March Cougar Champion: Diana Brown

Diana Brown
Education Navigator

How long have you worked for CCCC?
Six months.

What brought you to CCCC?
My husband and I found our forever home in Southern Pines, and CCCC is the perfect place to work and continue my career in higher education.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
I am an Education Navigator and Health Sciences Advisor for Pre-Health Science students.

What motivates you?
I try to remember that everyone I meet has a story and something special to share with the world. It is my goal to find that special something and make sure each person I meet knows I am looking for the best in them.

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Southern California and left in my early 20s to be with my active duty soldier. Lived in Alaska, Missouri, Germany, Maryland, Northern California and now North Carolina (done moving)!

Tell us about your family!
I live with my husband and our two mini Australian Shepherds (Sami and Etta James). My daughter, son-in-law and their two kitties also live with us.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
I love camping, hanging out at the lake or pool in summer, reading, growing things (plants, peppers, tress, etc), watching birds, petting my doggies, drinking coffee and tea, hanging out with family and friends and shopping at Costco (my most expensive hobby).

What is your favorite meal?
I enjoy cooking, but my favorite meal is anything my daughter cooks for me.

February Cougar Champion: Matthew DeSantis

Matthew DeSantis

Instructor of Political Science

How long have you worked for CCCC?
Three years.

What brought you to CCCC?
I had moved into administrative leadership after spending nearly 10 years in the classroom, but I wanted to find a way to stay engaged with students. I was fortunate that my name popped up when there was a last minute opening for a part-time political science position at CCCC and I jumped at the opportunity.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
I teach American Government online while working to constantly innovate and enhance the online educational experience for my students.

What motivates you?
My students. Teaching is something I have always been drawn to, so I was lucky to find my passion in life at a young age. Sharing knowledge with young people and seeing them use the tools we teach them in the classroom in order to achieve new heights for them and their families is the ultimate reward.

What is your work motto?
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." I have applied that to everything I do. If you are enthusiastic there are no limits on what you can accomplish and that mentality is infectious with students.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
In 2011 I had a non-traditional student who really seemed to enjoy my class. After the semester was over, he and his wife (who also took my class) would come to my office and spend time talking about world affairs. Fast forward a year, I came into my office the day after the 2012 election and there was a piece of paper slipped under my door. I opened it up and it was a letter from that student. He said that yesterday was the first time he ever voted in his life and it was because of my class. He included his "I Voted" sticker. I still have that letter and carry it with me.

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome in your career?
Taking on leadership roles in areas where I was not formally trained. At a previous college I was tapped to help lead assessment and accreditation work. Immersing myself in those worlds while building support amongst the faculty to revamp the way we thought about assessment and outcomes was a real challenge. However, I came to love it and eventually transitioned into working in leadership positions in those areas at other institutions.

What lessons have you learned in your role?
That innovation is a full-time job. Particularly teaching online, there are so many resources that come available every day that can help enhance your online classroom that you should never stop learning and working to improve what you already have in place.

What is the key to your success?
Saying "yes" to every opportunity. I never shied away from learning something new, serving on a committee, taking on additional responsibilities, or starting up a new student organization. Those are all things that changed my career trajectory and led me to future opportunities. Sometimes we feel too overwhelmed to say "yes" but the more you can put yourself out there, the more good things will come in your career.

Who inspires you?
Nature. I find that my greatest creative breakthroughs take place when I am out in nature whether it is a stroll on the beach or a hike through a forest. Being able to clear my mind and absorb my surroundings always seems to spark something new and exciting.

What is the best advice you can give your colleagues?
Take risks. Something doesn't need to be big in order for it to be a risk. Revamping a section of your class can be a risk. Agreeing to teach a new class is a risk. Suggesting a new policy or protocol at a department meeting is a risk. However, all of those things can lead to innovation and improvement, not just for yourself, but for your colleagues and students.

Where were you born?
Reading, PA.

Where did you grow up?
Reading, PA.

Where do you live now?
Rockaway Beach, NY.

