middle school and told us that we could earn an Associate in Arts degree for free while also completing our high school diplomas,” said Davis in a recent interview. While she did not want to give up (continued on page 14) randolph.edu | 13

being a part of the chorus in high school, after giving the idea more thought, she decided she would try it. “I began telling my friends about the program and encouraging them to apply for it as well, and several of us from Southwestern Randolph Middle School ended up in the new program at RECHS,” remembered Davis. Tina Trotter, former guidance counselor at RECHS, and Nancy Cross, former RECHS liaison, conducted the interviews, and Davis explained that she was “very nervous” but was excited about the opportunity.

Davis was honored to be chosen as a part of the inaugural class and grateful for the unique opportunity.

Davis recently recalled, “We were so close knit as a group and experiencing this new thing together.

We got to choose the mascot (the Raven). We had these classes called ‘House’ and the relationships that were built in those ‘House’ groups were so strong and unique. That first year was filled with a shared sense of ‘we’re in this together.’ We were learning just how lucky we were that year, and this was helping us financially and academically. I learned so many valuable skills from my college classes at an early age.”

As part of the first class of Randolph Early College High School students, Davis and her peers faced a number of challenges and skepticism from both traditional college students and even some RCC faculty who were uncertain if high school freshmen could handle the demands of college-level coursework. According to Davis, “We faced a few challenges that first year when we had to prove ourselves to both older students and also instructors who wondered if we were prepared and mature enough for college classes. We had to set the example for classes that would come behind us, and most students are much more accepting of RECHS students now.”

14|RCC • Summer 2017

is home... “youRCC can’t really beat that home-like atmosphere.

”

Davis still remembers her first college-level class that she took during her freshman year at Randolph Early College High School as she explained, “I remember my first ever college class with Todd Thompson, which was Southern Culture. We had many group projects. He was a great professor, and this was a great transition as a freshman.”

Over the course of her high school and college years, Davis began to discover her interests and her purpose. Davis was initially inspired by her mother and grandmother’s writing. “I knew I wanted to teach in some capacity even in 8th grade; however, that fluctuated to wanting to teach chorus or middle school, such as middle school language arts and social studies, but then it evolved to teaching English at the secondary level. I loved writing. I had

written a couple of poems and ended up getting my first publication in 7th grade,” said Davis.

It is very clear that Davis is very passionate about teaching because as she explained, “I like the opportunity to make an impact in someone’s life, and former teachers instilled a sense of self-confidence in me. I can still remember comments from certain teachers on papers I wrote. As long as I can remember, I was reading and

always kept diary entries and wrote poetry. I’ve always had a passion for the subject. When that love never fades, you know you are supposed to do something with that.”

When I was at RECHS, I did not picture myself teaching at RCC, but I knew that teaching English was something I wanted to pursue.

After transferring to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Davis was originally interested in middle grades education, but after taking some poetry classes, Davis began gravitating towards teaching college-level courses. She then changed her major to English, graduated in 2013 with a B.A. in English, and immediately enrolled in Liberty University’s online Master of Education program with an English cognate. During this time, Davis was also trying to pursue publications on small levels with her poetry and had an opportunity to do some freelance writing work for Wrangler for their website such as product descriptions and got to get in touch with her “country side.”

Why did Davis return to RCC? According to Davis, “RCC is home; it really is. I applied to some other community colleges as well, but you can’t really beat that home-like atmosphere. You can even see it in other departments; you can see how everyone is so invested in each other and willing to help each other.

Even when I was working part time, I saw how everyone was willing to help each other. It goes beyond just the teaching. There’s such a support system that you find here.”

After contacting Dacia Murphy in 2015, Murphy mentioned that she had a need for an instructor for a DRE course, and Davis started part time in October 2015 by teaching one DRE course with six students. It was a great experience and transition into teaching. In spring 2016, she taught three sections of ENG 111. “Every class you teach, you learn something new,” said Davis.

In summer 2016, Davis took the role of Writing Center coordinator and was able to put together some workshops. She enjoyed being able to work one on one with students.

“You can’t beat that. Whenever you get to interact with them one on one you get to interact with them in a way that is so personalized. We can walk them through the writing process and that benefits many students,” explained Davis.

Davis hopes to continue teaching as long as possible and plans to become an advisor for the Uwharrie Dreams Writing Club in fall 2017, which she hopes will give students an outlet for creative writing and publication.

Davis loves singing and sings in the praise band at her church, loves reading, and enjoys writing poetry and fiction. She is currently working on a novel and planning to train for a marathon this summer. She also loves scrapbooks and the process of putting them together.

When asked if she could give any advice to current Randolph Early College High School students, Davis advised, “Do not get overwhelmed.

You have to take care of yourself.

You can come close to burn out, and do not be intimidated by the work load. You have to stick it out, stay dedicated, and not lose that motivation. I want to encourage them to finish strong.”

Davis has certainly finished strong from her beginnings at Randolph Community College in 2006.

From becoming a member of the first graduating class of Randolph Early College High School, to completing her high school diploma and Associate in Arts degree simultaneously, to completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, to becoming the first RECHS student to become a full-time faculty member at RCC, Davis has come full circle and demonstrates how Randolph Community College creates opportunities and changes lives. randolph.edu | 15

MOVING

EAST

By Cathy Hefferin

Elton East is not where he thought he would be at this point in his life. The 29-year-old, soft-spoken man with reddish-blond hair and a full beard said he wanted to be a career military man. But a roadside bomb in Iraq changed his plans.

Now a full-time student at Randolph Community College pursuing his third associate degree, Elton is still not sure where he will end up, but he is confident his education here will carry him as far as he wants to go — the guiding philosophy of Dr. Dallas Herring (often called the father of the North Carolina Community College System).

The Dallas Herring Achievement Award was established by the NCCCS to honor the late Dr. Dallas Herring, whose philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go” is the guiding principle of the system. The award is given annually to a current or former community college student who best embodies Dr. Herring’s philosophy. East was chosen as Randolph Community College’s nominee for the statewide award for 2017.

“Elton is a hard-working individual with disabilities from his service to our country,” said Tom Jones, RCC’s Electrical Systems Technology instructor. “He never complains or lets his infirmities…hinder him from doing anything that is asked of him. He is always here on time, and his grades are always exceptional. He can be counted on for extracurricular help to any instructor or student that might ask. Aside from all that, he would be the one that any person would want for a friend.”

Keith Bunting, RCC’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology instructor, agrees that Elton is “by far the best choice we could make as our nomination. Elton is, in our world, the right stuff.”

16|RCC • Summer 2017

“I never thought I would go to college,” said Elton. He joined the Army the month after he graduated from Southwestern Randolph High School in 2005 and served in the Army Infantry until October 2012. He was deployed to Iraq three times.

The explosion occurred during one of the deployments in 2007. It injured his hip, back, and brain. Although he continued to serve for several years, the disabilities from his injuries worsened. At the time, he was a staff sergeant in the infantry, but he didn’t want to take a desk job, so he retired from the military.

Back home and looking for a job, someone mentioned the community college’s machining program to him (Elton’s dad was a machinist). He toured RCC and another nearby community college, but chose RCC because of its new machining facility and “how I was treated when I came here…they made me feel welcome.”

Halfway through the machining program, Elton had a conversation with Tom Jones, who convinced him to continue his studies in the Electrical Systems and Mechatronics programs after completing his first degree. Elton completed his associate degree, diploma and certificate in Computer-Integrated Machining in May 2015, along with certificates in CNC Operator and CNC Programming Turning & Milling. In May 2017, he earned his associate degree, diploma, and certificate in Electrical Systems (continued on page 18)

randolph.edu | 17

Technology, along with a PLC certificate, Wiring certificate, and a certificate in Mechatronics Engineering Technology.

