from the
PRESIDENT Turning Wrenches When I first started my career, I was an auto mechanic in my dad’s shop. College wasn’t something I envisioned for myself at the time, but after I graduated high school, I attended Greenville Technical College, graduated with a degree in Industrial Technology, and went to work. I loved cars and my wife. That was about it at the time. I knew what I wanted to do, and that was to work on cars and be a mechanic. I had no idea at the time that a CTE (Career and Technical Education) pathway would transform my life the way it did.
I ran the shop my dad owned in Henderson County for about 10 years before I was approached by two vice presidents from Blue Ridge Community College. “We hear you’re a good mechanic, and we need you to teach a few classes,” they said. They had three students in their Automotive Technology program, and they needed an adjunct instructor. I was 29 years old at the time. I took a big leap of faith, and I handed the keys to the shop back over to my dad. Then I was off to Blue Ridge Community College to teach. Their automotive program was about to shut down due to extremely low enrollment, but the county needed trained mechanics to work in shops across western North Carolina. The demand for qualified auto mechanics was extremely high. After five years, I had grown the automotive technology program from three students to 110 students. I developed sponsorships for the program with Chrysler, Ford, BMW, and Subaru.
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One of my first graduates from the Automotive Technology program came up to me one day after he had graduated and said, “You don’t know what you’ve done for me. I was sleeping in a car. I had no job. I saw no future. Now I have a fantastic job, and I see a brighter future.” That is the power of education. Education opens the doors to many opportunities. After teaching for ten years, I had the opportunity to work at the North Carolina Community College System office in Raleigh. There I oversaw all transportation sector programs for the state system. Community colleges have state-mandated guidelines they must follow to develop local programs. As the state program lead for transportation sector programs, I spent my time redesigning the NC Community College curriculum for the Automotive Technology program. When I look back on my career, I realize it all started when I was just a kid working in an automotive shop turning wrenches. That’s what I loved, and I still love it to this day. I’m a car guy. It’s what shaped me. It’s what ignited me to give back and become an educator who trained students to become leaders in their community. I understood the power there is in training students and preparing them for the workforce. When that happens, our communities thrive. I, like everyone else in our community, want a good place to work, live, and play. I’m so excited to launch the Automotive Technology and other transportation programs at SCC this fall. Our community needs you to join one of these great programs. Our workforce needs you. I hope you step up to the call.
“That is the power of education. Education opens the doors to many opportunities.”
Dr. Chris English President Southeastern Community College
CONTENTS
2
COVER STORY Turning Wrenches
4
WE LIVE HERE The Economic Value of SCC
7
9
A Message from the President
Don’t Miss It! Kick off summer with SCC. We’re just as excited as you that warmer weather and brighter skies are on their way.
AS FAR AS YOU CAN GO Rams Alumni Spotlight AROUND CAMPUS New Programs & Classes coming soon to SCC
Rams on the Run 5K SCC is hosting a Spring 5K event on Saturday, May 21. We are charged with creating and maintaining a culture that supports and promotes the overall health and wellness of students, employees, and the community. This year, the focus is on bringing awareness to emotional health – the ability to be selfaware and cope with challenges and needs while developing overall resilience. The global pandemic of COVID-19 has affected many in our community and the college feels that it’s important to support those struggling with mental health and recognize the signs that may lead to a decline in emotional stability. Join us for our Summer Festival June 16th. More information to come! You can stay up to date at sccnc.edu. SCCNC.EDU 3
we live here SCC HAS $119.6 MILLION ECONOMIC IMPACT IN COLUMBUS COUNTY Southeastern Community College (SCC) creates a significant positive impact on the business community and generates a return on investment to its major stakeholder groups—students, taxpayers, and society. Using a two-pronged approach that involves an economic impact analysis and an investment analysis, this study calculates the benefits received by each of these groups. Results of the analysis reflect fiscal year (FY) 2019-20.
ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS In FY 2019-20, SCC added $119.6 million in income to the Columbus County economy, a value approximately equal to 7.2% of the county’s total gross regional product (GRP). Expressed in terms of jobs, SCC’s impact supported 2,311 jobs. For perspective, the activities of SCC and its students support one out of every 10 jobs in Columbus County.
1
out of every
10
OPERATIONS SPENDING IMPACT
• SCC employed 278 full-time and part-time faculty and staff. Payroll amounted to $13.9 million, much of which was spent in the county for groceries, mortgage and rent payments, dining out, and other household expenses. The college spent another $10.2 million on day-to-day expenses related to facilities, supplies, and professional services.
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• The net impact of the college’s operations spending added $16.6 million in income to the county economy in FY 2019-20.
STUDENT SPENDING IMPACT
• Some in-county students, referred to as retained students, would have left Columbus County for other educational opportunities if not for SCC. These retained students spent money on groceries, mortgage and rent payments, and other living expenses at county businesses. • The expenditures of retained students in FY 2019-20 added $2.3 million in income to the Columbus County economy
ALUMNI IMPACT
• Over the years, students have studied at SCC and entered or re-entered the workforce with newly-acquired knowledge and skills. Today, thousands of these former students are employed in Columbus County. • The net impact of SCC’s former students currently employed in the county workforce amounted to $100.7 million in added income in FY 2019-20.
Impacts created by SCC in FY 2019-20
Operations spending impact
$16.6 million
Student spending impact
$2.3 million
Alumni impact
$100.7 million Total Economic impact
$119.6 million OR
Jobs supported
2,311
INVESTMENT ANALYSIS STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
• SCC’s FY 2019-20 students paid a present value of $4.6 million to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and supplies. They also forwent $30.7 million in money that they would have earned had they been working instead of attending college. • In return for their investment, students will receive a cumulative present value of $133.8 million in increased earnings over their working lives. This translates to a return of $3.80 in higher future earnings for every dollar students invest in their education. Students’ average annual rate of return is 22.5%.
• In FY 2019-20, North Carolina invested $58.4 million to support SCC. In turn, the North Carolina economy will grow by $398.7 million over the course of students’ working lives. Society will also benefit from $7.7 million of public and private sector savings. • For every dollar invested in SCC in FY 2019-20, people in North Carolina will receive $7.00 in return for as long as SCC’s FY 2019-20 students remain active in the state workforce.
TAXPAYER PERSPECTIVE
• Taxpayers provided SCC with $16 million of funding in FY 2019-20. In return, they will benefit from added tax revenue, stemming from students’ higher lifetime earnings and increased business output, amounting to $35.1 million. A reduced demand for government-funded services in North Carolina will add another $3 million in benefits to taxpayers. • For every dollar of public money invested in SCC, taxpayers will receive $2.4 in return over the course of students’ working lives. The average annual rate of return for taxpayers is 9.0%.
SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE
SCCNC.EDU 5
ABOUT SCC
2,015
Credit students
1
out of every
278
5,175
10
Columbus County
Employees
Non-credit students
North Carolina
jobs in Columbus County is supported by the activities of SCC and its students.
ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS Alumni impact
*
Impact of the increased earnings of SCC alumni and the businesses thev work for
$100.7
million
Added income
1,926 Jobs supported
An economic boost similar to hosting the World Series
17x
= 25 jobs = family of four
or Student spending impact
Operating spending impact
Impact of the increased earnings of SCC alumni and the businesses thev work for
$100.7
Impact of the daily spending of SCC students retained in the county
$2.3 million
million
Added income Enough to buy
495 new cars
or
64 Jobs supported
64
or
Added income
Jobs supported
187
Enough to buy families a year’s worth of groceries
INVESTMENT ANALYSIS For every $1...
$3.80
Student gain in lifetime earnings $
$
$ $
The average associate degree graduate from SCC will see an increase in earnings of $6,600 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma or equivalent working in North Carolina. 6 RAMS MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022
$7.00
$2.40
Society gains in added state revenue and social savings
Taxpayers gain in added tax revenue and public sector savings $
$
< High School High School Certificate Associate Bachelor’s
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$17,300 $22,500 $25,900 $29,100 $42,300 * Results of the analysis reflect fiscal year (FY) 2019-20.
