June Cougar Champion: Chrishinda A Horton

Chrishinda A Horton
Clinical Manager and Instructor for the Dental Programs

How long have you worked for CCCC?
I started as an adjunct instructor in Feb. 2020. I transitioned to my current role in Sept. 2022.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
As the Clinical Manager of the Dental Programs, I oversee and ensure the efficient operation of the dental clinics. My responsibilities include ordering supplies and managing repairs for the department. Additionally, I teach classes in both the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs.

What motivates you?
I am driven by a deep desire to help others. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience new things and achieve their goals.

What is your work motto?
"Empty the bucket." We will have good days and bad days. But we must learn to empty the bucket, start fresh the next day, and keep moving forward.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is being ordained as a minister in May 2019.

Where were you born, grow up, and live now?
Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, and Sanford.

Educational credentials?
A Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Tell us about your family!
My husband, Brian, and I have been married for 25 years. We have four children, Micheal, Cameron, Gabrielle, and Adriana and one granddaughter, Amaiyah. A guinea pig named Domino and a dog named Dior.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
I love going to the beach with my family and reading.

What is your favorite meal?
Seafood Boil

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I am a firm believer in the mission of Central Carolina Community College. As a proud graduate of the college transfer program, I can attest that CCCC meets students where they are and empowers them to reach their fullest potential. A great education truly enables students to achieve their highest aspirations.

May Cougar Champion: Marbella Cortez Perez

Marbella Cortez Perez

Cosmetics Arts Instructor

How long have you worked for CCCC?
I have worked for CCCC since 2019.

What brought you to CCCC?
I received a lot of training through CCCC with my volunteer fire department to obtain certifications. When I became a certified fire instructor, I began as an adjunct instructor with CCCC. I began assisting with the Fire Academy and eventually was selected to be the Academy coordinator.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
As a Cosmetics Arts instructor, I have taught the cosmetology class as well as the nail technology class.

What is your proudest accomplishment(s)
My proudest accomplishment is that each time one of my students goes and takes their state test for their licensure, they contact me to let me know they passed their test.

What is the greatest challenge you've overcome in your career?
I believe that the greatest challenge I have overcome is dealing with students that had little or no school experience from back home. Some of these students barely finished middle school, so test taking was something they struggled with.

What lessons have you learned in your role?
A lesson I learned was to never give up and that everything is possible but you have to make it possible, and work for it.

Who inspires you?
My mother was and will forever be my greatest inspiration.

About you.
I was born in Mexico, but was raised in New Jersey until I was 15 yrs old. I currently live in Saint Pauls, N.C.

June Cougar Champion: Angie Wood

Angie Wood

Dental Programs Adjunct Faculty

How long have you worked for CCCC?
I have worked for CCCC going on two years.

What brought you to CCCC?
After being in dentistry and working in private practice over 35 years as a Certified Dental Assistant and a Registered Dental Hygienist, I wanted to help students avoid starting habits that could shorten their careers by using experiences of friends and colleagues and my own personal experiences.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
I work with the students in the CCCC Dental Hygiene clinic. I work with them to get prepared to start working with patients and continue working with them as they provide dental hygiene services until they graduate.

What motivates you and what is your work motto?
Probably, the biggest thing that motivates me is when I know someone, especially, myself, thinks I can't do something. I will do that something no matter how long it takes or how hard it is. I will prove "them" wrong!

What is your work motto?
I would say my work motto(s) and life motto(s) would be the same: The job has to be done so just get it done and Never Let Them See You Sweat!

What is your proudest accomplishment(s)
My proudest accomplishment to date is raising my son, Eli and watching him walk across the stage at his high school graduation. I feel my husband and I did the job God gave us by choosing the village he wanted us to help Eli to develop into the young man he is today.

What is the greatest challenge you've overcome in your career?
The greatest challenge I've overcome in my career would be staying true to myself. I have learned to never let others persuade me to go against what I know is the right thing to do and always stand up for myself even if the end result doesn't turn out in my favor. In the long run, God has always shown me I have done the right thing when I don't compromise myself.