He will complete his associate degree in Mechatronics next fall.

Elton married his high school sweetheart, Danielle, in 2006 before his first deployment. The couple met at the Jugtown Café in Seagrove, where they both worked as teenagers. They have two sons, ages 7 and 4.

“These degrees encompass so much, robotics, pneumatics,” he said. Elton feels the extra degrees will help set him up for a successful job hunt once he graduates. “I never want to accept failure.” He is also considering pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Elton said he is motivated by his family, the personal drive he honed in the military, and God. He is a member of Russell’s Grove Baptist Church in Asheboro, where he states that “five generations of my family have attended, including my sons.”

But it hasn’t been easy. In 2014, Elton obtained a service dog, a bloodhound named Maggie (pictured above and with Elton on opposite page), to help him with posttraumatic stress disorder. He attended school the first two semesters alone, but he said, “She has made it a lot easier to come to school.” Maggie is not able to accompany him in every classroom, mainly because it is not safe for her.

“In the machine shop, metal chips on the floor could get into her paws,” he said. “Also, some of the noises from machine motors can startle her.”

18|RCC • Summer 2017

“...they made me feel welcome...”

randolph.edu | 19

Photo by Joshua Pugh

She Means Business

The American Business Women’s Association recently named RCC alumna Toby L. Page as one of the association’s Top Ten Business Women of the Year.

The national award honors outstanding members for achieving excellence in career, education, and community involvement. Ms. Page is employed with Steven D. Scarboro, CPA, as a staff accountant. She has been with the company for 30 years. She is a graduate of Randolph 20|RCC • Summer 2017

Community College with an Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration and Accounting. She is a member of the ABWA Heart of the Piedmont Chapter in Greensboro, N.C. Toby served on the 2012-2013 National Board of Directors as District IV vice president and is currently serving as Ambassador Steering Committee representative for District IV.

Leader of the

PACK

Kirsten Stovall of Liberty, an Associate in Arts (College Transfer) student, was honored as Randolph Community College’s 2017 Academic Excellence Award winner by Dr. Robert S. Shackleford, RCC president, at the College’s eighth annual Student Academic Honors Awards Ceremony on April 20 at Oakhurst Baptist Church. Stovall was also honored as RCC’s nominee for the statewide Robert Scott Leadership Award.

Stovall was one of 58 students from each community college in North Carolina who were recognized in April for academic excellence. AEA selection requirements are consistent with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society criteria. Students must be currently enrolled, must have completed at least 12 semester hours in an associate degree program, and must have a cumulative grade point average of no less than 3.25. A committee at RCC selected the final recipient based on faculty recommendations.

In 2004, the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents created the Governor Robert Scott Leadership Award as a way to (1) recognize student leadership on a statewide level while also (2) honoring former Governor Bob Scott. Governor Scott served as the State’s chief executive from 1968-1972 and then was president of the community college system for 12 years from 1983-1995. This is an award designed to highlight outstanding curriculum student leadership and service.

While at RCC, Stovall was an RCC Presidential Scholar and served as the president of the statewide student government association for community colleges (N4CSGA). She was also vice president of RCC’s local SGA, a group she was a part of since her first semester in fall 2015. She graduated from RCC in May 2017 and plans to transfer to North Carolina State University to major in communications/public relations with a minor in political science. randolph.edu | 21

Get Your GEEK On! NC Science Festival’s Third Year Charm at RCC

By Bryan Marbert The NC Science Festival received a promotion for its third year at RCC as the RCC STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Division and Science Department hosted an expanded two-day event April 12 and 13. The event partnered RCC’s Science and ComputerIntegrated Machining Departments with the NC BioNetwork and NC Zoo showcasing STEM-related activities to Asheboro City Schools and the greater Randolph County community.

22|RCC • Summer 2017

Franklin, a rescued Eastern Box turtle, stands watch over the NC Zoo’s presentation table at RCC’s NC Science Festival activities.

The celebration spun off April 12 with 94 6th, 7th and 8th graders from South Asheboro Middle School solving a crime of who-done-it using cutting edge forensics techniques to analyze ink, blood spatter and all the usual crime scene evidence. The Forensics EASE modules created by NC BioNetwork provided students with a fun way to learn, while giving them hands-on experience to

potentially guide them in future career choices.

“Science is fun and these activities coupled with our wonderful partners help to demonstrate to them how it touches our everyday lives,” said Dr. Donna Perry, division chair for Science, Math and Creative Design. (continued on page 24)

Neal Johnson, an instructor in the Computer-Integrated Machining department, presents samples of work that can be created on one of the classroom machines to a group of students.

Students conduct an experiment in the NC BioNetwork Mobile Training Lab.

A group of students receives instruction from the NC BioNetwork presenter before conducting an experiment in the Mobile Training Lab.

randolph.edu | 23

Day two, the NC BioNetwork Mobile Training Lab and NC Zoo carried on the tradition of captivating RCC students and visitors with hands-on demonstrations and interactive learning. While NC BioNetwork blended science with culinary art to provide participants with a cool, tasty treat, the NC Zoo gave expert lectures on polar bears, pythons and even elephant poop (Tommie the African Ball Python and Franklin the rescued Eastern Box Turtle assisted)!

Although RCC’s aquaponics and high altitude weather balloon demonstrations still captured the interest of visitors, the HAAS Computer-Integrated Machining Institute jumped on board this year to give talks about careers in machining and even provided freshly milled RCC keychains. Guests were treated to visiting the stateof-the-art HAAS Computer-Integrated Machining facility gaining career insight into the exciting world of advanced manufacturing.

Garrett Parker, Computer-Integrated Machining department head, said, “It’s always great when the students are able to learn about what we do, walk away with a custom-made gift and be exposed to real world advanced manufacturing.”

The NC Science Festival event has grown over the years at RCC due to the dedication and coordination of the RCC STEM Division and Science Department faculty and staff.

Their team has already commenced brainstorming an even bigger and better event in 2018!

t

Kelvin is the official “spokesbot” for the NC Science Festival. He can be seen on promotional items and at events associated with the festival across the state.

Wendy Green Foley from the NC Zoo shells out information as Franklin the Eastern Box turtle practices his air swimming technique.

24|RCC • Summer 2017

Tommie, the African Ball Python, keeps cozy in the arms of his handler from the NC Zoo.

WONDERWOMAN

By Tonya Monroe Kaitlyn Smith of Asheboro is among a few Randolph Community College’s female Welding students. She has always been a “hands-on” person and has never been a “girlie-girl.” While attending Southwestern Randolph High School, Kaitlyn enrolled in a welding class. Her grandfather was a welder, so she decided to give the class a try. When she walked into class on the first day, a boy asked her, “Aren’t you supposed to be in a cooking class?” Kaitlyn was determined to prove her classmates wrong and ended up being one of the top welders in her class! After graduating in 2015, Kaitlyn’s high school teacher encouraged her to attend RCC’s welding program in Archdale.

Kaitlyn feels she is a successful welder because, as a woman, she pays attention to details, which is important in welding.

“I love welding,” says Kaitlyn. “I have twin brothers, and one of them wants me to teach him how to weld.”

“Welding is very challenging. It makes me think, makes me use my brain,” says Kaitlyn. Her welding skills are evident in the catfish rod holders she makes, as well as the sawmill machine she made for Southwestern Randolph High School.

