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CCCC EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH!

Employee of the Month: Stephanie Whitaker

Employee of the Month

Stephanie Whitaker recently spoke to our HFS students about social media marketing and event planning. But when is Stephanie not speaking to students....she is a constant ambassador to our students, prospective students, and alumni.

Stephanie puts us on Instagram, Facebook, and in the public's eye so they can see all that CCCC is offering! She is approachable by students as she constantly has a smile on her face and a work ethic that is unparalleled!

Stephanie Whitaker

Employee of the Month

How long have you worked for CCCC?
Started here in September 2006.

What brought you to CCCC?
After graduation from Lee Senior, I came to CCCC to start my degree in Business and Accounting, that then lead to transfer to NCSU (Go Pack!)

Describe what you do for CCCC.
Student Outreach and Recruitment

Where were you born? Where did you grow up?
Born and raised in Sanford.

Tell us about your family!
I have a wonderful husband Larry of almost 8 years, a daughter Ansleigh who is 6 and a son Jase who is 3. This family is my heart and soul, and my kids keep me on my toes and in line!

What are some of your hobbies or other interest outside of CCCC?
Love to take family beach trips and enjoying anything with my kids and family!

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
This college is a big part of my life and I have met some wonderful people here who have encouraged me along my journey at the college. I always look forward to meeting everyone here, if I have not met you yet... it's coming :) Thank you CCCC for taking me in as part of this BIG family and I look forward to many years to come.

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WOW! WHAT A TEAM!

Achieving the Dream Holistic Student Support Institute

by Jairo McMican, Dean of Student Learning

Under the leadership of Dr. Merritt, a group of eight CCCC employees attended the Achieving the Dream Holistic Student Support Institute (ATD HSSI) in Oak Brook, IL. The goal of the institute was to design and implement a major project on campus that will positively enhance the experiences of students.

I was personally grateful for the opportunity to participate and engage with such an empowering group. Adam Wade and Dr. Linda Scuiletti facilitated great discussions and organized the phenomenal ideas from the other group members. Melissa Fogarty, Pam Riddle, Lora Witcher, Jon Spoon, and Nick Testa shared their contagious passion for learning and student success. Some of the projects that the team is currently addressing are:

  1. Improving communication of holistic resources to encourage student success.
  2. Creating campus cultural fluency training to address equity gaps.
  3. Adjusting the withdraw process for students.
  4. Reorganizing orientation to be more efficient.

Left to right front: Nick Testa, Adam Wade, Lora Witcher, Pam Riddle
Left to right back: Jon Spoon, Melissa Fogarty, Dr. Linda Scuiletta, Jairo McMican

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Enter if You Dare! Lee Employee Halloween Costume Contest

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Trunk or Treat Event

Trunk or Treat is almost here! On Oct. 30, from 5 - 7 p.m., trick or treaters can visit with the different cars in the Civic Center parking lot and get some free candy. Open to the public!

If any faculty or staff would like to register a car, please contact Samantha Carroll at scarroll@cccc.edu by Friday, Oct. 26, at noon.

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Handmade Quilt Featuring the College Logo

CCCC has received the gift of a handmade quilt featuring the college logo, which will hang in the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center. The quilt is a gift from the Hearts & Hands/ECA Quilters' Guild.

"We cannot thank Barbara Massengill and the ladies with the Hearts & Hands/ECA Quilters' Guild enough for their beautiful quilt art piece that will hang in the Civic Center," said David Foster, Director of the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center. "Local art and artisans at their best for everyone to see. I have such a love and appreciation for their talent."

Read the full story at CCCC receives quilt from Hearts & Hands/ECA Quilters' Guild.

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Veterans Upward Bound Flag Fundraiser

by Matt Thewes, Director, TRiO Veterans Upward Bound

Veterans Upward Bound is raising funds for its Foundation account by selling "In Honor Of" flags. Purchase one "In Honor Of" card and flag for $3 or purchase two for $5. Flags will be planted for the Veterans Day ceremony and you can pick them up after the event. See any Veterans Upward Bound staff to purchase. We have only 144 flags, so purchase yours today.

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Veterans Day Ceremony

by Matt Thewes, Director, TRiO Veterans Upward Bound

All CCCC student, staff, faculty, and community are encouraged to attend this year's Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The ceremony will be held on Lee Main Campus at the flagpole in the Courtyard.

