< Previous8 WWW.FAYTECHCC.EDU Dr. Mark Sorrells — Senior Vice President for Academic & Student Services MEETING STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE In December 2018, Dr. Mark Sorrells joined the ranks at FTCC as the Senior Vice President for Academic & Student Services. Sorrells came to FTCC with a rich history in education. He took a moment to chat with us about his background, goals, and work with students, and how he foresees his vision directly impacting the culture at FTCC.FTCC ANNUAL REPORT 9 How do you feel your background (in education or personally) led you to become a Senior VP at FTCC? My journey started more than 30 years ago and has taken me down a number of life-changing paths. I spent a number of years teaching business and entrepreneurship at a community college in North Carolina. From there, I began training teachers to use experiential teaching methodologies to help adults and youth explore and pursue entrepreneurship as a career path. This work allowed me to travel across North Carolina and the country, where I gained experience in working with communities to improve the social and economic mobility of people and places that were often left behind. For the next 18 years, my career was focused on assisting rural, economically challenged, and tobacco-dependent communities in North Carolina transition to new economic opportunities. My time at the Golden LEAF Foundation (GLF) afforded me the opportunity to focus my interests and talents on workforce and economic development initiatives that held promise for economic transformation. I was able to travel extensively and work with leaders from community colleges, local education agencies, universities, local government, and nonprofits to improve the economic conditions of distressed areas. GLF worked with local leaders to design and implement strategies to improve North Carolina’s economic landscape and create opportunities for individuals to improve their economic conditions. These experiences allowed me to identify and experience key challenges faced by disadvantaged communities and assist in creating solutions to improve economic opportunity through education and workforce training. It was our goal to support training initiatives that aligned with regional and local market needs of employers, help youth and adults make informed career choices, and increase educational attainment to improve the economic and social mobility for rural people and places. What are your goals for 2019 as the Senior VP for Academic and Student Services? It is my goal to create a more student-centered culture that is tightly focused on meeting each student where they are while providing the support needed by them to help them reach their goals and dreams. I want to help all students meet their goals — whatever they might be — and become lifelong learners. I am also interested in FTCC becoming a “student-ready college” by strengthening our collective efforts through a holistic advising process, creating structured pathways that are aligned with regional and global labor market needs, building the talent and capacity of our faculty and staff, rewarding and recognizing excellence, and developing strong partnerships within the community. The end game is to make Cumberland County a destination of choice for talent. Are you focusing on any projects or departments in particular this year? FTCC is going through Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaccreditation process. This requires the college to develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) to drive improvement. Our plan involves revamping our on-boarding and advising process for students, increasing support throughout their educational experiences at FTCC, and investing in the talent needed to meet our mission. This also involves aligning resources to meet the economic needs of local and regional businesses. The team at FTCC is analyzing economic data and employment projections for the region so we are better prepared to assist students in gaining the skills and experiences they need to obtain living-wage jobs. We want to increase opportunities for students to gain work experience through work-based learning and enhance the educational process through applied learning. How do you feel your role directly impacts students? As the Chief Academic Officer for the College, I have to oversee and support the academic and student support leadership team in implementing strategies that focus on high-quality educational programs that lead to good-paying careers and fuel student success. The job involves working with the Executive Council to develop and implement the strategic plan adopted by the Board of Trustees. This includes nurturing an inclusive culture and growth mindset, making sure adequate resources are available to facilitate success, and supporting faculty and staff in delivering exceptional educational experiences. The individual players form a team. It is my job to make sure the team can perform at the highest level. My effectiveness is only as good as the work of my colleagues. We are all connected as one unit in assisting our students and helping the community prosper. Are you launching any new initiatives this year? Yes, a number of connected initiatives are being initiated, but it will take several years to realize the return on investment. In addition to the QEP, the academic and student support team has worked with faculty to design a new talent development framework to help grow talent and enhance the educational experience at FTCC. This involves investing in part- and full-time faculty to enhance teaching and learning. In addition, FTCC is partnering with Fort Bragg and Womack Army Medical Center to assist in training surgical teams to respond to combat injuries and increase Womack’s capabilities as a residency program. This partnership