RCC celebrates employees with luncheon, awards, and more
There was ‘cause for applause’ at Robeson Community College this week, as leaders set out to celebrate employees with a luncheon and awards ceremony.
With students out on Spring Break, employees also had an opportunity to take part in several professional development classes which included CPR and AED training, as well as emergency preparedness and evacuation procedures from RCC’s EMS staff, communication best practices with Dr. Holly Sullenger, and customer service training from Chick-fil-A franchisee owner Mark Morse.
“We appreciate our employees and everything that they do,” stated RCC President Melissa Singler. “This is our day to celebrate them and their accomplishments and show how much we appreciate their hard work.”
During the luncheon, Board Chair Shirley Stockton spoke briefly to show her appreciation.
“As I have said before, you are all education heroes,” Stockton said. “You continue to do amazing things and you get the job of educating students done. Thank you for all that you do, keep up the good work.”
During the award ceremony, faculty and staff had a chance to hear from RCC graduate Warren Jason Beck, the President and CEO of Columbus Regional Healthcare System.
“When I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to be in healthcare,” Beck said. “I heard time and time again, that you must leave to be successful, but that’s not true. I love being in a rural community, there are opportunities. There is tremendous opportunity available through the community college system.”
Beck explained how community college played a pivotal role in preparing him for the position he now holds as President and told of how education can influence everything.
“Education has a big impact on so many factors, including healthcare,” Beck told the audience. “The life expectancy gets higher where the level of education is the highest..but life expectancy should not be defined by one’s zip code.”
Beck made the case for how education is the foundation needed in rural communities, especially when it comes to health, and how community colleges, like RCC, can change the trajectory of one’s life.
“What a great alumni story! I love that Warren Jason Beck was able to join us,” Singler said. “I wanted our faculty and staff to see the results of what they do. Warren Jason Beck is a great example of what our graduates can achieve and how starting at a community college can open up many doors of opportunities and success.”
After Beck spoke, several programs were recognized during the ceremony for the accomplishments they achieved.
Program with the highest enrollment increase – Mechatronics, with Joseph Nation accepting the award.
Program with the highest enrollment increase Honorable Mention – Emergency Medical Science, with Brad Byrd accepting the award.
Program with the highest retention rate – Electrical Systems Technology, with Michael Levinson accepting the award.
Program Excellence – CDL Truck Driving Academy, with Braxton Ballard accepting the award.
Program Achievement – Law Enforcement accepted by Matt Dimery; Emergency Medical Services accepted by Kenny Locklear; and Health Occupations, accepted by Christy Locklear.
The college also recognized several individuals for their work and dedication. In each category below, a faculty and staff member was recognized.
High Five Award – Scotty Thompson, art instructor; Sherri Martin, Director of Records/Registrar
5-Star Service Award –Brady Lawson, EMS Coordinator and Instructor (not pictured); Samantha Oxendine, Director of Counseling and Career Services
Rookie of the Year Award – Asia Muhammed, English instructor; Heather Seibles, donor and major gift specialist.
Service awards were given out to those who achieved 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of full-time service, with those achieving more than 30 years being given an honorable mention.
One Year
- Ursula Adams
- Connie Baker
- Zachary Bullard
- Brad Byrd
- Cassidy Campbell
- Angela Chavis
- Keats Ellis
- Veronica Freeman
- Yahaira Garcia
- Justin Gaughan
- Cheryl Hemric
- Jessie Hunt
- Robert Ivey
- Paula Jacques
- Scottie Locklear
- Heather Monteiro
- Brittany Moore
- Joseph Nation
- Charlene Oxendine
- Jennifer Oxendine
- Samantha Oxendine
- Dr. Dionne Pursley
- Scotty Thompson
- Natavia Townsend
- Jamie Wilkins
Five Years
- Melinda Brewer
- Derek Miller
- Terri Oxendine
- Rebecca Watkins
Ten Years
- Julie Baxley
- Debbie Bruce
- Kathryn Carmical
- Sally Carr
- Melinda Chavis
- Dr. Vanessa Chavis
- Raetta Coleman
- Carla Deese
- Jonathan Edwards
- Marie Hedgpeth
- Kevin Hunt
- Terry Jackson
- Michael Levinson
- Dustin Long
- Danyelle Miray
- Christy Musselwhite
- Mary Ransom
Fifteen Years
- Wendy Hardwick
- Sherry Lofton
- Valissa Lowery
- Audrey Pait
- Barbara Sampson
Twenty Years
- Lynn Davis
- Dr. LaRonda Lowery
Honorable Mention – Thirty Plus Years
- Glenda Durden
- Betty McIntyre
- Polly Oxendine
- Carolyn Watson
At the end of the event, each employee was given a token of appreciation, a USB power bank, something that President Singler said we would find to be “empowering.”
The events of the day were made possible thanks to ACEU, His and Hers Greenhouse, Pearson Vue, the RCC Foundation, the RCC Print Shop, the Professional Development Committee, and the Employee Appreciation Committee.