What lessons have you learned in your role?
Oh goodness, I could write so many things I have learned in my role here at CCCC! Probably, one of the biggest lessons I have learned would be I really needed to go back to the basics of dental hygiene because I had been doing my job "my way" as a hygienist for 20 years that I had tunnel vision. I could take new techniques and do them my way when in actuality my way wasn't always the best way and other 20 year colleagues did things "their way" and we weren't wrong we just weren't looking outside our tunnels.

What is the key to your success?
This is easy! My key to success is by surrounding myself with people who push and even sometimes pull me up but don't push me down!

Who inspires you?
My mother was and will forever be my greatest inspiration.

What is the best advice you can give your colleagues?
My best advice to my colleagues would be if you feel yourself becoming part of the group that is negative, move on. You will know and don't stay because it's familiar. Don't be the person "they" make you think you are. Always, stand strong in your convictions. To my CCCC Dental Programs colleagues, my advice would be to always continue to be welcoming, accepting and caring for new additions to your group. That's what makes you so great!

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I graduated from Lee County Senior High School and call Sanford home. I live in Western Harnett County.

Educational credentials?
I graduated from the Dental Assisting Program at the UNC School of Dentistry in 1987. I did my prerequisites for Dental Hygiene school right here at CCCC. I graduated from the Dental Hygiene Program at the UNC School of Dentistry in 2003. I received my Bachelor's of Dental Hygiene Science Degree from the UNC School of Dentistry in 2005.

Tell us about your family!
I live in the Western Harnett High School area with my husband of 24 years, Benny, 18 year old son, Eli, and our two dogs, Happy and Bandit.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
Outside of CCCC, I love spending time with my family and hanging out with good friends. I enjoy listening to books, I have already "read" by audio, 27 books this year. I am a wanna be crafty person. This means, I think about a craft I want to do, then go get all the necessary things I need and most of the time, it ends there.

What is your favorite meal?
My favorite food is shrimp so most any meal with shrimp is my favorite.

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I know God is the reason I am where I am today. He also has had many laughs about me when I told him my plan and it wasn't His plan for me. I'm very thankful He has a great sense of humor. My family and I are animal lovers of all kinds. Occasionally, we may raise a baby squirrel or opossum who was blown out of a nest during a storm or mother hit on the road. In the Summer, we leave the porch lights on to feed the frogs who come sit on the step under the light. But, no snakes allowed!!! My Happy Place is in a chair on the sand at the ocean.

New Industry Skills Training Lab Unveiled

Over 60 individuals representing local businesses and economic development partners convened at the Central Carolina Community College E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotechnology Solutions Center on Thursday, June 20, for an exclusive open house event. The gathering celebrated the unveiling of the new Industry Skills Training Lab, a pivotal component of Phase 1 of the Moore Center's renovation. This state-of-the-art resource is equipped with cutting-edge technology and advanced equipment, now available for local employers to train their maintenance workforce.

The lab enables CCCC to offer training solutions aimed at upskilling existing employees and attracting new talent from the region. Read the full story here.

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Two CCCC faculty members complete NC3MI Certification Program

Central Carolina Community College proudly announces the graduation of two of its distinguished faculty members from the inaugural cohort of the North Carolina Community College Master Instructor (NC3MI) Certification Program. This transformative program, which aims to elevate teaching standards and enhance student success across the state, saw the successful participation of Dr. Maryann Aucompaugh and Ms. Crystal Way.

The NC3MI Certification Program, launched in January 2024, is a semester-long initiative designed to recognize and develop the talents of faculty members across North Carolina's community colleges. Participants engage in a rigorous curriculum that includes modules on relational capacity, student motivation, metacognition, critical thinking, and career readiness. The program emphasizes three key performance areas: Professional Development, Student Learning, and Collaborative Leadership.

Faculty Achievements

Dr. Aucompaugh and Ms. Way were selected for this prestigious program based on their exceptional commitment to teaching and their dedication to student success. Their participation in the NC3MI program underscores CCCC's commitment to fostering excellence in education and preparing students for the future.