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HIT Accreditation Completes Initial Stage

The Health Information Technology Department completed its final stage of the initial accreditation process during its September onsite visit with the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Health Information Management (CAHIIM).

The department earned a 100% compliance with all 33 accreditation standards. This has been referred to by the accreditors as "unprecedented". In the history of CAHIIM, a college has never earned 100% compliance during an initial accreditation visit and only one college has been noted to earn this level of achievement during a re-accreditation visit. CAHIIM currently accredits over 345 programs in Health Informatics and Health Information Management at the Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master Degree levels. (We do big things here at CCCC!)

This would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the HIT Faculty and the support of our students, advisory board, and local healthcare partners. There were also several departments on campus that played an integral role, to include: IT, IER, Harnett Campus Maintenance, Business Services, Administration, our team at the Harnett Health Sciences Center, the Division of Health Sciences and Human Services, and the Departments of: Engineering and Information Technologies, English & Humanities, Math & Science, and Social Sciences. Your support and assistance with this process has been truly appreciated!

We expect to receive our seal of accreditation within the month and will share the "official" exciting news again at that time.

Pictured in the photo from left to right are: Patricia Peterson (CAHIIM Staff & Accreditor), Lisa Godfrey (Dean of Health Sciences and Human Services), Denise Martin ( Associate Dean of Health Sciences and Human Services), Erika Parker (Program Director for Health Information Technology), Emily Barrick ( Health Information Technology Faculty), Debby Schultze (CAHIIM Accreditor), and Myni Vasquez (CAHIIM Accreditor).

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Save The Date: Fall Culinary Special Dinners

Mark your calendar to attend some of our Fall Culinary Special Dinners! For more information, like our Facebook pages at Cougar Cafe, Natural Chef Cafe, and Dunn Center Cafe for menu details!

Thanks for supporting the Culinary Program!

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Recent Student Success on the Veterinary Technician National Exam

The Veterinary Medical Technology program is delighted to report that the most recent scores on the Veterinary Technician National Exam, an exam essential to the credentialing of our graduates, were the highest they have been since 2011. The pass rate was 96% for the Summer testing window for candidates that took the test for the first time in July and August. Additionally, the Spring window for candidates that took the test for the first time in March and April achieved a 100% pass rate. We are incredibly proud of our students, faculty, and staff for such a wonderful achievement.

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Health and Wellness Awareness Events

CCCC's Health and Fitness Science Program will be conducting two events creating Health and Wellness awareness in the month of October.

On Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. in the Classroom Fitness Center Gym located at 1105 Kelly Drive in Sanford, the HFS students will be conducting the C4 Combine. The C4 Combine is an opportunity for participants to measure skill-related and health related components of physical fitness as well as to see how they measure in regards to professional and olympic level performances in those areas.

The Fourth Annual HFS Health and Wellness Fair will take place on Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. - noon in the Classroom Fitness Center Gym located at 1105 Kelly Drive in Sanford. This event is an opportunity to visit over thirty displays that highlight CCCC programs in Health Science as well as visit local fitness and wellness vendors ranging from nutrition and fitness to fire safety and safe tattooing practices. There is something for everyone in terms of wellness and door prizes will be awarded.

Both events are open for faculty, staff, students, and the general public.

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National Manufacturing Day

The CCCC Howard-James Industry Training Center participated in National Manufacturing Day with an open house on Oct. 4.

Manufacturing Day has been designed to expand knowledge about manufacturing careers and manufacturing's value to the United States.

At this event, representatives from local industries were on-site to showcase their companies and products and help increase manufacturing awareness.

The Dr. Paul Howard and Dr. Barbara James Industry Training Center is a world-class training center for industrial innovation. Facilities include a simulated work environment, a fully-outfitted welding lab, an instrumentation lab, as well as additional classroom space.

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New WUAW fm Logo

WUAW (88.3 FM) is a 3,000-watt educational, non-commercial radio station that is owned by CCCC as part of its Broadcast Production Technology program. Its logo was recently revised by Neil McGowan in Marketing. Have a look and have a listen at WUAW fm.com.