RAMS SPOTLIGHTS
Medical Laboratory Technology
Paying it forward. It’s a movement across America. For one SCC alum, it inspired creating a scholarship. Christa Lynch is a 2019 graduate of the Medical Laboratory Technology program. During her time as a student, Lynch was a recipient of the Lloyd and Beth Batten scholarship. She credits the SCC Foundation for her peace of mind as she navigated being a wife, mother, and student. “I cannot say enough amazing things about my time at SCC,” Lynch shared. “From the first time I visited, I felt like I was wanted, that I mattered, and that I belonged.” Shortly after graduating, Lynch felt inspired to give back to the SCC Foundation by creating a scholarship opportunity for students interested in enrolling in the Medical Laboratory Technology program. “I would not be where I am today without the generosity of the SCC Foundation.” Upon graduating from SCC, Lynch found full-time employment and transferred to Winston Salem University in their online Clinical Laboratory Science program. She is currently employed as a Medical Laboratory Technologist at Wilmington Health. Lynch said, “My job as a Medical Laboratory Technologist includes oversight and quality of the hematology department, specimen processing, analytical testing, quality control, quality assurance, instrument maintenance/troubleshooting, LIS administrator, operating within CLIA regulations, and assisting with phlebotomy.” Lynch also is an adjunct instructor at SCC.
to the “ According Bureau of Labor
Statistics, the employment of clinical lab technologists and technicians is projected to grow 11% from 20202030, faster than the average for all occupations.
“
CHRISTA LYNCH
“SCC prepared me for the workforce with both knowledge from the classroom and my clinical experience.” What inspires you? My biggest motivator is my family. They are first in my life and I strive to provide a good life for them. I am always looking for ways to push myself and achieve new goals. A coworker once told me, “I don’t wake up to be mediocre,” and that really stuck with me and has become a personal motto for me. I love to donate and help people and that is one reason why I started a scholarship at SCC.
DE’MAYA BERRY
Small Business Center
Resilience. That’s a good word to describe the work behind a local restaurant owner who has brought coastal cuisine right to our backdoor. Mayas Crab Shack, located in Riegelwood, NC is a seafood restaurant that officially opened during a global pandemic. But Berry didn’t have a promising start. She was immediately shut down by the health department because she was selling food plates
in her home. It’s easy to make mistakes like this but tricky to bounce back from it and she did just that – resiliently. Berry’s mother, in true mama-bear fashion, established a Riegelwood location and Berry was serving customers out of her new restaurant a month after being shut down. She has since been serving customers from all over North Carolina. In September 2020, the restaurant became a chain with the purchase of a food truck to keep up with high demands. “Operating a restaurant during a global pandemic is challenging,” said Pamela Young-Jacobs, Small Business Center Director. “It opened Berry’s eyes to the uncertainties of business. But it also taught her the importance of learning how to keep your head above water and being adaptable.” Berry’s mom reached out to the SCC Small Business Center to inquire about assistance with a business plan. Since that time, Berry has opened a second restaurant location in Kelly, NC. “There are so many resources available to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and dreamers,” said Young-Jacobs. “Berry has now completed her HUB application which will allow her business high exposure. Most restaurants don’t think about state contracting - it’s a little outside the box. But outside the box is a perfect description of the drive, determination, and perseverance that Berry exhibits as a business owner and young entrepreneur. SCC believes in this young entrepreneur and predicts that Maya’s Crab Shack will continue to open restaurants across the state in the years to come.”