Another challenge Kaitlyn faced is employers taking her seriously. “I went to apply for a job, and the HR manager wasn’t there. Another guy came to talk to me, and when he found out I was there for a welding position, he laughed and walked away.”

According to a 2016 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 4.1 percent of welders in the United States are women. However, Kaitlyn is fighting the notion that welding is a male-dominated field by planning to own her own mobile welding business. She wants to offer a roadside service to farms, “where I bring the equipment to them.”

Of course, being in a male-dominated field, Kaitlyn has had to constantly prove that she too could do anything her male counterparts could do. “I can hold my own,” Kaitlyn said. “It didn’t take them long to recognize that I wasn’t your average girl, but the struggle was definitely worth it.”

Kaitlyn will be graduating in the fall with a diploma in welding.

randolph.edu | 25

26|RCC • Summer 2017

Kathi Keys: A Tribute

By Cathy Hefferin The Randolph Community College family was shocked in November 2016 when we learned that our longtime friend and local education reporter Kathi Keys had been diagnosed with a serious illness.

Kathi had been covering Randolph Community College news for The Courier-Tribune and, before that, The Randolph Guide, for many, many years.

I personally felt a kinship to Kathi because I also come from a journalism background. I thought we had similar writing styles, but I considered her stories the standard to which I strived.

All of the people at RCC who knew Kathi – the Board of Trustees members, the president, the senior staff, the marketing staff — respected her and were dismayed when she had to retire from The Courier-Tribune because of her health.

RANDOLPH COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION AND PROFOUND APPRECIATION OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE BY KATHI KEYS, EDUCATION REPORTER FOR THE COURIERTRIBUNE DULY PASSED ON NOVEMBER 17, 2016 WHEREAS, Kathi Keys has shown journalistic excellence and integrity in her various roles at The Courier-Tribune and the Randolph Guide for over 30 years, most of which she covered education, including Randolph Community College.

WHEREAS, Kathi Keys’ coverage of Randolph Community College news has informed the residents of Randolph County of RCC’s programs and services, and enhanced the College’s reputation in the community, WHEREAS, Kathi Keys has always been mindful of the interests of the Randolph County community, and she has worked tirelessly to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough to the residents of Randolph County, WHEREAS, Kathi Keys has shown the utmost professionalism in the coverage of the educational community in Randolph County, WHEREAS, Kathi Keys’ sense of humor, kindness and graciousness has enriched those fortunate enough to know and work with her, WHEREAS, Kathi Keys is much loved and respected by her family, friends, co-workers, professional colleagues, and community leaders, WHEREAS, Kathi Keys’ true legacy lies in the information and understanding gained by the countless readers of her news articles, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Randolph Community College Board of Trustees formally acknowledges and extends its profound appreciation and highest esteem to Kathi Keys for her exemplary contributions to Randolph Community College through her reporting.

“I was always happy to see Kathi in the room,” said RCC President Robert S. Shackleford. “I never worried about how the story would turn out in the newspaper. She was accurate and fair, and always presented the true essence of the story. She was the consummate professional and we considered her a dear friend.”

At their November meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to issue a “resolution in recognition and profound appreciation of the outstanding service by Kathi Keys.”

The resolution is reproduced here.

Kathi passed away on January 24, 2017. She is sorely missed.

Photos contributed by The Courier-Tribune

randolph.edu | 27

EXTREME MAKEOVER Feeling Fresh at RCC’s New Cosmetology Center

28|RCC Summer 2017

By Felicia Barlow For many people, a visit to the salon is much more than just getting a fresh cut or color. It’s a chance to visit, chat, and relax. Some of RCC’s salon VIPs stop by every week.

Many of them have been loyal clients since the original Cosmetology Center opened in fall 2009. Barbara Parks is one of those VIPs and she says the best part is getting to know the girls. She says, “They really care about me… they miss me when I’m not here!” Barbara admits that changing from the old salon to the new one took some adjustment. She says it’s just so different that it took her a while to get used to it. Now, she says she loves it!

Dean Brewer shares that sentiment. He is an instructor who has worked at both locations. Dean excitedly says, “I love it over here!” There’s more space and windows in the classroom, which he says “really opens things up.”

Dean says another benefit of having the new salon on RCC’s Asheboro Campus is that more students are taking advantage of their services. The salon’s clients vary in age, which Dean says “is really good because students get to experiment with what they’ve learned.” Parks says she might be one of their favorites because she loves to play around with different looks!

You may be wondering what it’s like to have a student work on your hair. Most of the students on the salon floor are at an advanced level in their studies. Regardless, there are a steady flow of instructors in constant motion

assisting, answering questions, or just interacting with the clients. Gwen Daye has been a salon client for many years. When it comes to the students’ work, she says, “They do a great job…just give them a chance!” And not to mention the amount of money you save! Daye says she really enjoys her visits because the students are “attentive and kind and treat you very special.”

“We try hard to make an environment that makes people comfortable,” says Dean, and he adds that “if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

There’s certainly been a lot of talk about the new cosmetology facility. Instructor Rayella Byrd says she’s even heard some clients mention that it’s nicer than other salons they’ve visited. It also gives students more room to work, and Rayella says it also “gives us more room to grow.” (continued on page 31) Emerging from a grueling day of styling and profiling at the RCC Cosmetology Center, student Suzanne Lewis wraps up with a smile.

Pointing out the details of a masterfully managed mane, instructor Dean Brewer guides student Bailey Auman on the finer points of follicles.

randolph.edu | 29

Gwen Daye grins as student McKenzie Millner heats things up in a hair-raising creation.

O L PH

MU

C • NITY

COSM 30|RCC • Summer 2017

O

CO

M

LL

EGE

R

D N A

Y G O L ET O

Barbara Parks knows she’s in good hands with student Vanessa Robles as her attention to detail is reflected in her work.

Room to grow and change is always a good thing, right? Megan Goodin definitely agrees. She’s a second-year cosmetology student who made an about-face in career choices. She spent eight years in the military before deciding to tackle this field. Megan says being on the salon floor has really helped her step outside her comfort zone. She says styling hair is quite rewarding but very demanding. The days are long, and, at the end of the day, you’re exhausted, but Megan says she wouldn’t want it any other way.

If a $5 haircut or $5 manicure sounds good to you, be sure to check out all of RCC’s Cosmetology Salon services online at www.randolph.edu/salon-clinic.html or call 336-610-HAIR (4247).

Instructor Rayella Byrd brushes up on her hair coloring technique in the new Cosmetology Center on RCC’s main campus.

randolph.edu | 31

FUTURE

Robert Hill edits a photograph in the digital imaging lab. The lab features thirty 27-inch iMacs. As part of the school’s renovations, to complement the two digital imaging labs, eight video editing suites will be built for multimedia assignments. Photo by Perfecta Visuals/Jerry Wolford and Scott Muthersbaugh

By Lorie McCroskey Over the years, thousands of students have made their way through the back halls and areas of Randolph Community College’s photography department. Some places seemed like a maze that you had to master as one of your requirements to finish the program. Just in time to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the photography department is getting a much-needed renovation.

