Fall 2022 Rams Magazine

We’re opening doors to opportunities at SCC in many ways - opportunities to better education, better jobs, and even leadership development.

Leadership is inspiring others to be the best they can be through self-awareness, communication, and visionary input and output that creates a positive action that will accelerate the vision, goal, or task at hand.

As President of SCC, I find it mission critical to not only lead Southeastern Community College but to encourage the next generation of leaders to rise up and begin building upon their own unique skills.

In this issue of Rams Magazine, I invite you to join me in celebrating some of our Rams leaders.

Indeed, this is an exciting time to be a part of SCC. I appreciate everything that our Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends are doing to make SCC a great place to be.

MEET THE BOARD

RAMS REAFFIRMED

SCC receives outstanding

review

FOUNDATION HIGHLIGHT

Gore

the importance of

Columbus County.

The heart of the

C MMUNITY

Southeastern Community College is the heart of Columbus County, which is why our community is the heart of everything we do.

Our vision is to develop an educated workforce that ensures our community is a thriving place to live, work, and play. We work towards this vision by offering meaningful programs and services to our community beyond the exceptional educational opportunities we offer our students.

Our investments both on and off-campus create a cycle of positive impact for this place we all call home.

We’re constantly striving to innovate and evolve to reach this community and every person in it. Ultimately, we want the value we offer to increase over time, so we choose to think beyond today’s perception of community college to what Southeastern can be tomorrow and beyond.

This means we aren’t confined to conventional thinking and can create the kind of college that will best serve our students and our community.

Our one-college model means that every student we work with has the opportunity to go as far as he or she can. We're not limited by the silos of degree-seeking or workforce continuing education classes.

We offer personalized career counseling to our students craft individual paths that help them achieve their goals, whatever they are.

Students are heard, known, and served in ways that change lives and impact our community.

Meet the

Board

Chairman, Judge Jack Hooks

• Years served: 8

Southeastern Community College is governed by a local Board of Trustees. The Board consists of 12 trustees – four appointed by the Columbus County Commissioners, two appointed by the Columbus County Board of Education, two appointed by the Whiteville City Schools Board of Education and four appointed by the Governor of North Carolina. The #RamsFam appreciates everything the Board does for the college. We hope you enjoy this Q&A with the BOT and that it helps you get to know the leaders of our college.

• Appointed by: Whiteville City Board of Education

• Hometown: Whiteville

Q: Who is someone who has been a leader in your life and why?

A: I have to admit, our current SCC Board has several inspirational examples of leadership. Randy Britt, Theresa Blanks, and Henry Edmund leap to the front of my mind immediately. Those three have tirelessly served and given to Columbus County and SCC for years. They always consider what is best for our institutions and its citizens.

Vice Chairman, Joe Hooks

• Years served: 10

• Appointed by: Whiteville City Board of Education

• Hometown: Whiteville

Q: Who is someone who has been a leader in your life and why? A: Jim High and Bill Brooks were two members of the SCC Foundation that were instrumental in leading me to work for the betterment of SCC.

Secretary, Emma Shaw

• Years served: 5 • Appointed by: NC Governor

• Hometown: Riegelwood

Q: What’s a fun fact that not many people know about your history at SCC or in Columbus County? A: My first job in Columbus County was assistant at the public library. I worked under the wonderful Amanda Bible. I traveled to all the library branches promoting reading in Columbus County. I was appointed by the Honorable’ Beverly Perdue to serve on the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee (GTAC), the “Career and College -Ready, Set, Go!” Education Priority, and to facilitate the “Teacher Working Condition Initiative.”

Theresa Blanks

• Years served: 17 • Appointed by: Columbus County Commissioners

• Hometown: St. James, Lake Waccamaw

Q: What’s a fun fact that not many people know about your history at SCC or in Columbus County? A: I am the first Native American principal from the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe. I grew up going to Waccamaw Indian School and was influenced by my 4th grade teacher, Ola Young, to become an educator.