SCCNC.EDU 7
RAMS SPOTLIGHTS
JOSH SNYDER
Mechatronics Engineering Technology
When looking back over his on-campus experiences, it is no surprise Snyder feels so connected to his alma mater. To say Snyder has a passion for Rams Country is an understatement, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that his career and means of learning have revolved around it the college. Balancing his responsibilities as a husband and father of three who took a leap and came to SCC to train for a new career, he felt supported the whole way. “The support I received on campus drove me to take on student leadership opportunities like Student Government President, SkillsUSA President, and Phi Theta Kappa Vice President of Leadership,” said Josh Snyder. “Through these programs, I was able to experience off-campus events like the North Carolina SkillsUSA competition where I showcased my electrical skills against other college students in North Carolina. As a student I was not pressured to take extracurricular activities but encouraged to participate. That’s what happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.” “SCC prepared me for the workforce in multiple ways,” said Josh Snyder. “The campus had modern labs with state-of-the-art equipment and instructional periods to ensure I had a well-built foundation in Electrical Engineering.” His internship at Top Tobacco in Lake Waccamaw allowed him to gain real-world experience that was critical to his success after graduation. He got a job right after graduation with Top Tobacco as an electrical technician.
8 RAMS MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022
Shortly after completing his associate degree in electrical engineering technology, he transferred to East Carolina University to complete his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering – an online pathway that allowed him to stay in Columbus County to continue working while also staying competitive in the job market and advancing his knowledge in the field. He has now rejoined SCC as an advanced manufacturinginstructor. “This next step in my career provides me the opportunity to give back to SCC and teach the next generation of students. I am currently teaching both curriculum and workforce continuing education classes. I’m able to teach electrical engineering classes as well as classes in the new construction academy. SCC fueled my path to success, and I want others to see the opportunities. Education is important and it’s never too late to go back.”
JOYCE PATTERSON Basic Skills Plus Nurse Aide I
“It’s never too late.” That has become the mantra of Joyce Patterson when asked why she decided to go back to school at the age of sixty. “I worked at the same job for thirteen years and never felt like I was making a difference.” In January of 2021, Joyce decided to change that. At age sixty, she decided to begin her journey to a career where she could make a difference. Joyce enrolled in the Basic Skill Plus Nurse Aide I program at SCC. During this time, she worked to earn her
high school equivalency diploma while simultaneously working towards a Nurse Aide I certification. In the Fall of 2021, she completed the high school equivalency program along with several state certifications, and her CNA certification. Joyce said SCC prepared her to reach her goals. “My instructors didn’t just teach from the textbook. They also taught passion, which is important to have as a nurse.” She went on to say her instructors were a big part of her success and they truly wanted to see her succeed. When asked what advice she would give prospective students Joyce said “I want to say this to the young and the old. Nothing is easy in this life. Education is very important. Work hard, stay focused, and don’t let anything stop you from pursuing your God-given purpose.” You might think that’s all for Joyce at SCC, but she’s not stopping there. Thanks to the Basic Skills Plus Nurse Aide I program Joyce is able to work part-time at Interim Health as a CNA while continuing her education journey. She is currently enrolled at SCC taking her pre-requisites to enroll in the LPN program.
Share Your Story! SCC has the best #RamsFam! We are so proud of the success our students and want to keep cheering you on as you countiune to succeed. If you or someone you know would like to submit a Rams Spotlight please email: Haylee Damato haylee.damato@sccnc.edu
AROUND CAMPUS
Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.6 million new jobs.*
* (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Healthcare at SCC SCC offers many other programs that can lead to high demand careers.
GET STARTED
This Summer NURSING PRE-REQUISITES
Medical Laboratory Technology
Summer is a great time to get a headstart on the classes you need to enter a nursing program or another healthcare program. Make your summer count! Take courses at SCC to get you on the right track to an amazing healthcare career!
Medical Office Administration
BIO-168 Anatomy & Physiology
Seated
Nurse Aide Certification
ENG-111 Writing & Inquiry
Online
PSY-150 General Psychology
Online
PHI-240 Intro to Ethics
Online
Associate in Degree in Nursing (RN) Medical Billing & Coding
Pharmacy Technology Phlebotomy Practical Nursing (LPN)
Get a Headstart Thinking about becoming a nurse? Think ahead! High school students can begin their journey toward applying for the SCC Nursing program through CCP! It’s a good idea to take a few pre-requisite nursing classes while still in high school for FREE.