Back when the program started in 1968, the single instructor hired to teach first-year students had only one classroom in which to lecture. By the next school year, construction was finished on the 2,000-squarefoot department located in what is now Early Childhood Education classroom space in the Administration/ Education Center. The new area included both color and black & white darkroom spaces, two studios, and equipment checkout. That same year, Robert Heist was hired. The studio and lab moved again in 1974, eventually finding a permanent home in its current location where it has remained for the last 43 years. That 19,000-squarefoot facility contained one of the most innovative ideas in the industry at that time. Developed by Heist and Jerry Howell, the facility was equipped with a one-of-a-kind chemistry on tap system that utilized gravity to provide students with access to photographic chemistry with the turn of a spigot.

32|RCC • Summer 2017

In 1995, a 16,000-square-foot studio was added to the back of the existing studio. That new addition provided space for faculty offices, a working prep kitchen, classrooms, and much-needed studio space for the growing program.

While technology and equipment upgrades over the years have ensured the students the opportunity to learn on the most modern equipment, the structure was overdue for a major renovation. The construction will only add around 1,100 square feet to the current 35,000-squarefoot departmental footprint, but most of the photo area will be overhauled. The $1.8 million project will add a new entrance that will include a gallery space, eight state-ofthe-art digital editing suites, two 30-seat digital labs, a 40-seat “in department” classroom space for first-year students, and dedicated classroom and lab space for each of the second-year photography concentrations.

The department will once again be on the cutting edge of the industry. However, according to Department Chair Kevin Eames, some students want more than the latest technology.

“Students coming in today have been on the computer their entire life, (so) they are not impressed with computers,” Eames said. “They want to get their hands wet (in a darkroom); they want to have that experience.”

Because of that, you will still find a small black and white

Exposed earth from the photography department renovations will evolve into an incredible updated facility. Photo by Kevin Eames

The black and white darkroom area in the old photography facility will be home to new video editing suites. Photo by Kevin Eames

The photography program at Randolph Community College will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018 with a full slate of events leading up to the actual anniversary date on September 9, 2018. Some of those events include

 Thursday, January 18, 2018

Ribbon Cutting and Open House to celebrate the completion of the redesign and renovations to the entire photography department

 March 2018

Photography Technology Department Head Kevin Eames casts a kind countenance as he anticipates the upcoming awesomeness that will be the renovated photography facilities.

Photo by Perfecta Visuals/Jerry Wolford and Scott Muthersbaugh

darkroom and printing area that will house fifteen new enlargers in the new facility. “We now teach that as part of photographic history,” Eames added.

No matter what the future brings for the photography program at RCC, you can bet the faculty and staff will be ready to meet the challenges of technology. From the earliest days, innovation has been the second-best product of the program; the first, of course, is the amazing photographers.

Reception, celebration and show for the High School Photo Contest

 Thursday, April 19, 2018 5:30 to 7 p.m.

RCC will host Business After Hours in partnership with the Asheboro/ Randolph Chamber of Commerce

 September 2018

Juried alumni show, Founders Day event and more! randolph.edu | 33

Graffiti Bridge “Pisgah Covered Bridge: Why Is It Graffiti Bridge?”

A project by Denise Greenwell, RCC Advertising and Graphic Design Student Photo by Katherine Parker

34|RCC • Summer 2017

As the Pisgah Covered Bridge comes into view, immediately you start to feel the wonder of the living history of a beautiful bridge that once served the residents of its rural setting. It is a magnificent structure that appears to be poking its head up from the ford of the Little River to nod at the modern bridge that replaced it. You sense the less complicated times of what some would consider good ole’ days, and you are just simply thinking: Wow, this is really cool.

Then, you arrive. Now, you are thinking: Wow, that’s too bad. The sight is truly disheartening. Sadly, and unfortunately, the vandalism is overpowering. It is truly disappointing to see the total disrespect shown to this monument of days gone by. The initial feelings of awe have been transformed into a disbelief of how people could think this destruction is acceptable. It is a malign disrespect to a charming old bridge that exists to provide enchantment and insight into yesteryear.

To bring some much-needed attention to the Pisgah Covered Bridge, two Randolph Community College students focused their cross-program project on the bridge.

Katherine Parker, a second-year Photography student, and Denise Greenwell, a second-year Advertising and Graphic Design student, completed a collaborative photographic public awareness campaign to bring attention to the overwhelming state of the graffiti on the Pisgah Covered Bridge. Katherine produced some magnificent photographs detailing the devastation of the graffiti to the bridge, while Denise gave context and purpose to the photos in a fullpage newspaper article and a magazine editorial spread.

Their project was a satisfying success; however, the real satisfaction came about because of the efforts to rid the bridge of the graffiti.

to the Pisgah Covered Bridge. The interior of the bridge was painted, exterior graffiti was scrubbed, and the picnic tables were cleaned. As Phi Theta Kappa members and advisors worked, visitors arrived, some thanking them for the work they were doing; others pitching in and helping to remove the graffiti. The day was summed up by Denise Greenwell, “It was a great day and wonderful project. It was amazing to see the transformation of the bridge as the graffiti was removed. It was just as amazing to experience the response from the community as they came upon us working.”

Pisgah Covered Bridge History The Pisgah Covered Bridge was first constructed in 1911 by the Welch family, who once owned the land where it is located. The bridge was an essential part of transportation to get across the Little River. Since the bridge was built primarily for only one horse drawn wagon or perhaps an occasional new-fangled automobile to cross at a time, it is quite small in comparison to the newer modern day bridge that is now used. The Pisgah Covered Bridge is one of two covered bridges still remaining in North Carolina. The other is the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge located in Claremont. (continued on page 36)

Since the bridge is currently owned and maintained by the North Carolina Zoo, Denise met with the NC Zoo’s Associate Curator of Conservation and Research Nell Allen to obtain additional information on the bridge. Nell raised the question of whether there would be interest in gathering some folks to repaint the interior of the bridge to remove the graffiti. Denise agreed, and contacted Clark Adams, advisor of RCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Five-Star Chapter, Beta Theta Rho. Phi Theta Kappa is an international academic honor society that recognizes academic achievement of two-year college students. As service in the community is a primary hallmark for Phi Theta Kappa, it was decided to take on the project and solicit members for assistance.

On Saturday, April 1, 2017, six RCC Phi Theta Kappa members, Brenda Cook (alum), Toni Formato, Denise Greenwell, James Johnson, Molly Teel, and chapter president Sherry Underwood, along with two RCC Phi Theta Kappa advisors, Clark Adams and Waymon Martin, as well as NC Zoo’s Nell Allen, gave their time and hard work randolph.edu | 35

Over time, the bridge weathered, and people noticed it in need of preserving. By 1998, a rescue operation, headed by Dr. David Jones, executive director of the NC Zoo, was in full force. The North Carolina Zoo, North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Piedmont Land Conservancy, and the LandTrust for Central North Carolina collaborated to maintain and refurbish the bridge.

The Pisgah Covered Bridge and surrounding nature area were opened to the public with a dedication ceremony in September 1999.

However, disaster struck in August of 2003 when storm waters from heavy rainfall flooded the river and caused the bridge to be washed from its stone foundation. The bridge was crushed. A new rescue operation was launched. The bridge was rebuilt, 36|RCC • Summer 2017

and 90% of the original wood of the bridge was recovered and used, and just eight months later, it was rededicated on May 18, 2004. In March 2010, the Pisgah Covered Bridge was designated a Randolph County Historical Landmark. (source: Brim, Randle E. “History of the Pisgah Covered Bridge.” http:// legacyweb.randolphcountync. gov/hlpc/downloads/ PisgahCoveredBridgeHistory.pdf).

Why Care?

Most simply, the Pisgah Covered Bridge is a great place to experience the outdoors, visit history, and have some quality family time.