is also providing students in the Funeral Service Education Program with opportunities to enhance their skills through a new embalming technology and exposure to surgical training. It is our hope to transfer the concept of applied learning to other programs by allowing students in health science and other programs hands-on-training. What do you feel is one of the most important aspects of higher education? Education is key to improving economic mobility. According to the 2018 Employer Needs Survey by the NC Department of Commerce, 68% of all jobs created by 2030 will require an associate’s degree, bachelor degree, or a meaningful credential. Currently, Cumberland County’s educational attainment is only 37% (Lumina Foundation, A Stronger Nation - NC's Report 2017). We have a gap to close, and it depends on our educational partners and business community working together to meet the employment needs of businesses to fuel economic growth. Community colleges hold the key to improving the social and economic mobility of our citizens and economic prosperity available in Cumberland County. These are central to our efforts as a nation to retool and reshape the economic landscape of the future.10 WWW.FAYTECHCC.EDU ABOVE THE BAR CONGRATULATIONS DIAMOND DAYS TOP COUNTING UP FTCC’S TOP MOMENTS OF 2018-2019 FTCC takes ownership of J.P. Riddle Stadium Forty-six students at FTCC made the cut. In May 2019, the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) held its annual Induction Ceremony, recognizing 46 students for becoming a part of the coveted organization. The society’s mission centers on honoring student achievement and leadership in career and technical education while promoting educational excellence, awarding scholarships, and enhancing career opportunities for its members. A special moment from the ceremony focused on an honored guest, Mr. C. Allen Powell, the co-founder of the society, who had recently announced his retirement after serving the society for 35 years. FTCC recognizes the hard work of Mr. Powell throughout the years and also the dedication of the student body in earning these inductions. Cosmetology Department Chair Veronica Guions speaks at the annual induction ceremony for FTCC’s chapter of the National Technical Honor Society. The national organization began in 1984, and NTHS serves more than 100,000 active members annually. Dr. Keen also sits on the national organization’s board of directors. Employees named for Excellence Awards FTCC students recognized at the distinguished NTHS Induction The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted in December to give J.P. Riddle Stadium to Fayetteville Technical Community College. The College began using the stadium in the spring of 2019 in conjunction with the FTCC Trojans’ inaugural season of men’s baseball. The men’s baseball teams of Fayetteville Technical Community College and Freedom Christian Academy joined the Fayetteville SwampDogs in using the field and stadium. “We thank the Cumberland County Commissioners for this opportunity to be associated with the J.P. Riddle Stadium and to continue the Riddle family’s intent to share this asset with the citizens of Cumberland County,” said Dr. J. Larry Keen, FTCC president. 1 2 This year, seven of our faculty members were recognized as recipients of the John E. and Suanne D. Roueche Excellence Award by The League for Innovation in the Community College. The honor recognizes and commends their efforts for exceptional teaching and leadership: Dr. Dina Adams, Department Chair, Pharmacy Technology; Anthony Cameron, Department Chair, IT/Computer Programming and Development; Keith Carter, Department Chair, Building Construction Technology and Carpentry; Marie Cash, Instructor, Mathematics; Daniel Pappas, Instructor, Fine Arts; Jeffrey Zack, Department Chair, Criminal Justice Technology; Cheryl Campbell, Instructor, Business Administration/Human Resources Management. We’re also very proud of Ms. Campbell for representing the campus at the Innovations Conference in New York City in February 2019. 3 16FTCC ANNUAL REPORT 11 HONORED Adams named honorary trustee LET’S EDUCATE FTCC hosts Women TechEducators FTCC hosts Leadership Summit In March 2019, FTCC hosted “Women TechEducators Training,” a two-day event. Its purpose is rooted in helping institutions and school systems increase the number of female students in non-traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Career & Technical Education programs. Attendees in our Tony Rand Student Center included 29 FTCC faculty members and 7 high school teachers – including educators from Cumberland County Schools. 4 In April 2019, Dr. J. Larry Keen and the Board of Trustees unveiled the eighth person named an Honorary Trustee at FTCC: current Cumberland County Commissioner and former chairman Glenn Adams. Commissioner Adams’ dedication to FTCC’s students, mission, and vision is deeply appreciated at the College. Adams’ name joins fellow Cumberland County Commissioner and Chairwoman Dr. Jeannette Council, who was named Honorary Trustee in 2018. 5 LEADERSHIP DAYS FTCC presented the Cumberland Leadership Summit on September 21, 2018. The leadership summit was customized for human resources managers, shift supervisors, department managers, and anyone wanting to improve their leadership and supervisory skills. The 90-minute training presentations included topics such as how to deal with difficult people, effective communications, great management, time management tips, and employee coaching and engagement. 