Randy Britt

• Years served: 20 • Appointed by: Columbus County Board of Education

• Hometown: Fair Bluff

Q: What’s a fun fact that not many people know about your history at SCC or in Columbus County? A: I won the 1976 Bicentennial Bikini Contest, and my team won the corn on the cob eating contest. (I personally ate 15 ears.)

Dr. Maudie Davis

• Years served: 13 • Appointed by: Columbus County Commissioners

• Hometown: Tabor City

• Years served: 16

• Appointed by: Columbus County Board of Education

• Hometown: Chadbourn

Q: What’s a fun fact that not many people know about your history at SCC or in Columbus County? A: I played on the first SCC soccer team from 19671968. I remember riding go-carts in front of what is now the A-building before there was even a campus there.

Henry Edmund Robert Ezzell

• Years served: 10

• Appointed by: Columbus County Commissioners

• Hometown: Whiteville

Q: What’s a fun fact that not many people know about your history at SCC or in Columbus County?

A: I raise Kiko goats. I have anywhere from 15 - 40 Kiko goats at a time. The Kiko is used mainly for a meat goat.

Crystal Frink

• Years served: 3 • Appointed by: NC Governor

• Hometown: Chadbourn

Q: Who is someone who has been a leader in your life and why?

A: Mrs. Doris Scipio Dees has truly left a lasting legacy! During my earliest days at the former Westside High School, later at West Columbus High School, and most recently at the Davis AcademyChadbourn initiative, she was steadfast and committed. She was an iconic educator, civic-community activist, and former SCC Trustee. Mrs. Dees has inspired many generations in and around the Chadbourn community. She was the personification of a traditional, contemporary, and progressive spirit in all her endeavors.

Dr. Timothy Lance

• Years served: 2

• Appointed by: NC Governor

• Hometown: Georgetown, SC

Q: What’s a fun fact that not many people know about your history at SCC or in Columbus County?

A: I have made two missionary trips to Uganda, East Africa to conduct a week long Christian conference. I am a Retired US Army Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel) and retired schoolteacher/counselor.

I currently serve as Pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church and Moderator of New Era Missionary Baptist Association.

Dr. Gary Lanier

• Years served: 4

• Appointed by: NC Governor

• Hometown: Wilmington/ Jacksonville Q: Who is someone who has been a leader in your life and why? A: Former County Manager Bill Clark convinced me that I could and should move from the industrial sector to the Economic Development Director position with Columbus County. Helping to create jobs for citizens that really need them has been very rewarding to me both personally and professionally!

• Appointed by: Columbus County Commissioners

• Hometown: Cherry Grove Community, Tabor City

Q: What’s a fun fact that not many people know about your history at SCC or in Columbus County?

A: Over my 50-year career in education, especially during my early years, I took many courses at SCC, taught in the summer Upward Bound program, and even acted in the Theater Arts Department production of “Dark of the Moon.” In my later years, as Superintendent of Columbus County Schools, I served on the planning committee to obtain funds and development for the Early College program. Lastly, working with the county-wide committee and SCC, we obtained the grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation to start the technical part of Early College housed originally on the Fair Bluff campus.

Dr. Dan Strickland being sworn into the SCC BOT by Clerk of Court, Jess Hill

Dr. Dan Strickland

RAMS

SGA

“Leadership is the art of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work.” - Seth Godin

SCC’s Student Government Association is giving three #RamsFam members a platform for putting their ideas into action.

Kinlaw Oretha

2022-2023 SGA President

Leaders leading leaders. That’s what prompted Oretha Kinlaw to join the SGA leadership team.

Oretha started her journey at SCC in 1998. However, like many students, life happened, and she had to put her plans on hold. She re-enrolled in the Early Childhood Program in 2021 to pursue her life-long dream of becoming a teacher.

