Cougar Bytes for Friday, March 18, 2016

Congratulations March Employee of the Month: Thadd McElreath

Thadd McElreath is a wonderful advisor in the Associate in Art program. He consistently works with students in his office who have questions about transferring to other universities. He painstakingly goes through each student's advising sheet, AVISO account, and Webadvisor to build the best possible schedule for students. Thadd makes himself available beyond the call of duty including outside of regular office hours. Students often check by to get simply a dose of "Coach Mac's" knowledge, advice, and reassurance that everything is going to be okay in their college journey.

Thadd McElreath
Physical Education Instructor/University Transfer Advisor

Q.   How long have you worked for CCCC?

A.   I have worked for CCCC for a total of nine years - the last five years being a full-time faculty member. Previously I was the Men's Head Basketball Coach at the college from 2000-2004.

Q.   What brought you to CCCC?

A.   Originally the men's basketball coaching position brought me to the college in 2000. I was able to work part-time as the Men's Head Basketball Coach for four years, while also completing my graduate degree. Upon completion of my graduate degree, I accepted a full-time physical education teaching position with Lee County Schools, where I worked for six years at both Lee County High School and East Lee Middle School. After teaching full-time in the public school system for six years, the opportunity presented itself for me to return to CCCC in December of 2010, this time in a full-time PE instructor position.

Q.   Describe what you do for CCCC.

A.   My primary responsibility is student learning, specifically in the physical education courses offered by the college. I have taught a wide variety of PED courses in my five years, including fitness courses, recreational activity courses, and introduction to sports courses. In addition to my role as an instructor, I serve as a University Transfer Advisor, specifically advising students who are working toward their Associate in Arts degree. I am also responsible for the coordination and scheduling of the gym and weight room facilities located in the CFC building. I am truly honored and humbled to come to work every day to serve students by helping them to be successful both inside and outside the classroom.

Q.   Where were you born?

A.   I was born in Greensboro, NC.

Q.   Where did you grow up?

A.   I grew up in Asheboro, NC until I was eleven years old when my family moved to Sanford.

Q.   Educational credentials?

A.   I graduated high school from Lee Christian School in 1998. I completed my Associate in Arts degree at Sandhills Community College in 2000 and finished my Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education at Campbell University in 2003. I graduated from Emporia State University in 2005 with a Master of Science degree in Physical Education, Health, and Recreation.

Q.   Where do you live now?

A.   I currently live in Sanford in the Deep River community where my wife grew up.

Q.   Tell us about your family!

A.   I am married to Jamie Bridges McElreath, and we have been married for thirteen years. We have two children: our son Jude who is five years old and our daughter Meryl who is three years old.

Q.   What are some of your hobbies or other interest outside of CCCC?

A.   I enjoy playing different sports including basketball, softball, and tennis, as well as coaching various sports including my son's basketball and baseball teams. I am a huge Clemson Tigers' fan, and I especially enjoy watching Clemson football, baseball, and basketball. I also enjoy attending athletic events in Clemson as much as possible. My dad attended Clemson University and so despite living in North Carolina my entire life, all I have ever known is C-L-E-M-S-O-N!

Q.   Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?

A.   In addition to my full-time position at the college, I am also the lead pastor of Connect Church here in Sanford. I have served in ministry for over fifteen years including time as a youth pastor, associate pastor, and now a lead pastor. I was blessed to be a part of the process of launching and establishing Connect Church three years ago as a church plant from Turner's Chapel Church. I love my church family, and I am grateful for the many blessings God has given to us in the last three years.

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Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics Harnett Spring Games

by Jamie Wicker, Director of Student Learning

Harnett County will hold its Special Olympics Spring Games on April 15 at Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC.

Athletes from 28 schools and agencies will compete in events such as standing long jump, running long jump, track and field events, softball throw, and relay events. Opening ceremonies will kick off at 10 a.m. at the Irwin Belk Track. Games and lunch will follow.