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Girls at the Garage

CCCC Automotive Restoration Club presents "Girls at the Garage," a free automotive workshop for women by women. The event will be Nov. 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the West Harnett Automotive Center.

Fifteen spots are available, so please pre-register by emailing krhod054@cccc.edu . The workshop is free and refreshments will be served. Please see the flyer for more details.

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Harvest Basket Food Drive

It is that time of year again! The Harvest Basket Food Drive will soon be here and we need your help. Student Activities, in partnership with Cougar Market, is collecting food items at each campus from Nov. 1 - 15. All food items will then stay on that campus to assist the local students.

Every department is invited to participate and compete in a friendly competition to win a department-wide pizza party. Please note that each donation will need to be labeled with department name in order to count toward the total. The department with the most donations wins!

Please see the Harvest Basket Food Drive flyer for more details as well as requested donation items and donation drop-off locations. If you have any questions, please contact Samantha Carroll at scarroll@cccc.edu.

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CCCC Cares Business Cards

CCCC Foundation

Jennifer Babb and Candice Solis were able to conjure an idea that Neil McGowan used to create the pictured business card. The card lists contact information for the most popular student services that students request.

A small batch has been printed and will be first given to areas with high student traffic across all three counties. If you would like some of these business cards to hand out during your student interactions, please let Jennifer know so we can get them to you as they come in.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND CCCC

Health & Fitness Science Speaker

Pete Rogers with Advantage Sports and Fitness spoke to the CCCC Health & Fitness Science students about a career that started in coaching at Purdue to a career in sales of exercise equipment. He let the class try out a new rower that included a Joes Versus Pros portion where novices compete against the experts. To learn more about the CCCC Health & Fitness Science program, visit www.cccc.edu/curriculum/majors/hfs.

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HFS students Visit-UNC Chapel Hill

John Bruner, Associate Athletic Director for Event Management at UNC-Chapel Hill, provided game day overview for both the Dean E. Smith Student Activity Center as well as Kenan Stadium for the second-year HFS students enrolled in Facility Management.

Students were provided an overview of all the moving parts of moving in over 22,000 people for a basketball game and over 55,000 people for a football game. Students were able to spend some time in Koury Natatorium to get an overview of a swimming facility, as well as peruse the Carolina Basketball Museum. Students were also given an overview of the ACC Network's presence on each of the ACC campuses. Bruner teaches a similar course in the Sports Administration Graduate Program at UNC-Chapel Hill.

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TRiO Student Support Services/STEM visit North Carolina's Zoo

by Kimberly Brzozowski, Academic Coach, Student Support Services/STEM

On Sept. 16, TRiO Student Support Services and Student Support Services STEM- Health Sciences visited the North Carolina Zoo to learn about animals and their natural habitats across North American and Africa.

As our first cultural event of the fall semester, students were able to explore the different exhibits while getting time to take pictures and enjoy the fresh air and scenery. One student, Christole Maddox, really enjoyed using her photography skills. We have featured some of her work below. We were able to see polar bears, sea lions, alligators, and cougars while in the North America exhibits. In the Africa exhibits, we saw a giraffe eating some vegetation from the trees, as well as an elephant giving himself a bath. The trip was a unique learning experience for students and staff alike.

TRiO Student Support Services and Student Support Services STEM-Health Sciences serves curriculum, first-generation, and low-income students here at the college. For more information on both programs, please visit www.cccc.edu/sss.

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BELL Students Give Back

Chatham County's College and Career Readiness' BELL Academy is continuing its annual tradition of giving back with rice donations going to the West Chatham Food Pantry.

Lead Instructor Della Newkirk created the Men's Club eight years ago with the purpose of having a small group of students come together to give back to their community through service projects. "It is connected to our curriculum to have the students integrate in their community and foster a sense of empathy with others," explains Della. "We want them engaged in a lifetime of community service."

The project focuses on rice because it is an economical food staple that crosses many cultures. Over the years, the students have donated hundreds of pounds of rice.

BELL Academy serves adults with intellectual disabilities. Students learn to become more independent and self-directing through instruction that teaches basic literacy, life and daily living skills, and some degree of employment readiness training so they can function in today's society.

The students invite all in the college to contribute to their project by sending or dropping off bags of rice to the Siler City Center through Nov. 15. For more information, contact Della Newkirk at ext. 8668.