Dr. Aucompaugh, who specializes in Business Technologies, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, "I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the first cohort for the North Carolina Community College Master Instructor certification. This course provided valuable training and hands-on activities that reinforced my commitment to excellence in teaching and lifelong learning. I look forward to sharing some of these new concepts and practices with my students and colleagues in the future."

Ms. Way, a Nursing instructor, noted, "Participating in the N.C. Community College Master Instructor (NC3MI) Certification curriculum was a great personal achievement for me, but also serves as a great opportunity to enhance the quality of education within the CCCC Nursing Program, as well as our Health Sciences division. Personally, it was enlightening to see and share strategies among like-minded educators, many of which are similar to strategies utilized daily in the active learning environment of the Nursing programs. There are so many tools that I can't wait to share with our current faculty. This certification indicates a commitment to excellence in curriculum instruction, equipping any instructor that chooses to participate with advanced, evidence-based teaching strategies that directly benefit our student's success and retention. I am excited to see how NCCCS and AVID deploy this program to improve the educational opportunities for students across the state."

Program Highlights

The NC3MI Certification Program offers a blend of online and in-person learning activities, providing flexibility for faculty members to balance their professional development with their teaching responsibilities. Throughout the program, participants submitted artifacts and evidence that demonstrate their mastery of the program's standards. These artifacts were reviewed by key stakeholders at the N.C. Community College System Office.

Graduates of the program are recognized for their contributions to teaching excellence and their role in shaping the future of education in North Carolina. The program concluded with a capstone event on May 21 in Asheboro, N.C., where participants presented their achievements and engaged in a panel discussion.

Looking Ahead

CCCC remains committed to supporting its faculty in their professional development endeavors. The success of Dr. Aucompaugh and Ms. Way in the NC3MI program serves as an inspiration to other educators and highlights the college's dedication to continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

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A Back to School Celebration at CCCC

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48 Students! TRiO Upward Bound Summer Academy

This year, 48 students attended the three-week academy on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill!

Every year CCCC's Upward Bound high school students complete a residential summer academy to prepare for their postsecondary education. Students spent their days in the classroom doing project based learning and their evenings doing organized activities on campus. This year students enjoyed volleyball games right outside the dorm, workshops focusing on college readiness, and other events organized by the program's summer counselors.

The academy is meant to give students the opportunity to experience college life while parents can rest assured that they are under supervision. Long walks and campus food were among this year's participants' daily agenda. The students stayed in a typical freshman dorm that was just a little under a mile from the classroom building. Everyday they ate in the campus dining hall with other students and camps taking place that week.

Students will complete the Upward Bound summer program on the CCCC campus. They will attend workshops hosted by many of the programs here on campus as well some additional workshops preparing them for college entrance exams followed by a trip to Charleston, S.C. to stop for college tours and cultural activities in the area.

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July UV Awareness

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National Manufacturing Day

National Manufacturing Day was established by the Manufacturing Institute to expand knowledge about manufacturing careers and manufacturing's value to the United States.

Representatives from local industries (Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties) will be on-site to showcase their company and products, present potential career opportunities, and increase manufacturing awareness. CCCC faculty and department chairs will also be on-site with program information related to careers in manufacturing.

We hope you will join us for this important event! Event details and the link to register are below.

Attendee registrations are due by Friday, Sept. 20. Register Today

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One-stop Accessibility to Complete Enrollment

The CCCC Lee Main Campus in Sanford hosted an event July 9 offering one-stop accessibility to complete enrollment. The event was open to all prospective students and their families.

Students learned about how to attend CCCC for free including learning about the NextNC Scholarship. This is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition, fees, and books at Central Carolina Community College.

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North Carolina Community College System Conference

The North Carolina Community College System Conference will be held Oct. 13-15 in Raleigh. Many faculty and staff have already expressed interest in attending this event, and the college would like to support participation to the extent our budget allows.

If you would like to attend the system conference, please complete the linked Google form to indicate your interest. https://forms.gle/5nanmv8XHvtpngnP6

The form link will remain open until Aug. 30, and earlier submissions will help us with budgeting and planning. The college will select attendees and communicate registration procedures by mid-September. Hope to see you there!