Educational credentials?
B.A. in Political Science from Furman University and an M.A. in Political Science from the University of FL.

Tell us about your family!
I am a very proud dog dad to an 18-year-old Jack Russell Terrier named Kerri.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
I love horse racing and work in that industry in a full-time capacity. I enjoy hiking, visiting national parks, and perfecting my breakfast taco recipe.

Who is one of your favorite fictional characters and why (from a favorite book, tv show, movie, etc.)?
Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby." I am always drawn to tragic figures in literature. I find stories about those with fatal flaws that prevent them from achieving their potential greatness to be more compelling than the traditional underdog story. I also loved the Don Draper character in "Mad Men." Similar to Gatsby in some ways, but the idea of reinventing yourself through sheer force of will is such a uniquely American tradition and one I find endlessly fascinating.

What is your favorite meal?
Breakfast tacos. I lived in Austin, TX for three years and quickly became obsessed with all variations of breakfast tacos.

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I have seen the mission of higher education repeatedly change the trajectory of the lives of my students. I believe in the work we do more deeply than nearly anything else in my life. After 17 years in higher education I am so happy for my former students pursuing their passions. From an immigrant from Juarez, Mexico who is now working for the United Nations to a kid from Greensboro who got his Ph.D. while studying history in London, the stories of our students are what validates our mission.

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March Cougar Champion: Jon Byrd

Jon Byrd

Grounds Technician

How long have you worked for CCCC?
Almost a year and a half.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
I mainly work on the upkeep of the grounds on campus. I also help as needed with other projects around campus.

What is your work motto?
Always do the best that you are capable of doing.

Who inspires you?
My family.

Where were you born?
Raleigh.

Where did you grow up?
Bunnlevel.

Where do you live now?
Bunnlevel.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
Gardening, fishing, traveling.

What is your favorite meal?
Anything Italian.

2024 Campus Fund Drive

The 2024 Campus Fund Drive for employees is here! Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

The Foundation has awarded over $9,000 in student emergency funds since January!

Three new scholarships were established during the quarter:

• Rotary Club of Lillington - Trades
• Pedley Family - Vet Med
• Ahylea Memorial - Cosmetology

And as a THANK YOU for your support, the Foundation will provide food at the End of Year Celebration on April 25. Come enjoy sliders, chicken tenders, fruit, nachos, desserts, games, and a DJ!

Let’s celebrate making a difference in our college! Every time someone gives, a student is impacted. 100% of the donations to the Foundation go directly to fund the needs of our students and the college. Our primary focus is to make college affordable for our students, but the Foundation also helps ensure that technology and faculty/staff training needs are met.

Our communities can be proud of their college because of you!

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Culinary Arts Upcoming Events

The Culinary Arts program would like to invite you, your family and friends to support these upcoming events in Chatham, Lee and Harnett counties. Your support would greatly be appreciated. See flyers for more information.

Garde Manger Buffet

RSVP to attend this dine-in only event on Tuesday, April 23, from 5-7 p.m. Enjoy sweet and savory tastes for only $12 per person. RSVP today to Regina Minter at rminter@cccc.edu.

Chatham Culinary Last Chance

The farm-to-table class invites you to a spring dinner on Wednesday, April 24. Enjoy your dinner on the Natural Chef patio. Reservations required, please RSVP to Kelly Burton at kburton@cccc.edu

Dunn Center Culinary Food Show

CCCC Culinary students at the Dunn Center will be showing off their culinary skills on May 1, with many custom-crafted dishes that students created. Join us for a delicious time!

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#RedCarpetRegistration

#RCR 2024 is at a high school near you! This year's event series kicked off on April 12 at Chatham Charter School and will conclude on Monday evening, May 6, at the Lee Main Campus. Our goal is to meet with at least 350 graduating seniors this year!

We would like to thank everyone for your assistance with this event; it is a huge undertaking and would not be successful without the support of many campus offices, departments, and personnel. If you have questions or suggestions about the event, please contact Mary Schmid Carter at promisek14@cccc.edu.