Volunteers are needed to help setup, breakdown, assist with games, and most importantly, accompany and assist the participating athletes for the entire day from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. All staff and volunteers will need to arrive at the event site by 8:30 a.m. Volunteers need to be at least 16 years of age and be accompanied by a responsible adult, if the volunteer is a minor.

If you wish to be a vital part of this special day, please provide your name, telephone number or email address, and t-shirt size. For more information about volunteering, please contact Jamie Wicker by phone at (910) 814-8856 or by email at jwicker@cccc.edu.

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QEP Update: My Academic Pathway

by Morgan Steele, Director of Web and Creative Strategy

QEP is all about getting people to where they wanna be! Say that out loud, hear the rhyme, and don't forget it! In fact, walk up to a VP, especially Dr. Merritt, say that loud and proud and you are liable to get the best gift ever - a wink followed by a thumbs up and maybe, just maybe a pat on the back! I even hear he's working on a rap and just might steal my jams! Or should that be jamz with a z?

The overall QEP team is separated into smaller committees or teams - Assessment, Processes, and Outcomes. The Assessment team (which is the best BTW) has been evaluating career assessment tools. We are hoping to find a product that is not overwhelming for the student, but is thorough and accessible. Also, we want a product that can hopefully integrate into a system we are already using (such as Aviso or Datatel) because we know that no one needs a new system and a new password to remember!

The other subcommittees are debating details such as how and when students will get to take the assessment and what outcomes will be achieved. Ideally, the assessment will be early in their path so we can help ensure they are working to achieve their academic goals and not taking extra classes they will ultimately not need.

Stay tuned next month as we continue to give you an inside look at the QEP and for pictures of Scott Byington dressed as an English Schnauzer! If you have any suggestions or resource recommendations in regards to career assessment tools or any other aspects of the QEP, please don't hesitate to shoot me an email at msteele@cccc.edu.

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Nominate an Employee of the Month for 2016!

by Daisha Gaines, Director of Organizational Development

Please join in as we continue recognizing our full-time faculty and staff in 2016 for their exceptional contributions and customer service. The purpose of this award is to:

• Promote positive employee-to-employee and employee-to-student interactions on campus to further a learning first culture.
• Increase employee engagement by recognizing positive employee behaviors.

The Employee Recognition Committee is currently accepting nominations. All nominations are due by the first Monday of the calendar month to be recognized the following month.

Read Employee of the Month Program Eligibility & Guidelines. To nominate a deserving colleague, please click: Employee of the Month Nomination Form

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Spring Professional Development Sessions

by Daisha Gaines, Director of Organizational Development

Spring Professional Development sessions continue through May 3. Seating is limited, so don't forget to register now by clicking on the registration link in the attachment.

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Advising and Registration Boot Camps

by Adam Wade, Lead Success Coach

The College Success Center is gearing up for advising and registration by providing Advising and Registration Boot Camps on March 30 outside of the Academic Assistance Center and on March 31 in front of the Student Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. These boot camps are designed to assist students in academic planning for the summer and fall terms and prepare for their advising appointment with their Academic Advisor. Please encourage your students to attend these valuable workshops.

Also, keep in mind the following important dates coming up:

• March 18 - Graduation Applications Due for Spring 2016 Graduation
• March 21 - Pre-Registration/Advising Begins
• April 4 - Registration Opens for Current Students

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Veterans and Active Duty Military Family Member's Writing Project

by Kevin Tolson, NCVetsCorps Member

Dear Faculty and Staff,

My name is Kevin Tolson, and I am the NCVetsCorps member on campus at CCCC. Some of you may know my mission to support Veterans, military men and women, and their families who live in Chatham, Harnett and Lee counties. This includes students, faculty, and staff with military ties who may also live or work in these areas.

I have targeted aspects of my four goals:

1. Community service,
2. Opportunities to engage military families,
3. Pathways for clients to pursue their educational goals, and
4. Projects that mentor and uplift the spirits of our participants.