Joining a campus club, especially in a leadership role, is not typical behavior for Kinlaw who has a fear of public speaking. She said, “My advisor believed in me and felt it would be a wonderful opportunity for me.” Sometimes it takes someone

else believing in us to help us see our true potential. Kinlaw says she is excited for this new opportunity and hopes SGA will empower her with networking, leadership, and public speaking skills to be the great leader and teacher she was meant to be.

Oretha is now looking ahead to the 2022 Fall semester and says, “I look forward to all the new and upcoming student activities we are planning for this school year. I plan to help students get more involved and enjoy learning and have growth here at SCC. I aim to connect them with any information and resources possible, so they get the greatest experiences for a brighter future.” Kinlaw hopes that she can lead and inspire others just like her advisor led her.

Freeman Joshua

2022-2023 SGA

Vice President

Joshua Freeman

campaigned to be the

2022-2023 SGA

Vice President to “put himself out there.”

Growing up in Riegelwood, N.C., Joshua Freeman knew that when the time came for him to go to college, SCC would be the choice for him. He enrolled in the Elec trical Engineering program at SCC in the Fall of 2020 and has not looked back. Freeman credits SCC’s experienced faculty and staff with helping him find a program that fits his skills and talents. “SCC has stuck with me, and my teachers have made sure I’m choosing the right classes,” said Freeman.

When asked what led him to cam paign for SGA, Freeman said, “I wanted to put myself out there and gain additional skills that might benefit me in the workplace.” When asked what these additional skills might be, Freeman answered, “leadership skills and learning how to be socially active and comfortable with new situations.”

With the age of social media still on an upward trend, students can feel like they are constantly connected and not connected with anyone, simultaneously. Freeman understands the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to grow social skills and become more employable. College is an exciting time to invest in oneself, and that does not always mean just what is learned in the classroom.

Freeman said “I want to be an example that anyone can look up to.” By stepping up to his new leadership role with SCC’s SGA, we have no doubt the college will see BIG things from Freeman.

Spaulding J’Nay

Welcome to the

2022-2023 SGA Secretary #RAMSFAM

J’Nay Spaulding has seen firsthand the hard work that must be put in to get to the future one deserves.

Spaulding was attracted to SCC for its renowned Nursing program. She enrolled in the ADN program in 2022 and is looking forward to starting her traveling nurse career after graduating in 2024.

Spaulding says she campaigned for SGA because she wanted to make a difference and help her classmates. She is looking forward to hearing from the student body once Fall semester starts and hopes her leadership role will allow her to address their concerns and make a difference on campus.

When asked what leadership means to her, Spaulding responded, “Leadership to me means being a voice for others and trying to make a difference when others can’t.” She said her mother has been a great leader and example in her life. “She was a single mother of three, and she raised us all by herself. She fought a lot of obstacles. She taught me how to be the strong young woman that I am today, and for that I am grateful.”

Spaulding hopes to set the same example her mother set for her in this new leadership role. She hopes to be a voice for her peers and continue to help grow Rams Country.

Hey Rams! I’m Aspen Simmons, your new Student Engagement Coordinator. I am SO excited for this year and hope you are too! I will be working with your SGA Officers to plan student events and activities on campus, so keep an eye on our SCC SGA Facebook page and our Twitter page for updates. Come see me in Nesmith 101 with any questions or ideas. You can also stop by the Nesmith Student Center to simply relax and play some games during one of your breaks between classes.

FACEBOOK TWITTER

See you soon!

Growing Space for more Opportunities

Lacie Jacobs, Vice President

SCC contracted with McMillan Pazdan Smith (MPS) Architectural Design Firm to develop a 10-year Strategic Facili ties Master Plan. The in-depth process lasted approximately one year and in cluded multiple phases of development: Discovery, Exploration, and Synthesis. Analyses of space needs, space utili zation, outreach and visioning, cir culation and parking, landscape, and infrastructure were all major content factors of the Facilities Master Plan. Facility condition assessments were also established in the plan. Idea generation workshops and campus community engagement activities with internal and external stakeholders led to various

scenarios and options for the 10-year plan.