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2024 COABE Conference

Ashley Byrd, Deana St. Peter, and Dean Claudia Clayton represented CCCC at the 2024 COABE Conference with their hybrid presentation, Making Internal Connections in College Communities to Leverage Professional Development Resources.

This was Ashley’s and Deana’s first time presenting at COABE, which stands for The Coalition on Adult Basic Education. Comprised of practitioners and administrators, COABE has more than 65,000 members and works to advance national and international adult education and literacy opportunities.

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Spring 2024 Professional Development Day

Spring Professional Development Day was held Tuesday, March 26th! With multiple sessions offered throughout the day, faculty and staff had the opportunity to choose from a diverse range of workshops tailored to enhance their skills and expertise--and to invest in professional growth!

View more images.

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National Library Week

The Central Carolina Community College Harnett Main Campus Library staff stands by the campus entrance sign that includes a recognition of the celebration of National Library Week.

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Solar Eclipse Event

An eclipse viewing event took place on April 8 at Central Carolina Community College. Here are scenes from the event, compliments of Allison Haire and others. Thank you!

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March Mammal Madness!

Last month, the Math and Science departments participated in March Mammal Madness! This is a simulated fight between animals that takes into consideration the mannerisms and habitat of the animals to decide who is the ultimate champion. This competition is put on by Arizona State University and is used by educators all over the U.S.!

Math and Science had a departmental competition for most average points scored and Science came out victorious with an average of 70.625 points per person with Math close behind with 70.25 points per person. Here is our scoreboard that shows Amy Kennedy as our overall winner scoring a whopping 101 points!

Please join us in congratulating the Math and Science departments!

The pictures included is this year's bracket with the winners and the display we had set up in Marchant Hall. The rodent roundtable is the announcer for the fights, they have a You Tube channel. The calendar for the fights has also been included as well as a picture of our new math and science mascot, the Sparklemuffin Peacock spider, who did not make it past round one but is a winner in our hearts.

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Winning Spellers of The CCCC Hive

Each year, CCCC sends a team (or two) of spellers to Delta Rho's annual Beginning Life with Books Spelling Bee. Delta Rho is a group of Lee County educators who serve or have served in school settings from preschools to community colleges.

The bee's fundraising proceeds purchase a copy of Goodnight Moon for every baby born at Central Carolina Hospital. A lifetime of literacy begins in the cradle after all. The CCCC Hive took top honors and W-O-N against 37 other local teams. Ask them to spell words like ducats, buccal, bivouac, smellfungus, and dozens more.
I-M-P-R-E-S-S-I-V-E.

C-O-N-G-R-A-T-U-L-A-T-I-O-N-S to the winning spellers of The CCCC Hive: English/Humanities Instructor Dr. Andrew Walser (captain), Social Sciences Chair Leigh Beam, CCCC Foundation Board Member and Former Chair Lynda Turbeville, and CCCC Alum Lawrence Brooks!

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PROPEL Leadership Program

The CCCC 2023-2024 PROPEL Leadership Program wrapped up its year with a celebration at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center on April 12.

PROPEL is a biennial leadership program designed to connect faculty and staff in leadership roles or those aspiring to leadership roles with experts from across the college and the North Carolina Community College System to learn about leadership philosophy, community college history, governance, budgeting, and other topics.

As this year's project, the PROPEL cohort worked together to plan and deliver the Career Carnival on March 19-21, which had almost 500 students in attendance across our three main campuses.

We are exceptionally proud of our program participants!

Pictured are, left to right: Kelly Dorman, Criminal Justice Technologies Department Chair; Brenda Grubb, Biotechnology Instructor; Alyson Cochrane, Humanities Lead Instructor; Jason Rouse, Motorcycle Mechanics Lead Instructor; Justin Pedley, Veterinary Medical Technology Animal Facilities Manager; Nichelle Lariviere, Assistant Financial Aid Director; and Brandi Hernandez, Purchasing Director. Not pictured is Fred Staton Jr., Associate Director of TRiO Student Support Services.

