CCCC celebrates excellence with recent key recognitions
SANFORD, N.C. — At Central Carolina Community College (CCCC), we are proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations whose work reflects our mission to prepare students for success, foster workforce development, and contribute to the economic vitality of our region.
The recent accolades awarded to Dr. Lisa Smelser, CCCC Executive Director of Workforce Strategic Initiatives; Mertek Solutions (whose president is CCCC Trustee Jerry Pedley); CCCC President Dr. Lisa Chapman, and CCCC Trustee Chet Mann shine a spotlight on the extraordinary partnerships and leadership that drive our college forward and align with our institutional priorities, such as the E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center dedicated to workforce development.
Dr. Lisa Smelser's recognition as the North Carolina Community College System’s Excellence in Teaching Award winner is a testament to her unwavering commitment to student success and workforce development. As Executive Director of Workforce Strategic Initiatives, Dr. Smelser has been instrumental in fostering partnerships that connect our students to real-world opportunities, particularly in biotechnology. Her innovative work, including securing the $25 million EDA Build Back Better grant, has expanded access to life sciences careers for underserved populations, helping to create new career pathways and economic opportunities across the state. Additionally, her leadership in the Biotechnology Alignment Project ensures that CCCC’s curriculum is aligned with the evolving needs of the industry, empowering students to develop in-demand skills and secure sustainable careers.
Dr. Smelser’s contributions exemplify the college's priority of providing students with clear, accessible, and achievable routes to high-paying careers. Her efforts to build connections between education and industry provide students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical experience and professional networks that are essential for career success. She is a true embodiment of the college's mission to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in a competitive, rapidly changing job market.
Mertek Solutions, led by Jerry Pedley, has been honored with the North Carolina Community College System Workforce Development Pinnacle Award for Business of the Year (under 500 employees). This recognition highlights Mertek's significant contributions to workforce development and its long-standing collaboration with CCCC. Through the Mertek Academy, this local business has provided invaluable opportunities for our students to gain hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing, ensuring they are well-prepared for successful careers. Mertek’s commitment to inclusivity, by providing opportunities for veterans, individuals with disabilities, and dislocated workers, underscores the college’s commitment to fostering a diverse and resilient workforce.
Jerry Pedley’s support goes beyond hiring — his generous donations of equipment, such as FANUC robots, and his ongoing advocacy for programs like National Manufacturing Day exemplify the power of business-education partnerships. As a member of our Board of Trustees, Pedley plays a critical role in helping shape the direction of CCCC’s workforce training programs, ensuring that they are aligned with the needs of industry. This collaboration is a key example of how CCCC’s focus on industry partnerships, like those forged at the Moore Center, enhances the skills and job prospects of our graduates.
We also celebrate the leadership and commitment of Dr. Lisa Chapman, CCCC President, who has been recognized as a local leader through her service to both the college and the community as the Lee County Community Foundation’s Woman of the Year. Dr. Chapman’s leadership has been vital in guiding CCCC through a period of tremendous growth, ensuring that the college continues to meet the needs of students and employers alike. Her work with organizations like the Lee County Education Foundation and United Way reflects her deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life in our region. Her focus on expanding educational opportunities and fostering community engagement exemplifies CCCC’s mission to transform lives and strengthen the region.
Additionally, we are proud to recognize Trustee Chet Mann, who has been named the Lee County Community Foundation’s Man of the Year. Mann’s extensive service to the community, including his roles as a trustee at CCCC and his leadership in various local boards, exemplifies the spirit of civic responsibility and engagement that is vital to the success of our college. His unwavering support for education and economic development mirrors the core values of CCCC, including fostering strong, sustainable communities and creating opportunities for all.
These honors celebrate the excellence of individuals and organizations that reflect the priorities of CCCC: fostering strong industry partnerships, ensuring that education aligns with the needs of the workforce, and empowering students to reach their full potential. Through the Moore Center, a cornerstone of CCCC’s workforce development efforts, we provide students with the tools and skills they need to succeed in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and more.
As we celebrate these achievements, we are reminded that the success of our students and the prosperity of our community are inextricably linked. Through the collaboration of dedicated faculty, staff, industry partners, and community leaders like those highlighted in these awards, CCCC remains committed to shaping a future where students thrive, industries grow, and our region flourishes. The recognition of these individuals not only reflects their dedication but also reinforces the transformative impact of the work being done at Central Carolina Community College. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant community for generations to come.