Overall, the Strategic Facilities Master Plan aligns well with the framework and development of the College’s Stra tegic Plan Long Term Goals established in Fall 2021. By using projections of future infrastructure, facility and space needs, several factors for land use were included in the final plan – new devel opment outside the original campus cluster, new automotive/public safety/ academic programs and driving pad, and potential improvements and en hancements to athletics and recreation. The final plan was presented to the SCC Board of Trustees during the July 2022 Board Retreat.

The opportunities and configurations led by the plan are ever-changing. One of the established values of the College

is adaptability – SCC will always be re sponsive and innovative in meeting the needs of its students and community.

The facilities master plan is a big part of our strategic plan that will allow us to educate and train the next workforce in Columbus County,” said Dr. Chris English. “It’s exciting to see what the future holds for our college on facilities renovations and new construction.”

Final Plan Land Use

• New development outside the existing campus cluster

• New automotive, public safety, academic programs, and driving pad.

• Enhancement and expansion of the athletics and recreation area.

RAMS

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has reaffirmed Southeast ern Community College (SCC) for an additional 10 years.

SACSCOC is the accreditation body that reviews colleges and universities in the Southern states. Accreditation provides institutions with access to federal funding, including Pell Grants. Accredited schools can participate in transfer credits between institutions, and it assures established standards of higher education.

The SACSCOC Board of Trustees voted to approve the reaffirmation at its recent June 2022 meeting the deci sion followed an extensive process that began in May 2019 with several steps to reaffirmation including an on-site visit in September 2021 by a SACSCOC on-site committee.

The SACSCOC reviewed institutional integrity, curriculum, facilities, faculty, student services, budgets, and financial aid to see how it measured up to their standards covering mission, education al programs, governing board, student achievement, academic services, faculty, administration, institutional planning and financial resources.

The college was found to be in complete compliance, with no recommendations.

“This is the best news for our college, our students and the community we serve. I’m overwhelmed with excite ment,” President Chris English said. “I speak for everyone at SCC when I say we are all thoroughly pleased with this outstanding news. The administration, faculty, staff, and students have worked very hard for this outcome. We have incredible support from our board of trustees and community members.”

SACSCOC found SCC in complete com pliance with all standards and offered no recommendations for the school’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), ti tled “I Know”, which works to increase student success and workforce devel

opment at SCC.

A requirement of SACSCOC accredi tation, SCC must create a Quality En hancement Plan (QEP). The QEP is a 5-year action plan that targets an issue identified by the institution as im portant to increasing student learning and/or success. The plan will provide a course of action to improve student learning by focusing on an area that will enhance the institution’s effec tiveness.

SCC concentrated on student success and workforce development for the QEP. SCC’s goal is to enable each student to select an appropriate academic program based on their identified interests and career objectives in order to facilitate the timely completion of their aca demic goals.

“Our on-site SACSCOC Committee was very impressed with the faculty, staff, students and Board of Trustees

Members at Southeastern Community College,” said Vice President Sylvia Cox. “It was my honor to serve as the SACSCOC Liaison during this process. All the credit for this great accomplish ment goes to the amazing faculty and staff at SCC. It is an honor to work with such a talented team.”

SCC’s next reaffirmation will be in year 2032.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees of

Southeastern Community College, I want to express our tremendous grat itude for the hard work that has gone into this reaccreditation result,” said Jack Hooks, Chair, Board of Trust ees. “The fact of our reaccreditation is wonderful, but reaccreditation with no noted areas needing improvement is thrilling! Dr. English, the leadership team, faculty and staff have all put in a tremendous amount of work to illustrate things are being done the right way at SCC. We are proud of and thankful to all.”

LEADERSHIP COLUMBUS

Four members of the #RamsFam were recognized on June 23, 2022 for com pleting Leadership Columbus training. Leadership Columbus is a four-month course designed “to develop, connect, and inspire diverse leaders who serve as catalysts in building a strong and vibrant community.”