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STEM Career Panel

Thanks to the panelists—and to all who attended—the Central Carolina Community College STEM Career Panel on April 3 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic and Conference Center in Sanford, N.C.

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Changing Culture through Career Communities at CCCC

A team from CCCC shared a presentation on "Changing Culture through Career Communities at Central Carolina Community College" at the Joint Administrators Conference at Forsyth Technical Community College on March 22.

The conference, sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Community College Instructional Administrators and North Carolina Student Development Administrators Association, focused on the theme of "Empowering Excellence within the Great 58."

From left to right: Roy Allen, Dean of Public Safety; Denise Martin, Dean of Health Sciences & Professional Services; Cristy Holmes, Dean of Arts & STEM; Sara Newcomb, Executive Director of Secondary Partnerships; and Kristi Short, Vice President of Student Learning.

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March Wellness Event

Thank you to all who came out to support our March Wellness Event as we enjoyed some lunch, games and learned about Colon Cancer Awareness. We raised a total of $50 for the Colon Cancer Coalition.

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Rescue Puppies Open For Adoption

Hi CCCC friends!

Back in February, my family rescued a stray dog. A few days later, she gave us a huge present as a thank you - a puppy under the kitchen table! Later, we heard about some puppies that needed a mom, and, luckily, our momma was willing to take them in and love them like her own.

It has been an incredible (and incredibly stressful) experience, but it’s almost time for momma and babies to find their fur-ever homes!

The dogs are with CARE (Chatham Animal Rescue and Education), a local dog rescue based in Chatham County & you can submit an application today!

Momma is a sweet and intelligent girl, and the puppies are even cuter than you can imagine. As a bonus, we have been raising the puppies according to Puppy Culture guides and standards!

You can read more about the dogs on CARE’s website (linked below) and submit an application if you are interested in adopting them! I’m also happy to answer any questions and provide whatever information I can.

To make an appointment with me, Lincoln Frye, schedule with calendly.com/lfrye914.

CARE’s website: www.chathamanimalrescue.org.

Learn More About Tip

Learn More About Stella

Learn More About Luna

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Views From Around CCCC

Here's a dose of joy from our furry cow friends at the Central Carolina Community College Veterinary Medical Technology large animal facility.

Daffodils growing on CCCC Student Farm.

Please feel free to send along any images you might capture from around all of the CCCC locations! Send them to Cris at coliver@cccc.edu. Thanks!

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CCCC REGULARS

WWGP Radio

Thanks to WWGP Radio and Margaret Murchison (right) for hosting Mary Schmid Carter (left), CCCC College Access Coordinator, on Monday, April 8. They discussed the college's #RedCarpetRegistration.

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News From Foundation

Summer Camps are LIVE!

For more information on what is being offered and how to register, please visit here.

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Golf Classics

Chatham Golf Classic
May 15 at 9 a.m. at Chapel Ridge Golf Club in Pittsboro.

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Campus Events

The Foundation continues to assist Faculty/Staff with departmental needs and requests. Please contact Abby Walker if you would like to discuss ways the Foundation can help you and your department!

Recently, the Foundation helped support the following requests:

• New Faculty Orientation
• Student Learning Division Family Day
• Annual Career Expo/Job Fair
• Applied Technologies Day/Recruiting Event
• National Student Nurses Association National Convention
• #RedCarpetRegistration and Student Support Event

Foundation staff had a great visit with Scott Butcher recently and got a first-hand account of all the exiting student projects going on in the Industrial Technologies Department and Skills USA!

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Community Events

Foundation staff presented to the Piedmont Coastal Society of Plastics Engineers and received two donations for their endowment and scholarship program.

Mertek made a $2,500 donation to the Lasers and Photonics program.

Thank you for your support of the Foundation.
We make a difference because of YOU!

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Human Resource News

View the updated CCCC Organization Chart

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The Copy Center has Gone Digital

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From Institutional Research

View full pdf

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David S. Heesacker Publication Corner

David S. (Steve) Heesacker has done it again! Steve was recently featured in a CreditDonkey article about Best Outsourced HR for Small Business. Read the full article here.