6 RADIOGRAPHY Students win Quiz Bowl A round of applause is in order for FTCC’s Radiography students. In May 2019, they won the Student Technical Quiz Bowl while competing against 13 other colleges at the annual North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists Conference. They earned the coveted Rita K. Harlowe Memorial Award, an honor that will remain on campus for the next year. Students on the team were Sherri Broglin, Rebekah Maples, Jeffrey Treaster, and Jennifer Shank. Shank had the highest mock registry score out of 275 students on the exam. Her name will be placed on the Winslow Cup, which will be on display at FTCC. 7 MILLENNIALS Mayor reaches millennials FTCC’s SkillsUSA Chapter hosted the “Millennial Movement” discussion with Fayetteville City Mayor Mitch Colvin in October 2018. The event drew more than 50 people who spoke with Colvin about a range of topics concerning the future of Fayetteville. Some of the conversation included considerations on Hay Street becoming pedestrian- only, affordable housing for military service members, entertainment options for the millennial generation, and the difficulties of being a new business in the area. The workshop highlighted FTCC’s focus on reaching the future generations and connecting with the millennial demographic on current topics. 812 WWW.FAYTECHCC.EDU WINNERS THREE CYBERSECURITY LEADER FTCC recognized as cybersecurity leader The FTCC Foundation welcomed five new members to its board of directors at a recent meeting. Serving three-year terms are Jamie Ammons, Account Manager, Systel Business Equipment; Richard Craven, Senior Account Manager, Systel Business Equipment; Meghan Engle, Assistant Counsel, Cape Fear Valley Health System; Andrew Pennink, Branch Manager, NC HomeFront Mortgage; and Tim Price, Owner, LaFayette Ford Lincoln. The FTCC Foundation Board also elected Ned Johnson as Board Chair, Greg Whitley as Vice Chair, Rebecca Britton as Secretary, Jason Poole as Treasurer, and Kevin Bunn as Assistant Treasurer. Ned Johnson, chair of the FTCC Foundation's Board of Directors, speaks at the annual Bluegrass & BBQ Silent Auction hosted annually on the College’s campus. The fundraiser supports student scholarships. Phi Beta Lambda wins three awards Board welcomes new members In September 2018, FTCC became a Champion of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). FTCC is part of a growing global effort by businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations, and individuals to promote the awareness of online safety and privacy. A multi-layered and far-reaching campaign held annually, the NCSAM was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure all digital citizens have the resources needed to become safer and more secure online while also protecting their personal information. As an official Champion, FTCC recognizes its commitment to cybersecurity, online safety, and privacy. 10 Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda Chapter on FTCC’s campus are award-winning. In April, student representatives attended the North Carolina Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference in Charlotte, earning three awards. The first- and third-place winners secured spots to compete in the national competition in San Antonio in June. They competed against others from two- and four-year institutions. The awards and winners: 1st place – Desktop Publishing – Dylan Hooker and Anthony Clark 3rd place – Entrepreneurial Concepts – Joseph Avery 8th place – Hospitality Management – Ronald Grayson Advisers Brittany Milligan, Ross Brown, and Cindy Burns led them to victory. As Milligan said, “Our students represented Fayetteville Technical Community College well … we are so proud of their accomplishments!” 9 11 WELCOME DUE TOP COUNTING UP FTCC’S TOP MOMENTS OF 2018-2019 16FTCC ANNUAL REPORT 13 Morgan Hrabovsky was nervous to begin the Physical Therapist Assistant program in August 2017. As a military spouse and stay-at-home mom, she wanted a career that would allow flexibility so she could be there for her children. From the first day at orientation, she said she knew the program was going to be unlike anything she had experienced before. In October 2018, Hrabovsky received the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association’s PTA Student of the Year award. This award is given to only one student in all the PTA programs in North Carolina. Hrabovsky said, “As I reflect on this award, I am most proud of the personal transformation I’ve made with the help of my instructors and classmates at FTCC. I have always liked staying inside my comfort zone and blending into the crowd, but the PTA program pushed me to want more ... Getting involved at FTCC and in my community sparked a fire within me for both personal and professional growth in the field of Physical Therapy.” FLYING HIGH Drone Workshop through DOT RECOGNIZED Excellence in Equity Fellowship Surgical Services excels at pass rate FTCC's Dr. Antonio Jackson, Dean of Arts and Humanities, and Dr. DeSandra Washington, Associate Vice President for Academic Support, were selected as Engaging Excellence in Equity Fellows by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2019. Both will receive a $3,000 stipend to aid them in providing culturally responsive support on FTCC’s campus. FTCC is very proud of their hard work, dedication, and contributions to making our campus a better place. 12 In October 2018, the College’s Corporate & Continuing Education Department partnered with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and its Division of Aviation Unmanned Aircraft Systems to host a drone workshop for commercial and government operators. More than 170 attendees visited the College’s Fayetteville campus. The event provided sessions on the benefits of drones, networking opportunities, and live flight demonstrations. 