Additionally, tourism supports our county. The Randolph County Historical Landmark Preservation Commission’s website,

http://www.co.randolph.nc.us/ Visit-Randolph/Historic-Landmarks, tells us that “the conservation and preservation of historical landmarks can enhance the quality of life for residents and can foster economic development by helping to sustain heritage tourism resources.” What does that mean? Studying and preserving history can enhance our lives. In understanding the past, we can enhance our futures. By having these historical landmarks in our county, we can promote tourism which can foster our economy and generate jobs and growth.

What kind of opinions will tourists have of our county when they see the overwhelming vandalism of a structure we are calling a Historical Landmark?

Do you think they will want to visit again? Will they be afraid to get out of

Phi Theta Kappa members and advisors pitched in to clean and paint the Pisgah Covered Bridge.

Photo by Nell Allen

What Can Be Done?

Photo by Katherine Parker.

their cars in a place with such history and natural beauty? To gain insight to these questions, we can review a few comments from the TripAdvisor website about visitors’ experiences at the Pisgah Covered Bridge: “The only disappointing thing was the graffiti. It’s mainly on the inside of the bridge.”

Restoration, rebuilding and maintenance of the Pisgah Covered Bridge have been accomplished only because of the caring and generous contributions by the community. The Pisgah Covered Bridge represents a living history site to learn about the past and explore nature; however, the bridge is repeatedly vandalized with graffiti. Please help us preserve the historical nature of the bridge by keeping the bridge clean of vandalism and litter.

To inquire about volunteering or hosting an event at the Pisgah Covered Bridge, please contact Toy Lambeth, NC Zoo volunteer coordinator, at Toy.Lambeth@nczoo. org. For more information about the bridge, visit http://www.co.randolph. nc.us/Visit-Randolph/HistoricLandmarks.

From left to right: Toni Formato, Denise Greenwell, Molly Teel, Clark Adams, Waymon Martin, James Johnson and Sherry Underwood. Photo contributed by Toni Formato

“Unfortunately, it has been littered with graffiti (some of which is pretty cool, but some is obscene).”

“Pity about all the graffiti on the walls inside.” (source: www.tripadvisor.com/ Attraction_Review-g49522-d3957913Reviews-Pisgah_Covered_BridgeSeagrove_North_Carolina.html ©2017 TripAdvisor LLC All rights reserved.) randolph.edu | 37

Handsome horse Thumper patiently awaits his turn for a gallop at the Circle C Equestrian Center.

38|RCC • Summer 2017

By Felicia Barlow You hear it all the time. She’s a cat person. He’s a dog person. But what about someone being a horse person? I have heard that said at various times in my life but I’ll be honest, I never really understood the attraction. For me, horses are intimidating and have always been better viewed at a distance. That is until I made a trip to a local stable on a bitterly cold February morning.

The Circle C Equestrian Center is nestled at the end of a winding dirt road and is part of the Keyauwee Program Center in Sophia. Keyauwee is all about girl power! It is owned and operated by Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont council.

Cathy Thacker met me at the gate and escorted me back to the stables.

She has a soft smile and gentle demeanor, and, when we walked into the stables, I knew immediately that this is where she belongs. Cathy is quite possibly the ultimate horse person. She teaches traditional lessons, as well as therapeutic riding.

Here again, I had heard of horses as therapy but never truly grasped what it meant. Then I met Janie Simmons.

Back in the Saddle Reigniting a Passion for Horses decades later

Janie was one of the first students in RCC’s first-ever “Horseback Riding for Beginners” class held in the fall of 2016. She is a retired widow from Archdale. Janie says riding a horse has “always been on my bucket list,” and, when she saw an ad in a local newspaper about the class, she knew this was meant to be. She said her first thought was, “Yes! I’m going to do this!” Janie lights up as she talks about her experience with the horses and staff at “Circle C.” “The classes were wonderful,” Janie says “not only learning how to ride, but also learning how to care for them.” Janie enjoyed them so much, in fact, that she continued with private lessons even after the class ended. (continued on page 40) randolph.edu | 39

Janie Simmons and horse pal, Boaz, became fast friends as Janie set out to fulfill her dream of horseback riding later in life.

As a life-long nurse, Janie is no stranger to caring for others. A few years ago, she retired from her professional career and then spent the next year caring for her ailing husband. After he passed away, Janie realized, as the weeks turned into months, that she was very much “… in a rut” and needed to get out of it.

She says RCC’s class helped her do just that and created relationships she never knew possible, especially with the “Circle C” horses.

“Horses are very good at responding to you in the moment,” Cathy adds, “They don’t care who you’ve been, what jeans you’re wearing or how your hair looks.” Horses know who you really are inside. They know how to read you, and you have to learn to read the horses. Cathy says it’s important “to learn how to be in a relationship with the horses.”

So, you see, therapy, as it relates to horseback riding, comes in various forms. Cathy says she has worked with various levels of disability.

Whether it’s autism, anger, sadness, fear or even paralysis, Cathy believes that “everybody should be able to ride a horse.” Janie agrees and adds that “anybody can ride…at any age!”

Cathy says many people revisit horseback riding in adulthood. She says they “may have had an experience when they were little…life gets in the 40|RCC • Summer 2017

way…but now they have the time and means” to make it a reality. That was very much the case with Janie. She says she lived and breathed horses when she was a girl and kept the “passion (for horses) all these years.”

Regardless of your situation, whether you’re young or old, Cathy says horseback riding and the care that’s involved in it, can teach you “confidence…a great deal of responsibility…and how to conquer your fears.” For me, just being in the same space as these amazing creatures helped calm my nervousness. When you look into their dark eyes, it’s as if they can see your soul. You can’t help but to take a deep breath and exhale.

This horseback riding class is part of RCC’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education department.

Dozens of offerings are available throughout the year. You can see a detailed list of classes on our website or you can give us a call at 336-633-0268. www.randolph.edu/continuingeducation-home.html “Circle C” started solely as a place for Girl Scouts. Today, everyone can take part in what it has to offer. It’s located on Sweetbriar Road in Sophia. Check it out online at www.camplikeagirl.org/ circle-c-equestrian.

Message from the RCC Development Director Sometimes it is hard to let go of the things that are most familiar to you, even if it is to make way for exciting new technology.

There has always been something comforting about walking into the photo department here on campus. I spent my first years after high school working toward my degree in that area. I have often said that other than parenting, earning that degree was one of the most difficult things that I have ever done in my life.

Not all my memories from my days in that area are sunshine and rainbows (photo chemistry anyone?), but when I come through those big doors into the photo department, smell the faint scent of photographic chemistry, and feel the chilly air hit my face, it is like going back home.

Lorie McCroskey Director of Development

Foundation Board of Directors Elizabeth H. Aldridge Steven E. Eblin Vickie H. Gallimore Daffie H. Garris James G. Gouty Robert A. Graves Neal Griffin III Baxter Hammer Ann M. Hoover Justin M. Lee

Curt Lorimer Waymon Martin Gail H. McDowell Nicki McKenzie Daffie H. Garris Dr. Cynthia G. Schroder H. Dean Sexton Dr. Robert S. Shackleford Jr. F. Mac Sherrill Mini Singh

Foundation Staff Shelley W. Greene Vice President for Institutional Advancement 336-633-0174 swgreene@randolph.edu Lorie M. McCroskey Director of Development 336-633-1118 llmccroskey@randolph.edu Joyce B. Wolford Executive Director, RCC Foundation 336-633-0295 jbwolford@randolph.edu Lisa P. Wright Development Specialist 336-633-0296 lpwright@randolph.edu www.randolphccfoundation.org

•

I was stunned when Facilities Project Manager Perry Wallace recently let me put on a hard hat and take a tour of the construction going on in the photography area. The entire department as I had known it for the last 25 years is now gone, and all that’s left are the outside walls and a bunch of plans for the future. Pages and pages of blueprints show just how innovative and amazing the new area will be. I am a little selfish and sad that the part of the RCC that is most treasured by me will no longer be here, but I am thrilled at the possibilities that lie ahead for our students.