MoneyGeek recently published an article featuring expert advice from Steve Heesacker "His commentary was a huge asset to our new business insurance article!" ~ MoneyGeek
Read the full article here.

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New Employees and Position Changes

Updates as of April 1

Welcome!

March New Employees

• Elizabeth Slagle - Instructional Designer (EARTh Center)
• Alicia Surratt - AR Specialist Lead Cashier
• Martha Hernandez - Custodian (LMC)
• Sabrina Currin - VMT/ Administrative Assistant (PT)

March Position Changes

• Jessica Holt - Lead Practical Nursing Instructor
• Karen Wilkins - Public Safety Program Technician
• Jessica Lujan - Education Navigator and CCR Advisor
• Felicia Crittenden - Associate Vice President, Workforce Development & Continuing Education
• Elizabeth Hodges - CCP Nurse Aide Coordinator/HHSC Site Coordinator
• Donna Rhodes - Phlebotomy Instructor/HHSC Site Coordinator
• Tanasha Murchison - Administrative Assistant, Cosmetology
• Drew Goodson - Associate VP, Financial Services/CFO
• Wade Genthe - Assistant Director of Security
• Jodi Langston - Practical Nursing Instructor
• Beverly Brock - Director, Health Programs - Continuing Education
• Gerald Hunter - Director, Apprenticeship and Applied Technologies/CWI Site Coordinator

Congratulations!

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Birthdays

Birthday list provided by Human Resources

Happy Birthday
to each of you!

If you prefer not to be listed or if your name does not appear as you'd like, please email Cris Oliver.

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Calendars 2024

Download the 2024 CCCC Pay Dates

Download the 2024 CCCC Holiday Calendar

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News From The CCCC Family

Former employee of CCCC, Terry Huff has passed away. Please keep his family in your thought. View his obituary, and leave any condolences at Knotts Funeral Home.

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CCCC-BAY

Things Wanted, For Sale, or For Free!

WANTED!

Vet Med is looking for six metal cabinets to store feed in!

Do you have a two-door metal cabinet in your area that you are not using or is taking up space? Vet Med would love to take the cabinet off of your hands! These cabinets are great for storing animal feed and they are looking for about six cabinets in total. If you have a cabinet that you do not need, please contact Animal Facilities Manager Justin Pedley at jpedley@cccc.edu. Below is a reference picture of the two-door metal cabinets.

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COUGAR PETS

Cougar Pets

Cougar Pets is a local animal rescue group housed on the Lee Main Campus. As part of the Veterinary Medical Technology program, our animals help teach veterinary technician students essential skills that will help future animals. All of the animals are rescued from shelters, and all are adoptable.

Meet Frankie

I am a quiet, reserved girl but I do still enjoy having fun. I love to get pet and will be putty in your lap for chin scratches. My favorite toy is a laser pointer and I really like looking out the window. Come check me out!

Frankie

Meet Burton

Even though I am named after Tim Burton himself, you will find that there isn't anything scary about me! I am a happy dude with a lot of personality. I enjoy going for walks and would make a great companion as a hiking buddy. I love to play with my best friend Louise and would love to meet you too!

Burton

See all of the adoptions, or rather Happy Tails of Cougar Pets.

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

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College Salon Services

The mission of the Barbering and Cosmetic Arts Department at CCCC is to provide quality education and learning experiences for Barbering and Cosmetic Arts students.

For this reason, all services are available to faculty and staff. Services are performed exclusively by students under the supervision of Barbering or Cosmetic Arts instructors.

See all Salon services.

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CONTRIBUTE

Contribute to Cougar Bytes

Send along your Cougar Bytes contributions about our wonderful faculty and staff! We welcome your images, staff and faculty successes, events, and shout-outs in each issue. Submit your contributions to Cris Oliver in Marketing at coliver@cccc.edu.

Deadline for contributions is May 17 by 5 p.m. for the next issue. The summer issues will be published on the following Thursdays.

• May 23
• June 20
• July 18

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