Pictured left to right: Pamela Young-Jacobs, Director of Small Business Center, Dr. Natalie Hinson, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Amanda Formyduval, Human Resources Coordinator, Haylee Damato, Director of Marketing & Communications

The Importance of SCC to Columbus County

When asked about the importance of SCC to Columbus County, SCC Foun dation Board of Directors President, Brett Gore answered, “Opportunity, opportunity, opportunity!!”

Brett Gore was raised in Columbus County. He graduated from Williams Township School and, at the age of eighteen, joined the United States Ma rine Corps where he served for four years.

After returning home, Gore joined his family in running the family business, The Gore Company, a local hardware store. After ten years at the hardware store, Brett joined his father at Gore Trailer Manufacturing as Vice President. For fifty years, Brett and his family have been manufacturing quality horse trailers in Whiteville, NC and shipping them around the United States and even the world. Gore Manufacturing is one of SCC’s cherished industry partners. Our industry partners help give the college feedback for industry standard training and provide work experience for students.

Being an industry partner is not Brett’s only tie to SCC. Over the years, Brett’s

wife and three children have attended SCC. Gore’s son is currently enrolled in the Electrical Engineering Program, and his daughter is taking CCP (Career & College Promise) classes. Gore was also recently appointed as the President of the SCC Foundation Board of Directors.

Gore says serving on the Foundation BOD has been a learning experience. “I have seen how much effort goes into making sure our students have an op portunity to receive a good education,” said Gore. When asked the importance of SCC to the local community, Gore said “Opportunity, opportunity, opportunity! SCC is important because it provides an opportunity for our students to receive an education beyond high school. SCC has multiple programs to assist stu dents in becoming successful citizens within a global society.”

Gore said he is inspired by watching people succeed, and that is exactly what SCC’s Foundation is making possible. When asked what he sees in the future for the Foundation, he said, “The SCC Foundation is evolving to better fill the financial needs of current and fu ture students as well as provide for the physical needs of the school.”

High Lobby Dedicated

Help the SCC Foundation provide educational opportunities to our students. LEARN MORE AT SCCNC.EDU/GIVE

The Southeastern Community College Trustees and the SCC Foundation Board of Directors hosted a dedication ceremony on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 for the High Lobby, located in the SCC Auditorium.

The Auditorium Lobby has been dedicated in memory of Mr. Jim High.

“Mr. High was an avid supporter of Southeastern Community College and served on the Foundation Board of Directors for 50 years. It is a fitting tribute and a wonderful way to honor his memory by naming the SCC Auditorium Lobby,” said Terrie Priest, SCC Foundation Director.

Brett

Step

Education class

sccnc.edu,

down to Quick

and select Workforce Continuing Education

to the new

through

select the class

are interested

the course

times, location, and

In partnership with Columbus Coun ty Schools, SCC offered two summer camps for 9-12 graders interested in construction or welding. Construction students had the opportunity to earn 12 hours of college credit, and welding students had the opportunity to earn 8 hours of college credit.

Students also had the opportunity to earn an OSHA 10-Hour Certification and a SnapOn 525F Multimeter Certification. Construction students were engaged in many hands-on projects, including but not limited to, 7 picnic tables, 40 corn hole board sets, and 4 storage buildings. Construction students who successfully completed all 12 credit hours also re

ceived SCC’s Introduction to Facilities Maintenance Certificate.

SCC also hosted 7-9th graders at day camps for prospective automotive systems technology and cosmetology students. The 31 campers participated in either the CARS or the Cut, Curls & Color option.

We closed out our summer camps with Water Safety Camp at Lake Waccamaw. The camp, led by Dr. Peter Chambers, focused on water safety rather than swimming skills. Campers learned to be aware of their surroundings, how to throw a life preserver, and were introduced to CPR.