It’s kind of the same way that I feel when I work with donors as they complete the paperwork to become a member in our legacy society. Most legacy society members are also sweet friends of mine. It makes me sad to think of a day when they may no longer be here. My reasons are simple and selfish. I do not want to miss them, and I want them to be a part of my life. However, when they decide to become a legacy society member, they are giving a gift to the College and our future students that will continue to help long after we are all gone. If I am still here, I know I, along with their family and friends, will miss them terribly. Still, I will be comforted knowing that their life and kindness will forever positively affect the lives of our students. While I will always have fond memories of my time as a student here at RCC, my legacy will not be the great contributions that I made to the world as a photographer; I never worked in the industry. My legacy will be the endowment that my husband and I started that will be fully funded when I am gone. And in the end, that knowledge warms my heart just the same as that feeling I used to get when I walked into the photo department.

Sincerely,

www.facebook.com/randolphccfoundation

Lorie McCroskey Director of Development •

www.facebook.com/RandolphCC.alumni randolphccfoundation.org | 41

TURNING TABLES on

the

TECHNOLOGY

Reality Redesigned host Jeremy Bout preps the audience for the judging portion of the competition.

42|RCC Foundation • Summer 2017

Reality television has come to Randolph County, thanks to a Gene Haas Foundation grant to Randolph Community College and a new partner — EdgeFactor, an educational media firm. The goal? To close the “interest gap” that is causing a shortage of skilled workers in fields like machining, advanced manufacturing, and mechatronics.

“Generating interest in a skilled trade to the younger generation is challenging to say the least,” said Garret Parker, RCC department head for Computer-Integrated Machining in a message to the RCC community last February. “Power Points and YouTube videos are not as eye catching as they used to be. So what engages potential students now? It has to be quick, flashy, and high tech with hands-on experiences. … It is Reality Redesigned.”

Reality Redesigned is a student design competition with a reality show twist that was introduced to Randolph County public school students in February. “This outside-thebox thinking is a first for the college,” said Parker. “It is an innovative approach, and, yes, it is bold. Within the first 48 hours of the event’s launch, we had over 100 students from the three main school districts register for the competition.”

The opportunity was announced to 15,000+ students in grades 6-12 public and charter schools in Randolph County. Teams could consist of six middle or high school students and one mentor who could be a teacher, parent or businessperson.

On Feb. 1, 2017, the audition phase of Reality Redesigned officially launched online for students to begin unlocking unique problems for their team to solve. Competitors began by choosing three cards that provided a person, a place, and a challenge. Teams could keep flipping the deck until they got a combination that would inspire a ‘problem story’ for the team to creatively define through their own interpretation.

From there, they designed and presented solutions to their problem story by uploading team videos, pictures of drawings, CAD models, planning documents, estimating costs with the Wild-Guestimator, and other innovative ways to share their problem-solving descriptions.

On the “Day of Reckoning” (3/8/17), student projects were locked down, and public voting began. Celebrity judges evaluated submissions throughout March, and the combination of public votes and judge’s rankings resulted in the announcement of the top three auditions on March 31.

They were Team Mooks from Trinity High School, Team Big Boiz from Uwharrie Charter Academy, and Team Warriors, also from UCA. The celebrity judges were Meghan West, president of Mastercam; Peter Zelinski, editor-in-chief of Modern Machine Shop and Additive Manufacturing magazines; and Montez King, executive director of the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.

During the week of April 24-28, the cameras started rolling at RCC. The final three teams of students competed for over $10,000 in scholarship monies to RCC along with many other prize packages. Lincoln Welding, MasterCam, Stuart Haas Racing, Kurt Busch Incorporated, Modern Machine Shop and NIMS were just a few of the national spotlights directly involved with the project.

The three teams were given a real-world challenge, a toolbox of resources and only 84 hours to dream, design, build and get ready to present their ideas. The challenge was to design and build a new race shop sign for NASCAR driver Kurt Busch. (continued on page 44) randolphccfoundation.org | 43

Eddie, member of Team Big Boiz, gives his take on events as the competition heats up.

The teams presented their 84 Hour Challenge creations to the judges in front of a live audience of their peers on April 28 in RCC’s R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center auditorium — all of it filmed for the reality show.

Then, in true reality show fashion, all three teams were filmed being announced as winners—because the actual winners would not be known until the series aired.

The first episode of Reality Redesigned was released in late May, with the remaining episodes going live in early June. The four-part series is available to view at edgefactor.com. Watch now to find out the winners!

“The Reality Redesigned competition will make learning real for students. It shows students how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is used in real life and how creative problem solving changes lives,” said Jessica Cutler, career development counselor, Southwestern Randolph High School, prior to the competition. “This design competition is going to give students a unique outlet to let their imaginations run wild — and have the chance to bring those ideas to life! I can’t wait to see what our students come up with.”

“Reality Redesigned is a great opportunity for middle and high school students that will directly address the interest gap and skills gap,” concluded Parker. “We are not just going to talk about the gap issue, we are doing something about it.” (continued on page 47) 44|RCC Foundation • Summer 2017

Jeremy lays out a plan of attack for the camera crew of Reality Redesigned in the makeshift war room at RCC’s CEIC.

Team Warriors receives valuable insight from Steve Maness, welding instructor and department head of Industrial Programs at RCC, on the wonders of melting metal.

Team leader Anuragh intently listens to the ideas of George as Team Big Boiz begins developing their strategy for victory.

Team Mooks gets a taste of reality television as the camera follows their every move during their planning stages.

The gang’s all here and the cameras are rolling as the teams square off on Day 1 of the 84 hour challenge.

Garret Parker, department head of Computer-Integrated Machining at RCC, presents troves of machining knowledge to the Big Boiz as the battles heat up.

randolphccfoundation.org | 45

The Warriors wowed the judges with their attention to detail and quick comebacks during their sign presentation.

Jeremy gives the audience a few additional details before filming commences for the final leg of the Reality Redesigned journey.

46|RCC Foundation • Summer 2017

Cameraman Andrew Monzano was a curious sight for onlookers, as he wheeled around campus on his Segway with camera in hand.

Team Mooks members were all cleaned up and pumped for the presentation portion of the competition.

“Edge Factor has seen the sparks ignite in students’ eyes when they realize that the STEM subjects they are learning in school are the gateway to unlock their futures,” said Joshua Pies, producer from Edge Factor. “We are partnering with the RCC team to move the needle and do something big. ... To inspire students, reach parents and provoke a desire to create all across their region. The purpose of this initiative is to serve as a catalyst for students to realize their potential and dream up new solutions.”

Visit www.edgefactor.com to watch the entire series!

randolphccfoundation.org | 47

In the line of

By Felicia Barlow

It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words.

Pictures tell stories and reflect raw emotions in any number of situations.

As a society, we love to document our lives in photos and videos. Technology has only made it easier. We have that instant gratification so many of us crave. We can snap a photo and immediately see our work.

