April Raines is recipient of CCCC Staff of the Year award
SANFORD, N.C. – April Raines, Central Carolina Community College Education Navigator and NC Reconnect Lead, is recipient of the CCCC Staff of the Year award for 2024-2025.
April Raines exemplifies dedication, leadership, and innovation. Her commitment to supporting adult learners and her efforts to re-engage students facing various barriers are truly inspiring. Her impact is evident in the success of her students and her contributions to the community. Her ability to connect with students on a personal level and her unwavering support make her a true asset to CCCC. She fosters a welcoming environment at CCCC and is celebrated for her caring nature and unwavering dedication.
“April goes beyond normal job requirements by making substantial contributions to CCCC and its students. She actively engages with adult learners, providing personalized support to help them complete their education,” said Meghan Brown, CCCC Vice President of Advancement and Operations.
“April exemplifies dedication to the mission of CCCC through her leadership in the NC Reconnect project. This initiative focuses on re-engaging adult learners and improving their retention rates. April's commitment is evident in her efforts to recruit and support students of color and adult learners, addressing barriers such as technology access and financial challenges. Her work significantly contributes to providing accessible education and workforce development opportunities, aligning perfectly with the community college mission,” said Brown.
“She has been instrumental in designing and implementing strategies to reconnect adult learners with educational opportunities. Her innovative approach includes collaborating with faith-based communities to find trusted representatives who can help increase career awareness and connect communities of color to economic opportunities at CCCC,” said Brown.
April Raines holds a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees, and she is currently pursuing her doctoral degree.