BIO-169 Anatomy & Physiology II
Seated
ENG-112 Writing/Research in the Disc Online ACA-122 College Transfer Success
Online
PSY-241 Developmental Psychology Online
$
Remember, if you take at least 2 CCP courses successfully, you qualify for the SCC Success Scholarship.That’s 2 years of FREE tuition and fees.
Once SCC students complete their Associate degree in Nursing (ADN) they are able to transfer to over fifteen colleges/universities in NC to earn a BSN.
SCCNC.EDU 9
AROUND CAMPUS
AUTOMOTIVE Johnny O’Connell comes from a “naturally mechanically inclined family,” he explained. O’Connell joins the Rams Family from Wilkes Community College (WCC). “My grandfather owned an automotive shop that became a family affair. The shop was long gone before I was born, but those technical skills were instilled in me at a young age. As a kid, I loved repairing anything from toys, bicycles, and anything mechanical.” O’Connell graduated from WCC with a degree in Automotive Systems Technology. “It’s the only thing I knew well,” said O’Connell. His acheivements have occured both as a student and as an
DO IT YOURSELF Starting May 15, short-term classes will be offered to equip you with the DIY skills needed in a variety of home improvement projects from carpentry to electrical. Students enrolled in construction trade projects over the Summer will not only be building their own set of “do it yourself” skills, but they’ll also be working on a special project for the SCC Child Development Center. This is an amazing opportunity to finally skip the confusing YouTube tutorials on how to wire a chandelier and get the one-on-one training with an instructor.
> Register online or by phone at (910) 788-6350. You could qualify for $0 fees.
instructor. He won awards for Outstanding Student and Vehicle Technician. After experience working in the automotive industry, he returned to WCC and spent the last 14 years teaching as an automotive instructor. During his time at WCC he has earned an Excellence in Teaching Award, making it to the semi-finalist stage at the state level. He assisted in developing an automotive program at a university in Erbil, Iraq. O’Connell participated in an instructor exchange program with a college in Northern Ireland, spending a week in Ireland and teaching a few automotive classes while there. Over the past ten years, he has gone
> Build a She-Shed/Man-Cave > Wire a She-Shed/Man-Cave > Install a Mini-Split Unit in a She-Shed/Man Cave
on four service-learning trips to Panama, three of which, he brought groups of automotive students to participate in community projects that benefit those in need. Those trips were funded with money that his students raised through our Automotive Club. Many say it was the greatest experience of their lives.
> Learn more about Automotive Technology at (910) 788-6350.
> Lay a Patio Walkway > Plumb the Bathroom > Weld a Designer Firepit
ONLINE REGISTRATION A better, faster way to register for Workforce Continuing Education classes on all your favorite devices! Now you can get the most up-to-date SCC Workforce Continuing Education class information online anytime! There are multiple start dates for these calsses. View the fullschedule to plug in on your time.
Step 1: Visit sccnc.edu,
scroll down to Quick Links and select Workforce
Continuing Education Schedule.
Step 2: Welcome to
the new schedule. Scroll through and select the
class you are interested in.
Step 3: View the course
date, times, location, and pay online.
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Important Dates Summer Workforce Continuing Education Classes begin.....................................................................May 15 Summer opperating hours begin........................May 15 8:00 am - 5:30 pm, M-Th 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, Fri Summer/Fall Registration is Open.........May 19-20 Summer Session Begins...........................................May 23 Memorial Day - college closed............................May 30 Independence Day - college closed...................July 4 Summer Exam Period..........................................July 25-29 End of Summer Session..............................................July 29 Fall Registration is Open.............................Aug 10-12 First 8-Week Session Begins....................................Aug 15 14-Week Session Begins............................................Aug 29
View the full academic calendar at sccnc.edu
3
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Southeastern Community College is commited to Opening Doors to Opportunities in Columbus County Start your journey today! Stay close to home, save money, and gain personalized training in high demand careers such as healthcae, engineeering, construction, and transportation.
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