And while this access makes many people feel like photographers, the truth is, only a small percentage of

During peak rioting and chaos in Uptown Charlotte, N.C., a protester boldly walks in front of the riot squad with his sign. Photo by Dan Whittaker

48|RCC Foundation • Summer 2017

them really are. Over the years, RCC has trained more professional photographers than you might realize. In fact, the department is celebrating 50 successful years in 2018. (see pages 32-33 for a preview of what’s to come) Photos give us a way to remind us of our memories… memories that are both good and bad…to share with future generations.

Sometimes photographers find themselves in situations that go down in history. At the time, they are just doing what they love…capturing moments to tell a story.

FIRE RCC grad Daniel Whittaker found himself in two such situations in the fall of 2016. In September, Dan traveled to Charlotte, N.C., to cover protests relating to a deadly officer-involved shooting. Then, in early October, he traveled to the eastern part of the state in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Dan says at the height of both events “a sense of powerlessness was vivid, and only the purest form of human survival or perseverance could be found.”

Most of a photographer’s time is spent behind the camera.

Dan says that “often allows for an unattached point of view, almost like watching a movie.” Sometimes though, (continued on page 50)

randolphccfoundation.org | 49

they get a chance to talk with those who are directly affected by the situation they’re photographing. In Charlotte, Dan says he spoke with a couple of young protesters who told him “their lives would never be the same again.”

That sentiment rings all too true for thousands of people in eastern N.C. Flood waters from Hurricane Matthew devastated areas like Lumberton. Just like in Charlotte, photographers from around the nation converged on the town.

Michael Cline Spencer says, as soon as he arrived, he “immediately started photographing from a distance as boats arrived at the edge of a flooded parking lot with people and pets rescued from their homes.”

Michael also graduated from RCC’s photography program and has been in the field for a number of years. In fact, the Associated Press actually reached out to him directly to see if he could travel to Lumberton to cover the flooding. A writer with the AP met him there, and he says the two ended up on “the back of a large

A swift water rescue team member holds a dog that was rescued from flood waters caused by rain from Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton, N.C. Photo by Michael Cline Spencer

50|RCC Foundation • Summer 2017

Jasmine Grissette, 8, follows her grandmother Ada Page as they prepare to board a bus leaving the emergency shelter at the Bill Sapp Recreation Center in Lumberton, N.C., to be transported to a better equipped shelter located in St. Pauls. Photo by Michael Cline Spencer

A volunteer firefighter with the Raynham-McDonald Fire Department makes his way through flood waters caused by rain from Hurricane Matthew to turn off the lights of a school bus in front of W.H. Knuckles Elementary School in Lumberton, N.C. Photo by Michael Cline Spencer

Beginning of the protest in front of a church. Encouraging and peaceful words were delivered to the crowd. Uptown Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Dan Whittaker

truck that was able to safely traverse the flood waters.” Michael says he knew there was severe flooding there but he “was truly not ready for the amount of water…until you see it, it’s difficult to imagine.”

Flooding in Lumberton on October 9, 2016, following Hurricane Matthew.

Photo by Dan Whittaker

We see the pictures and hear the sounds, but photographers like Michael and Dan feel the raw emotion sparked by such events.

Dan says, “One flood victim told me a story of having to set his horse free before kayaking from his porch to higher ground.” No water, no electricity and no place to stay.

Michael says he survived on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and

crashed at a friend’s house that luckily wasn’t flooded. And while it was tough, it was nothing compared to those who were living it. Michael says he wanted to take pictures that could communicate the severity of the situation and added that his “goal in Lumberton was to show the aftermath, how it was affecting people, and how they were coping with it.”

Photography, in essence, is visual story-telling. For both Dan and Michael, you might even say it’s in their blood. Michael says he remembers “having a camera growing up and on family vacations” and thrives on capturing “what is happening at any given moment.” He says after high school he “stumbled upon Randolph Community College and moved from South Carolina to begin my formal education in photography, eventually focusing on photojournalism.”

Dan’s passion started a bit differently.

He says he’s always been fascinated by clouds and lightning and initially became a “storm-chaser.” Dan says his first “chase” was back in 2008, (continued on page 52) randolphccfoundation.org | 51

and he “ended up way too close to the tornado, which was concealed by late evening darkness and heavy rain.”

His next step was to become a trained weather spotter and eventually decided to earn a photojournalism degree at RCC. Now, Dan says, he attempts “to combine the stories of weather in most images that I capture.”

Dan and Michael are living their dreams, and both agree that RCC and its instructors helped them reach their goals.

Michael says he “not only learned the skills and technical aspects of photography but how to implement them and put them to use.” For Dan, he believes, “The deep pool of experience from the teachers at RCC allowed me to grow into a precise and efficient photojournalist.”

For all the future photographers out there, remember that photography is much more than snapping a pic. Dan sums it up perfectly when he says, “Photography has the power to freeze time…photographs prove history…and can also change history.”

A swift water rescue team member holds a dog that was rescued from flood waters caused by rain from Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton, N.C. Photo by Michael Cline Spencer

From left, Truck driver Eugene Coleman, Wilton Suggs and Jeremy Suggs transport diesel fuel containers in a flat bottom boat to a stranded semi tractor trailer truck loaded with produce from FEMA through flood waters caused by rain from Hurricane Matthew. The trio is planning to add fuel to keep the produce from spoiling.

Photo by Michael Cline Spencer

52|RCC Foundation • Summer 2017

Flooding at Lake Surf on October 9, 2016, following Hurricane Matthew. Photo by Dan Whittaker

Beginning of the Charlotte protest through the streets. Uptown Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Dan Whittaker

Michael Cline Spencer is a Wilmington, N.C., based photographer with over 15 years spent working in the field of photojournalism where he documented the people and places of North Carolina for several newspapers, including The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) and The Star-News (Wilmington, N.C.). His clients include The Associated Press, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Journal Communications Inc. and PawPrints Magazine. His photojournalism background makes him the perfect choice to document and capture moments of your wedding day, take a family portrait or photograph an event.

Visit his website at www.michaelclinephoto.com.

Dan Whittaker is an award-winning photojournalist, videographer, and storm chaser. His photography focuses on wildlife, nature and the atmosphere, in hopes of promoting land conservation and awareness of nature. His determination to continue learning keeps him at the cutting edge of photography with concentrations of aerial, digital blending, time-lapse, and motorized camera movements. Dan’s video work is often aired on many major U.S. news TV networks, and his footage has been used by the Discovery Channel and for commercials. Recent images have been published in Our State Magazine, in the educational book “The Anatomy of Severe Weather,” by the U.S. State Department, and by VisitNC. Visit his website at www.lightexplored.com.

randolphccfoundation.org | 53

RCC Names Martha Luck Comer Conference Center Around 60 Randolph Community College and RCC Foundation leaders, employees, and supporters were present at the unveiling of the Martha Luck Comer Conference Center name on April 6 at RCC’s Asheboro Campus.

They included RCC Board of Trustees members, RCC Foundation board members, community leaders, and friends and family of Martha Luck Comer Johnson, who was honored for her longtime support of the College and the RCC Foundation.

54| RCC Foundation • Summer 2017

Members of Johnson’s family who accompanied her to the ceremony included her daughter Elizabeth Dozier; daughter Joan and husband, Rand Johnston; and granddaughters Martha Luck Johnston and Margaret Ivey Johnston.

RCC Board of Trustees Chair Mac Sherrill said he had the privilege of serving with Johnson on the Trustee Board for many years. “She was my mentor,” he said, “A class act… and one who always kept the best interests of the students at heart.”