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PERSONNEL NOTES

Candlelight Christmas Evenings

Is it too early? Not for making reservations for Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore House! Biltmore House is offering special pricing for CCCC employees interested in Candelight Christmas Evenings. See more at Biltmore.com. For reservations, call (866) 851-4661 and use reference promo code #250.

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Announcements

Rebeccah Lystash, Director of Upward Bound TRiO Programs, has given birth to a beautiful baby girl! Leah Payze Lystash was born on Sept. 10, 6 lbs. 2 oz. 18 inches. Both mommy and baby are doing great!

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Thank You

To My CCCC Family,

Thank you for your thoughtfulness, your generosity and your support during the loss of my mother. It is greatly appreciated, and you will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

Carla Strickland

Thank You My CCCC Family,

Thank you, CCCC family, for your unwavering support and kindness during the loss of my husband. During this difficult time in my life, the love that was shared in so many different ways helped me when I needed it most. I feel very honored to be able to work with such a fine group of people.

Lennie Stephenson

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Welcome New Employees!

New employees as of Sep. 30.

  • Amy Snider-Wells, Department Chair, Public Safety & Instructor

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Shout Outs

VMT Program welcomes a full-time Animal Facilities Manager

The Veterinary Medical Technology program will welcome Dr. Betsy Walton to the team as the new, full-time Animal Facilities Manager on Nov. 1. Many of you may already know her from her extensive part-time work in the same capacity. Dr. Walton's extensive regulatory background will enable and ensure greater compliance with our many regulatory bodies, including the USDA, IACUC, OSHA, DEA, and Radiation Safety. We are very excited to have her on our team and hope you will all join us in welcoming her aboard!

Promotion Announcement

The Health Sciences and Human Services Division is delighted to announce Melissa Fogarty's promotion to Chatham Health Sciences Site Director/Medical Assisting Program Director effective Nov. 1. Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this position and we are excited for her to represent the college in this capacity.

Lisa Godfrey, Dean of Health Sciences and Human Services

2020 North Carolina Community College System Excellence in Teaching Award Finalist

Please join me in congratulating Gary Beasley, who has been named as a finalist for the 2020 North Carolina Community College System Excellence in Teaching Award. Send positive vibes as he heads to Raleigh later in October for his Top 5 interview!

This quote from Gary's nomination is very telling:

"To teach students and see people interview them, and see these students get the job, it's fun...Having a student send me a text saying they've gotten hired. That is everything."

Bravo, Gary!

Brian S. Merritt, Vice President, Learning & Workforce Development

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2019 Pay Dates

MONTHDUE DATEPAY DATE
October Oct. 10, 2019 Oct. 31, 2019
NovemberNov. 8, 2019 Nov. 27, 2019
DecemberDec. 3, 2019 Dec. 23*, 2019

*December's pay day has been changed from what was previously put out in the 2019 pay dates document. December's pay day is now DECEMBER 23, 2019.

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Flu Season is Here

Do you have a fever or chills AND a cough or sore throat? If "yes," you may have the flu. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Please do NOT come to work if you are sick with a fever AND cough or sore throat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that sick employees stay home if they are sick with flu-like illness until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medicines (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

If you are at higher risk for complications from the flu and you are sick, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Children younger than five years of age, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, neuromuscular disorders, or heart disease), and people 65 years of age and older are more likely to get complications from the flu. Your health care provider may prescribe antiviral drugs, and they are most effective when started within two days of getting sick.

In addition, emergency warning signs that the sick person needs urgent medical attention include

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

For more information about caring for someone sick with flu, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

For more information visit http://www.flu.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

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Flu Vaccine Clinic

by Human Resources

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
1:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Room 103
Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center

Available as a service covered through your State Health Plan and/or BCBS health insurance. Medicare can also be filed.

Children must be 4 years of age and older to receive the flu vaccine through this clinic and covered by the State Health Plan/BCBS insurance. Children under four should see their primary care physician. A parent/guardian must be present for children between the ages of 4 and 17.

For those without State Health Plan/BCBS insurance the administration fee is $35. Make sure you bring your insurance card and a photo id.

Contact Mary Oates at (919) 353-0346 or mboates@lee.k12.nc.us if you have any questions.