13 PASS AT100% Our Surgical Services students earned a 100% pass rate for the 2017-2018 term from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Graduates obtaining national certification as a certified surgical technologist understand it is required for employment within many local, state, and national health care organizations. Division Chair Terry Herring supervises the Surgical Services program, which is also a part of FTCC’s Health Programs. AWARDS NISOD Awards for FTCC We’re pleased to announce FTCC’s winners for the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Award for 2019. The annual award recognizes employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment to FTCC: Cathy Baxley, Director of Emergency & Health Programs; Dr. Vincent Castano, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness; Veronica Guions, Division Chair, Cosmetology; Rhiannon Holley, Administrative Secretary, Information Technology; Denise Kinnison, Facility Services Assistant; Lindsay Lee, Mathematics Instructor; Marlina Pineiro, Assessment Retention Support Coordinator; Amy Samperton, Director of Procurement & Equipment; and Sharon Seaford, Department Chair, Business Administration/Marketing. 15 TRANSFORMATION Morgan Hrabovsky wins top honor 16 1414 WWW.FAYTECHCC.EDU COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES LVII ONE STORY AT A TIME M ay 17, 2019, brought the 57th Annual Commencement Exercises to the Crown Coliseum. Due to a higher number of graduates, FTCC decided in 2018 to split the graduation into two ceremonies and host them both during the day. The morning commencement began at 10 a.m. and recognized graduates from computer information technology, business, engineering and applied technology programs. The afternoon commencement began at 2 p.m. and recognized graduates from the arts and humanities, health, math and science, public service and continuing education programs. The commencement speaker was former North Carolina Sen. Dr. Eric L. Mansfield. Pastor Jacob Warren from Veritas Church in Fayetteville delivered the invocation. Left: A graduate wipes tears from her face as she is overcome with emotion at the commencement ceremony on May 17, 2019. Facing page, top right: FTCC President Dr. J. Larry Keen congratulates a graduate as she walks across the stage to receive her degree. Facing page, middle: Families and friends in the audience at the Crown Coliseum cheer as their loved ones cross the stage at gradation. Facing page, bottom right: Students have fun with props as they get ready for commencement festivities. FTCC ANNUAL REPORT 15 2,333 164 41 The number of High School Equivalency Program graduates in the 2018-2019 school year The number of graduates in all diploma, certificate, and degree programs in May 2019 The number of Adult High School Program graduates in the 2018-2019 school year16 WWW.FAYTECHCC.EDU T he commencement ceremony celebration continued with the graduation of 10 women who became the first graduates of Cosmetology Spanish under the Corporate & Continuing Education Department. The graduates endured rigorous, part-time training in the language, spanning roughly a year and a half. The program requires 1,500 hours of training with travels to hair shows and prepares graduates to work skillfully as entry-level cosmetologists upon employment. Most of the graduates already successfully took the State Board licensing exam. Instructors Rosa D. Del Toro and Tabitha Coleman taught the students during this program’s inaugural year. The coursework and lectures were all in Spanish. F TCC is tipping the hat to its Line worker/Groundsman course partnership with Fayetteville PWC. The first cohort of 2019 graduated and accepted lineman, substation, and transmission positions at local businesses. The partnership saw its first graduating class in fall 2018. The course, offered through FTCC's Corporate & Continuing Education Department, teaches the basics of building and maintaining electrical power circuits and equipment for overhead and underground construction with the opportunity to earn training certificates within 350 hours. S he almost quit. She started the program with no experience in the transportation industry. That was an idea for Nésha Thomas who enrolled in FTCC’s Commercial Driver’s License program, which prepares students for a successful career in the transportation industry. However, she didn’t give up. Instead, Thomas excelled. She scored 98.9 percent on the Pre-Trip Inspection, completed the Basic Control Skills Test – error-free – that challenges drivers to do a straight line back, a lane offset to the right, and a 90-degree alley dock. She earned 96.63 for her overall GPA, earning the Top Gun Award, given to the student with the highest GPA in the graduating class. Instructor Eric Smith said Thomas’ skills are what employers look for in new graduates. She finished the program through our Corporate & Continuing Education Department. Tidewater Transit Co. also named Thomas its “Truck Driver Training Honor Graduate” of Class 4. CDL graduate wins top honors O n December 18, 2018, our Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Class graduated after months of hard work and training. Our congratulations extend to all the cadets at graduation. We are always thankful for cadets who make the choice to serve the community.FTCC ANNUAL REPORT 17 A Practical Nursing graduate holds her daughter as she realizes she's reached her goal. More than 50 women and men graduated from FTCC's Practical Nursing program in summer 2019, surrounded by family, friends, and Fayetteville Technical Community College’s faculty and staff. Guest speaker and practical nursing instructor Kristen Kaiafas shared some words: “Nursing should not be a competitive profession. We are thousands short in our practice. Forget the traditional nursing motivational speech of ‘Look left, look right, half of you won’t make it.’ Instead, remember my advice, ‘Look left, look right, grab each other by the hand and pull each other through the mud. When your fellow colleague is drowning, throw them a life vest…’ I am honored to call each and every one of you my colleague from this day forward.”Next >