RCC Foundation President Dean Sexton also spoke, thanking Johnson for her continued support of the Foundation through donations that helped

with construction of the conference center and supported student scholarships throughout the years.

Her combined donations place Johnson in the Foundation’s Platinum Lifetime Membership Club, which honors donors who contribute between $100,000 and $499,999.

RCC President Robert Shackleford said Johnson had contributed more than money over the years. “She has contributed her presence and her leadership,” he said. He also pointed out that Johnson has supported numerous organizations throughout Randolph County in addition to the College, but “her support of the College goes beyond mere generosity.

She has given an annual gift to the RCC Foundation since 1983. That’s 34 years.”

has made a long-term, consistent commitment that is extraordinary and has had visible impact or result directly related to support of the mission of Randolph Community College.

The Foundation Conference Center was originally built in 2003 to provide a conference space for the college and community and house the RCC Foundation offices.

Martha Luck Comer Johnson expresses her thanks and pride in Randolph Community College at the Foundation Conference Center Naming Ceremony in April.

Johnson gave brief remarks, thanking the crowd of admirers who gave her a standing ovation. She said she had enjoyed working with RCC presidents Mr. Branson, Dr. Linker and Dr. Shackleford. “I only wish my father could be here to see this,” she said.

Johnson was originally appointed to the Randolph Technical Institute Board in 1976 by N.C. Governor James Holshouser Jr. to replace her father (the late Ivey Luck) for the 6 1/2 years remaining on his term. Johnson was then

reappointed to the Board for one eight-year term and four four-year terms by the Randolph County Board of Education. Her total service as a member of the RCC Board was 31 years and six months; she retired on June 30, 2007, and she was awarded the status of Trustee Emeritus in November 2007.

Johnson was also the recipient of the Randolph Community College Board of Trustees 2009 Distinguished Service Award, presented at the Board’s annual meeting on July 16, 2009. The DSA recognizes an individual, group, or organization that

randolphccfoundation.org | 55

...And

Justice...

RCC and UNCP graduate Jackie Smith wants to be a probation officer.

RCC/UNCP Criminal Justice Agreement Expands Job Possibilities for Grads

By Cathy Hefferin Most people think a criminal justice degree leads to a career as a law enforcement officer, but there are many more opportunities available to professionals in the criminal justice field, especially if you earn a bachelor’s degree.

That’s a major reason why Randolph Community College partnered with the University of North Carolina at Pembroke a couple of years ago to offer a Criminal Justice transfer agreement, according to Neal Weatherly, department head for Criminal Justice Technology at RCC. Under the agreement, anyone with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice Technology from RCC who graduated with at least a 2.0 GPA can transfer into 56|RCC Foundation • Summer 2017

UNCP’s Criminal Justice bachelor’s degree program as a junior.

The first RCC alum to graduate from that transfer program, Julie Williams of Carthage (pictured on page 57), was hired last fall as a deputy clerk at the Lee County Courthouse, and she is thrilled with her new job.

As a deputy clerk, Williams works in criminal court to process initial filings, continuances, judgments, and maintain case documentation. Her position involves interacting with the public and a lot of paperwork with attention to detail.

“I do like it a lot,” said Williams, who is 23. “I look forward to coming to work every day.” Williams noted that she is using what she learned in her Criminal Justice classes at RCC and UNCP every day at her job. That includes knowledge of North Carolina general statutes, judicial proceedings, and the court system. She must be able to read and comprehend legal documents, interact diplomatically with a

diverse group of people, maintain confidentiality, organize and manage files, and meet deadlines.

Williams said she has always been interested in criminal justice, but she didn’t think she would want to major in it. She enrolled at RCC in the general education program, but took a Criminal Justice class as an elective.

She was hooked.

When she transferred to UNCP, she was able to take most classes online, and even some that were offered on the RCC campus taught

by RCC instructors. “UNCP was really affordable,” she said. “And it helped that I was able to take some classes at RCC taught by Neil Weatherly.”

She said she never stepped foot on the UNCP campus until she went to pick up her graduation cap and gown.

And because of the ease of transferring her classes through the RCC-UNCP agreement, Williams was able to finish her B.A. in Criminal Justice just four years after graduating high school.

Williams started working at Food Lion while in high school (she graduated from North Moore) and continued that job all the way through college. She gave that job up shortly after starting to work full time last November. “I really enjoy having my evenings and weekends free,” she said.

Club, which focused on helping the community by collecting food and coats during the winter. “It was a way for us to make connections in the community,” she said.

Although Smith hasn’t found her dream position yet, she said she is

confident she will and she is happy she started on this journey. “It will come,” she said of a job offer. And she has been able to set a good example for her kids, now 26 and 27.

“My kids are proud of me,” she said.

Williams understands the natural assumption that criminal justice always means law enforcement. “When I tell people I’m a deputy clerk, they always think I’m a police officer.”

A second RCC alum graduated from the UNCP Criminal Justice program in December 2016. Jackie Smith of Asheboro (pictured on page 56), a single mom, came back to school after raising two children and working various jobs over the years.

Smith, 49, said she chose to study criminal justice because she likes structure and the definitiveness of right and wrong, black and white.

But after being out of school for 30 years, she was, at first, extremely overwhelmed. “It was difficult,” she said. “It was a lot more writing than I thought, but I started it and I wanted to finish it.”

...for

ALL

She decided to continue her education after earning her associate degree because she wanted to become a probation officer, and that required a bachelor’s degree. “The RCC and UNC Pembroke program is an awesome deal,” said Smith. She was able to take 90% of her UNCP classes online; she just had to go to Pinehurst for one class.”

She said she focused on probation as a goal after interviewing a couple of probation officers for a paper she was writing while in school at RCC. “I want to be a part of helping someone change,” she said.

“As tough as the program is at RCC,” said Smith, “it made the program at Pembroke easier. I was prepared.”

While an RCC student, Smith helped found the Criminal Justice

Julie Williams of Carthage was the first RCC grad to complete the UNCP degree.

randolphccfoundation.org | 57

Armadillo Archives

58|RCC Foundation • Summer 2017

Photo by Perfecta Visuals/Jerry Wolford and Scott Muthersbaugh

Photo by Shane Baskin - 1992

Then and Now...

Ahh...the early 90s: ripped jeans, flannel shirts, Nirvana blasting from the car stereo, and the RCC photography department in full gear as a viable and world-class institution for the education of budding photographers (not much has changed there, right?).

While the basics may be the same, the technology and abilities of today’s lens slingers have grown by leaps and bounds. With digital photography, professional grade video capabilities nestled in the bodies of their DSLR

cameras and the need to always be on the cutting edge, current photographers have a veritable arsenal of options at their disposal.

Luckily, Randolph Community College is poised on the precipice of the future as we undertake major renovations in our photographic technology department, expanding both our physical footprint and educational capabilities.

So, in the immortal words of Kurt Cobain, “come as you are” and learn from the best at RCC!

SECTION NAME | 59

Randolph Community College & RCC Foundation

629 Industrial Park Avenue Asheboro, NC 27205

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 21 ASHEBORO, NC 27205

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Straight from an episode of “Breaking Bad”? No, it’s a group of Randolph County firefighters and emergency workers taking Haz-Mat training at RCC’s Emergency Services Training Center in August 2016.

Randolph Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Ga. 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Randolph Community College. The College is authorized by the State Board of Community Colleges to award the Associate in Applied Science degree, the Associate in Arts degree, and the Associate in Science degree. EOE.