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Live Well, Work Well Fall 2019

by Human Resources

"Getting outside may be the key to boosting your physical and psychological well-being."

Read more at Live Well, Work Well.

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Birthdays

Birthday list provided by Human Resources

10/25 Vickie Harrington
10/27 Samantha Lane
10/28 Debra McNeill
10/30 Amy Whitmer
10/30 Billy Wicker
10/31 Crystal Smith
10/31 James Thomas
11/1 Della Newkirk
11/2 Angie Nicholson
11/2 Crete Smith
11/3 Sabrina Dilanzo
11/4 Shari McGuire
11/4 Kimberly Overcash
11/5 Emily Shepard
11/5 Vivian Simpson
11/6 Scott Byington
11/8 Walter Choi
11/9 Erica Glover
11/10 Megan Kelly
11/10 Darlene McDowell
11/13 Tara Guthrie
11/14 Sandra Castonguay
11/14 Krystal Lee
11/15 Elizabeth Crissman
11/15 Karmisha Hernandez Luciano
11/18 Edwin Thomas
11/20 Sherica McNeill
11/21 Kevin Coleman
11/22 Fae Goodman
11/22 Ty Stumpf
11/26 Bianka Stumpf

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Cougar Kudos

Looking for a way to say thank you without being noticed? Send an anonymous* compliment or note of appreciation to a colleague! Try this great feature from the Center for Academic Excellence by completing this form.

*Your name and email address will be kept confidential and not sent with your message.

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News From The CCCC Family

We sadly want to inform everyone of the passing of Anthony Farrior's stepfather, Rev. Walter McGhee. Rev. Walter McGhee, 76, of Turkey, N.C., passed away Sept. 27 at home. The funeral service was be held at the First Baptist Church, Turkey, N.C. Please keep Anthony and his family in your thoughts.

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FACULTY AND STAFF ONLINE

COUGAR PETS

Cougar Pets News

Cat Enrichment Toys

The Veterinary Medical Technology Department would like to have donations of cat enrichment toys, specifically toys for scratching. Below are pictures of the toys wanted. These scratch toys can be purchased at Wal-Mart or other pet stores.

Cougar Pets Cougar Pets

National Make a Dog's Day

"National Make a Dog's Day" was Oct. 22. This day promotes dog adoption! Consider adopting one of the Cougar Pets. Go to cougarpets.org to learn more and see the dogs available.

Meet Katniss


Cougar Pets

Katniss

My name is Katniss. I am a 3-year-old female who loves to play and cuddle! I am very laid back and make friends easily with cats, but am unsure around dogs. I am very sweet and love to be loved, but also know how to be independent. Katniss is available for adoption!

All adoptable dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on all vaccines. They have had regular dental cleanings, blood work, and physical exams. We pride ourselves on the care that our cats and dogs receive during their stay. Contact us at www.cougarpets.org for more information on our colony dogs and available cats.

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CCCC-BAY

Things Wanted, For Sale, or For Free!


Pier 1 Chairs

Gray upholstered parsons chairs with dark brown legs from Pier 1. Four chairs total. Brand new in box! $200. Contact Heather McKenzie at hmcke851@cccc.edu.

Land!

Who needs land for their dream home?! Two lots available for purchase off Hickory House Road. NO CITY TAXES! 3.53 acres and 3.39 acres. Each lot $45,000. Contact Heather McKenzie at hmcke851@cccc.edu.

CCCC-Bay is happy to post your unneeded, unwanted, or unused items in Cougar Bytes! Send an email (photos would be great) to Cris Oliver at coliv016@cccc.edu and we will feature in next month's publication.

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CONTRIBUTE

Contribute to Cougar Bytes

Send along your Cougar Bytes contributions!

Our monthly Cougar Bytes newsletter is focused on staff and faculty. We welcome your stories, successes, events, photos, or shout-outs in every issue. Please submit your contributions to marketing@cccc.edu or contact Cris Oliver at coliv016@cccc.edu with any questions or suggestions.

The deadline for contributions is Nov. 20 for the November issue. Thank you!

Cougar Bytes issues for the remainder of 2019 will be published on:

  • Nov. 22
  • Dec. 13

To be sure your contribution is included, please submit at least two days ahead of the publication date. Thank you!

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The next issue of COUGAR BYTES will be published on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019.