SANFORD - Amanda Carter, Director of Distance Education, has been named Central Carolina Community College's Staff Member of the Year for 2020-2021.

"I am honored and humbled by this award," said Carter, who first came to CCCC as a student in 2000 and became a full-time employee in 2004. "Working at CCCC means being a part of a big family. This has been one of the most challenging and rewarding years of my career. I have been able to connect and get to know more of the college family. To be appreciated and recognized for the hard work means so much to me."

What does Carter enjoy most about her job?

"The people. I enjoy working with students, faculty, staff, and our community," said Carter. "The ability to make an impact on so many people's lives drives me to learn and be better each day."

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman said: "Ms. Carter understands the importance of serving students in helping them succeed and even before the pandemic placed so much additional emphasis on digital engagement, she made sure CCCC online education was provided with an emphasis on quality - quality content and quality service. She leads by example so that quality service is experienced both by our students and our faculty. She is always available as a resource and constantly investigating opportunities for more effective ways to support our distance education community."

Scott Byington, CCCC's Dean of University Transfer and Advising, said Carter is indispensable in all of the various roles she plays and how well she does them. "She is responsive, dependable, and truly professional in the way she helps manage personnel, resources, and how she develops a vision for distance education," said Byington, who noted that Carter is "a superior staff member who understands her college, who loves to serve it, who is willing to sacrifice to be impactful, and who cherishes the opportunity to support students, faculty, and other staff."

Carter said working at CCCC is an incredible honor and privilege that she does not take lightly. "I want to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey so far," said Carter.

Carter received her Associate in Arts and Associate in Applied Science in Internet Technologies degrees from Central Carolina Community College, her Bachelor of Science in Business Education - Information Technologies degree from East Carolina University, and her Master of Science in Vocational Education degree from East Carolina University.

For more information on Central Carolina Community College - which is dedicated to providing pathways to achievable dreams, visit www.cccc.edu.