These four goals have been combined to frame this writing initiative titled the Veterans and Active Duty Military Family Member's Writing Project.

This anthology of eclectic and diverse stories is intended to represent a cross-section of different military life experiences. The stories will be written by those who have either served, those who have witnessed or experienced life with a service person, or have ties with the military community. I believe this anthology of stories speak directly to my goals by creating a unique community service that provides an opportunity which records family anthologies, and educates us all on the rich military history our Veterans and military members have contributed in these three counties. Finally, it is a living document that mentors, uplifts, and deepens our understanding of other perspectives and personal sacrifices that family members and friends experienced in supporting their veteran or military member, or the accounts of military members who have overcome some level of challenge.

This is where I need your support. Please take part in writing and submitting a story that captures the writer's point-of-view and how they were affected in their interaction between themselves and a military person(s). Or write about how you, as a military person, overcame some level of challenge and adversity in reaching your goals. Family experience stories (focused on not one person but on an entire family) of first, second, or third generation military families are very much welcomed.

If you are interested in writing a story and have any questions, please call me at (919) 718-7537 or email me at kevin@nc-vc.org. I will email the timeline and writer's release form to you. I so look forward to hearing from you and getting your story underway.

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Faculty Association Drone Giveaway

by Lisa Key Brown, Department Chair, Developmental Studies Developmental Math Instructor

The CCCC Faculty Association had a membership drive at the December Faculty Development Day. We would like to congratulate Barbara Campbell, Department Chair of Nursing, for winning the Horizon Blade Nano QX - 18 Gram Quadcopter Drone.

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4C Visions TV

4C Visions, a television show highlighting Central Carolina Community College, can be seen at 8 p.m. Saturdays and 8 p.m. Tuesdays on 4CNC television - CCCC's student channel. The show is broadcast on Charter Cable 193 in Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties; on TWC 97.5 in Chatham County; and on Channel 98 throughout Central N.C. on Century Link (PrismTV). The channel can also be streamed over the internet via www.4cnclive.com - click watch live.

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Summer Schedule

The college's 4-day/10-hour work days will begin Monday, May 16, 2016 with the following Friday closures:

• May 20
• May 27
• June 3
• June 10
• June 17
• June 24
• July 1
• July 8
• July 15
• July 22
• July 29

The 8-hour work day schedule will resume Monday, August 1, 2016.

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Notes from Institutional Effectiveness & Research

by Amy Gustavson, Assistant Director of Institutional Effectiveness & Research

In the Spring 2015 College Services Survey, many of you asked "What is Institutional Effectiveness & Research (IER)?" Great news! We're happy to fill you in on who we are and what we do! Here are the exciting IER tidbits for this month.

Project of the Month: Ring that Bell!

CCCC's Compliance Certification report is due to SACSCOC on March 1, 2017! The Compliance Certification will be 1000+ pages long and it documents CCCC's compliance with all 96+ SACSCOC Standards! Talented authors from across CCCC are dedicating their time and talent to writing this report! When a narrative is completed, we ring a bell! So far, we've had 16 rings from narrative authors. Only 384 rings to go!

Getting Started with SAS!

All North Carolina Community Colleges received a grant from SAS founder Jim Goodnight to install SAS Enterprise Guide, Base SAS, and receive funds for staff training. SAS software empowers users to analyze data and publish results quickly. After attending two multi-day workshops, the Institutional Effectiveness & Research department is using SAS Enterprise Guide for queries previously reserved for Informer!

Before you go...
Don't forget to check out our weekly "SACSCOC Tip of the Week" on the CCCC Staff Announcements!

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Taking a Stand!

English Instructor and Writing Reading Center Head Coach Madison Helman has brought some ingenuity and health-awareness to the Lillington Campus with a new "stand-up desk." It is sure to be a trend that'll have people on their feet.

