SANFORD - Ginger Harris, Central Carolina Community College Chair - Early Childhood, has been selected as recipient of the North Carolina Community College System's 2019 Excellence in Teaching Award.

"I am very honored to win the state award. I am grateful for all of the support I have at Central Carolina Community College," said Ms. Harris. "I work with many amazing instructors and leaders that inspire me to be better everyday. I am blessed to get to come to work everyday and do what I am passionate about."

CCCC President Dr. T. Eston Marchant says that Ms. Harris "embraces the CCCC vision of providing learning opportunities that contribute to economic progress and cultural enrichment for the students and communities we serve. She is a shining example of a professional educator who is diligent in serving her students and her fellow faculty members."

Students have had much praise for Ms. Harris. Comments include: "Ms. Harris is willing to go the extra mile for her students." "Mrs. Ginger was so wonderful in guiding me through this program with all that my life had challenged me with, including my aging parents." "I really enjoy her style of teaching. I know she cares about her students' success in her class." "A considerate instructor well informed on materials for the class and insured that lessons were carried out to retain things taught."

One co-worker said: "Ginger is a champion for people with diverse needs and she should be acknowledged for her dedication and professionalism."

Ms. Harris, a native of Chatham County who is a graduate of Jordan-Matthews High School, embraces her commitment to students. "Students are the heart of my work. At the end of the day, I like to think that I have helped someone come closer to reaching their potential and life goals," she said. "I believe that no act of helping a student is too small. It takes 'one college' to meet students needs."

Ms. Harris received her Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education at Central Carolina Community College, her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and her Master of Education in Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.