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Karmisha Hernandez Selected for 2024 LatinxEd Fellowship

CCCC's Veterans Upward Bound Program invites you to join us in congratulating VUB's Assistant Director, Karmisha Hernandez, on being selected to be part of the 2024 LatinxEd Fellowship program.

The LatinxEd Fellowship is a statewide network providing leadership development to Latinx leaders seeking to advance education equity and opportunity in North Carolina.

Karmisha was chosen as an emerging educator and leader who seeks to make a positive difference in Latinx education. With her passion and boundless energy, we have no doubt that Karmisha will excel in this opportunity and make a positive impact within our state. Congratulations, Karmisha!

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YEA Juntos

Seventeen students from the YEA Juntos program attended Summer Academy at N.C. State University. Central Carolina Community College has received a sub-award to partner with N.C. State University and the North Carolina Extension Service in Lee County to facilitate the YEA Juntos program at Lee County High School.

CCCC will facilitate operation of the Juntos Program in partnership with Lee County Schools and N.C. Cooperative Extension in Lee County, funded by the sub-award grant. The sub-award is for $900,000 over a five-year period.

Oscar Hernandez serves as CCCC's YEA Juntos Program Coordinator. In this role, he manages the program and helps build the STEM Agriculture Pathways (AP) model, which will bridge students into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and agri-science programs at the college.

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Women Veterans Recognition Day

Women Veterans Recognition Day celebrates and honors the signing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act. This act afforded women the right to permanently serve in the Armed Forces.

The Veterans Upward Bound Program had the privilege of celebrating with a day full of camaraderie and fellowship! The event included mindful meditation instruction, a paint your own pottery session, and culminated with the sharing of a meal.

These events allow for veterans to learn about life outside of their service-including how to care for oneself by processing and managing stress in a positive and productive manner, and how to build and strengthen relationships. If you would like to explore ways you can support our local veterans and those military affiliated, please contact Jennifer Dillon, (919) 718-7561 or jdillon@cccc.edu.

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R.V. Hight Presented with Lewis Gaston Award

R.V. Hight, CCCC Director of Communications, has been awarded the Henry Lewis Gaston Award from the College News Association of the Carolinas (CNAC).

The award recognizes outstanding service to the association and accomplishments in public relations for higher education. CNAC, formed in 1963, is a group composed of higher education public relations professionals for public and private schools across the two Carolinas.

The Gaston Award honors the late Henry Lewis Gaston Jr., who at the time of his death, was news director at Appalachian State University and was serving as chairman of CNAC.

Congratulations!

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CCCC REGULARS

From Institutional Research

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David S. Heesacker Publication Corner

Professor David S. Heesacker was featured in WalletHub's piece about Best Car Insurance in North Carolina. Read the full article here.

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Informative Forms

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CCCC Connect

SLATE: Did You Know, June Newsletter

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Cougar Connections: The Student Newsletter

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 Maverick

Life shouldn't be so complicated. For me, it's easy! I make time to play, time to eat, time to sleep, and time to cuddle. If you are looking for a routine cuddle bear, then count me in!

Maverick

Meet Cher

Cher is currently available for adoption!

Cher

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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New Employees and Position Changes

Updates as of July 1

Welcome and Congratulations!

June New Employees

• Kimberly Stewart - Career Pathways Coordinator
• J. Dwayne Garnett - Associate Director of Student Onboarding and Success
• David McLeod - Security Officer (Harnett County)
• Derrick Washington - Security Officer (Lee County)
• Doris "Faye" Stone - Facilities Coordinator (DAWCC)
• Matthew Dilworth - Graduation Coordinator and Records Assessment Specialist
• Abigayle Marsh - Records Assessment Specialist

June Position Changes

• Sara Newcomb - Dean of Business and Applied Technologies
• Thadd McElreath - Health and Fitness Science Department Chair
• Gina Jones - EMS Administrative Assistant
• Alicia Surratt - Grants Accountant
• Karmisha Hernandez - VUB Assistant Director
• Tara Gillis - Animal Facilities Manager
• Anthony Garner - Lead Electrical Systems Technology Instructor
• Annie Bogan - Lead Administrative Specialist