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Learning First Blog

by Dr. Brian Merritt, Vice President of Student Learning, Chief Academic Officer

Please visit the March 2016 entry of our divisional blog. The primary purpose of this blog is share updates about anything learning-related. See the Past Messages for more entries.

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Refresh Leadership Simulcast

There will be an upcoming REFRESH LEADERSHIP SIMULCAST held on April 13 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., the Simulcast begins at 9 a.m. and runs through 12:30 p.m. This Simulcast carries three hours of Professional Development credit. You can register online at www.refreshleadership.com/live.

Where else can you go to receive leadership information from such renowned speakers, PDC credits, breakfast and at no cost? Please contact Yenly Clancy at (919) 775-1292 or Yenly.Clancy@expresspros.com for additional information.

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Purchase Requisitions Deadline

by Dr. Phillip Price, Vice President of Administrative Services

Purchase requisitions for supplies, materials and equipment must be received by the Purchasing Office by April 1, 2016. All requests received after this time frame will be sent back to the Vice President for the requesting division. These requests will then be re-evaluated July 1, 2016, and if still required, items would be charged to the budgets for the new fiscal year and requisition re-submitted.

Departments should review recurring items that come up after the April 1 date (accreditation payments, renewals, membership dues, subscriptions, etc.) and submit a requisition for these items by the April 1 deadline. An estimated amount can be included, if an actual amount is not known at this time.

Please be sure requisitions contain part numbers for items being requested. Also, please confirm pricing and lead times for all items to make sure you will be able to receive them prior to the end of our fiscal year, which is June 30, 2016. All requisitions must show the 16 digit GL account number in the right-hand corner of the requisition and include all signatures.

The Business Office requests that all items be received and invoices paid on or before June 23, 2016.

(Note: Individuals working with County and Grant Funds should contact Phillip Price, Starlene Jackson, or Tamara Joyner related to the cutoff of requisitions for those programs.)

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2016 Academic Awards Ceremony

by Ellen Bland, Communication Instructor

2016 Academic Awards Ceremony will be at 6 p.m. on April 20 in the Civic Center Main Hall. Nomination forms will be distributed to department chairs to solicit awards from faculty the week of March 1.

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National Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition Finalist

by Greg Gelb, Humanities Instructor

As a longtime resident in Lee County where I came to be the Visiting Artist at Central Carolina Community College from 1989-91 and have continued to teach at CCCC and live and direct jazz bands and concerts here and around the region, I want to share this exciting news with you.

The Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble, which I direct, has been named as a finalist in the national Essentially Ellington competition This means the band will go to NYC and perform at the Lincoln Center in front of Wynton Marsalis. This is the first time that a band from North Carolina has been invited, so it is a rather big deal! The Philharmonic Association, which sponsors TYJE, is a Triangle-based nonprofit that has done good work in the community over the years to help promote the arts.

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News From The Library

by Tara Guthrie, Director of Library Services

Harnett Health Sciences Center Study Suite Is Now Open

The HHSC Study Suite is now up and running! Our LSTA Grant this year allowed us to add six computers and printing services for HHSC students. A photocopier will also be added in the near future.

The library held an open house in the study suite on March 8. Students and faculty attended, enjoyed some snacks, and learned more about the study suite and library services.

Completed Harnett Health Sciences Center library study suite.

Anne Davis-Johnson, Medical Assisting Instructor, with some of her students at the HHSC library open house.

Tara Guthrie, Director of Library Services, and Carol McLamb, Nursing Instructor, in the HHSC study suite.

Harnett Library Computer Lab Grand Opening

The Harnett Library will hold a grand opening for the new computer lab during National Library Week on April 12 and 14. Tuesday, April 12, will be a breakfast from 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 14, will be an afternoon tea and treats from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Stop by to chat with library staff, enjoy some treats, and see our new digs!

