SANFORD - Gary Beasley, Central Carolina Community College Lead Instructor - Laser and Photonics Technology, has been selected as recipient of the 2019-2020 CCCC Excellence in Teaching Award.

"I feel so humbled and honored," said Mr. Beasley, who was a finalist for state honors. "Especially to be recognized and awarded for something I enjoy doing so much and have so much fun doing it."

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman says that Mr. Beasley "is well-respected among his peers and known for having a heart of gold. He practices what we preach by engaging students early on -- as early as middle and high school -- and educating them on career pathways in lasers and photonics as a means to gain a fruitful career and earn a living wage. You will not find a more compassionate, hands-on, and personable instructor."

"Gary cares for his students like he cares for his own children," said Dr. Brian Merritt, CCCC Vice President of Learning & Workforce Development, Chief Academic Officer. "Gary's technical knowledge combined with his passion for his students' lives sets him apart."

Mr. Beasley said there is much pleasure to be able to play a role in changing someone's life. "To see them work so hard to learn a difficult technical topic, often staying after class to practice, growing in confidence, learning soft skills, like good communication in order to be successful in industry, successfully interview, landing a good high-paying career, and then later-on contact me by text, email, and/or phone to tell me how much they are enjoying their job. That is why I get up every day!"

Before coming to CCCC in 2001, Mr. Beasley previous served positions as Senior Technician for GTE Sylvania, Test and Manufacturing Engineering Manager for Data General, Quality Engineering Manager for Ericsson Inc., and Quality and Test Director for ShareGate Inc.

"I loved, and enjoyed, my 30 years of industry, but after retiring from industry, I feel so fortunate to have been allowed a second career teaching, especially working with the caring CCCC family," said Mr. Beasley.

Mr. Beasley received his Associate in Electronics Technology at Fayetteville Technical Community College, his Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering at North Carolina State University, and his Master of Science in Industrial Technology from East Carolina University.

For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.