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Birthdays

Birthday list provided by Human Resources

7/18	Amy Berrier
7/18	Jodi Langston
7/18	Arthur McCullers
7/19	Christopher Nem
7/19	Rosa Velazquez
7/19	Joshua Webb
7/21	Meghan Brown
7/21	Morgan Steele
7/22	James Pearson
7/22	William Taylor
7/22	Karen Wilkins
7/23	Shelly Watkins
7/24	Gary Franks
7/24	Kaylon Gault
7/24	Sarah Shannon-Mohamed
7/29	Glenda Lassen
7/30	Eric Butler
7/31	Elizabeth Hodges
7/31	Elizabeth King
8/2	Marcie Dishman
8/2	Alicia Surratt
8/4	Ian Dunham
8/4	Jon Matthews
8/5	Tiffany Needham
8/6	Emma Coffer
8/8	Kim Browning
8/9	Wendy Harrington
8/9	Jessica Holt
8/9	Erika Parker
8/10	Tanasha Murchison
8/11	Jessica Gonzalez
8/12	Lincoln Frye
8/12	Steven Price
8/12	Morgan Pruitt
8/13	Madison Williams
8/14	Lara Abels
8/14	Steve Heesacker
8/15	Malinda Marsh
8/16	Alex B. Dowdy
8/16	Talia Friday
8/16	Emily Hare
8/18	Audra Kallimanis
8/18	Gabrielle Mummert
8/20	Kay Harris
8/20	Savannah Lowe
8/20	Neil McGowan
8/22	Phillip Ashe
8/22	Donna Rhodes
8/23	Shavonda Chance
8/24	Gregg Parr
8/25	Kevin Pearson
8/26	Jennifer Dillon
8/26	Tarrell Pugh
8/26	Nathan Stevens
8/27	Rebekah Waters
8/28	Becky Finken
8/31	Robert Hammond

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 Summer Schedule

Download the 2024 CCCC Pay Dates

Download the 2024 CCCC Holiday Calendar

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Biltmore Deal is Back!

Take advantage of fantastic deals on last-minute summer travel destinations, home party hosting essentials, and more! See the attached for tickets at work savings and Biltmore.

• Super Savings This July
• Discover Biltmore Anytime

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News From The CCCC Family

Former CCCC employee Carol Neal Bradford passed away on Thursday, July 11. Carol was a Student Services Counselor with the college. Her husband, Bill Bradford, also retired from the college. He served many years as a chemistry instructor. Please leave any condolences at Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home.

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Former CCCC employee Sue Tipton passed away on Thursday, July 11. Sue was a GED/AHS instructor with the college. Share your thoughts at Smith Funeral Home.

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Former CCCC employee Marlene Brown passed away on July 9. Marlene was an adjunct computer instructor with the college. Please keep Marlene's family in your thoughts. Condolences can be left at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home.

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Please keep Jennifer Phillips, Enrollment Services Coordinator, in your thoughts as her mother passed away on July 6. Kindly leave condolences for Jennifer and her family at Falardeau Funeral Home.

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Sadly, Fred Brucker, a Broadcasting instructor at CCCC since 2016, passed away on June 28. Please keep Kels Brucker, Administrative Assistant in your thoughts during this difficult time. Please share condolences with Kels and the family at Knotts Funeral Home.

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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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CCCC-BAY

Things Wanted, For Sale, or For Free!

Hello! I am moving soon and looking to get rid of several things! Please contact me if you are interested. Angie Fleshman at ariff201@cccc.edu.

Contact Angie Fleshman at ariff201@cccc.edu if interested.

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Are you cleaning out your garage this summer? CCCC-Bay is happy to post any unwanted items in Cougar Bytes. Send an email (photos would be great) to Cris Oliver at coliver@cccc.edu and we'll feature in the next publication.

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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 Aug 18 by 5 p.m. for the next issue. Upcoming issues will be published on the following days:

• Aug. 23 (Friday)
• Sept. 20
• Oct. 18

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