The new Harnett Library computer lab was funded by an LSTA Grant this year. The lab is now open for student use and for library instruction classes. To schedule a library class for your students at the Harnett campus, contact Jennifer Seagraves at (919) 814-8843 or email at jseagraves@cccc.edu.

National Library Week

National Library Week is April 11 - 15. Stop by the Lee Library for a book sale and some Legos and coloring activities throughout the week. Librarians will also have a LemonAID stand set up on April 12 and 13. Watch for more details on our Facebook page and on campus.

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Marchant Madness Fun!

The CCCC Foundation partnered with the Social Committee to host Marchant Madness. This fun-filled event took the place of the Campus Fund Drive this year. On each day, lunch was provided, along with basketball-themed games, prizes and, of course, viewing the ACC Tournament on the projection screens. This was such a success in Lee, Chatham, and Harnett counties! Thank you to all whom contributed photos, including Christa Mashburn, Daniel Loges, and Tanasha Murchison. #marchantmadness!

March 8, Chatham County

March 9, Harnett County

March 10, Lee County

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Birth Announcement

Neil and Lorie McGowan welcomed their beautiful baby boy, Aiden McGowan, on Friday, March 4. He weighed 6 lbs. 3 oz. Both parents and baby are doing well.

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Birthdays

Birthday list provided by Human Resources

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News From The CCCC Family

Bereavements

We regretfully want to inform you of the passing of Sylvester King's father, Edward King, on Monday, March 14. I know that he would appreciate your support during this time so cards can be sent to him at 2509 Ridge Run, Lillington, NC 27546. Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 18 at Kingdom Impact Global Ministries in Fayetteville.

It is with a heavy heart that we share that Jonathan Loftis passed away. For those who did not know him, Jonathan was the Animal Facilities Coordinator and Instructor for 12 years in the Veterinary Medical Technology program until October when left the college to become Deputy Director of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board. Jonathan was the college's Employee of the Year in 2006, well-respected and valued by his peers, and it is obvious that our VMT students respected, adored, and learned a lot from Jonathan over the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Jonathan and Kelley Loftis Veterinary Medical Technology Scholarship at Central Carolina Community College. Donations may be sent to the CCCC Foundation at 1105 Kelly Drive, Sanford, NC 27330.

It is with sadness we announce that Anne Davis-Johnson's brother Mr. Garner "Junior" Clark, Jr., 68, of Bunnlevel passed away Feb. 22. He was an avid NASCAR fan and a dirt track racer for over 30 years. During his racing career, Junior won three Pure Stock Championships and was inducted in the Fayetteville Motorsports Hall of Fame.

A funeral service was held at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Chapel in Lillington. Memorials may be made to Community Homecare & Hospice, 1231 N. Main St., Lillington, NC 27546.

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Dates to Remember

Friday, April 1 Purchase Requisition Deadline

Wednesday, April 13 Ed.D. in Community College Executive Leadership at Wingate University recruitment at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. in SCI #9106.

Wednesday, April 20 2016 Academic Awards Ceremony

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Cougar Pets News

Phoebe, spayed female. Phoebe is a very sweet lab mix with gorgeous brown eyes. She'd love for you to come visit her Photo Credit: Samantha Gautier

Are you interested in adopting Phoebe or another pet? Anyone interested please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CougarPets for more information and pictures of all the animals that need homes.

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Things For Sale or For Free!

Are you looking to clean out your attic or basement? CCCC-Bay is happy to post your items, for sale or give away, here in Cougar Bytes! Send an email (with photos if you would like) to Cristina Oliver at coliver@cccc.edu and we'll feature in next month's publication.

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Contribute to Cougar Bytes

Cougar Bytes is a monthly newsletter distributed to staff and faculty. Is there a college event you would like to promote? Perhaps you have a success story you would like to share? We welcome any events, stories, photos, or shout-outs in our next issue. Please submit any contributions to marketing@cccc.edu.

Our deadline for contributions is April 20 for the April issue. Thank you!

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