Automotive Systems, Collision Repair, and Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technologies
Billy Wolfe, Blind Student, Overcomes Barriers to Complete Computer Programming Degree
Cooperative Education Gives WCC Graduate a Head Start In Criminal Justice Career
Former Wilkes Community College student Jeremiah Dancy has completed his third educational goal.
Wilkes Community College student Rocky Minton named recipient of the 2011 Governor’s Award for Excellence
Wilkes Community College Cooperative Education Gives Students a Jump Start Toward Successful Career
Christy Poteat, an artist with vision impairment, is studying art at WCC.
Wanda Hutchinson credits her career success to her experience at Wilkes Community College.
Success Story - Archie Staley
Archie Staley – Applied Animal Science Technology
“In 2017 I graduated with an associate degree in Applied Animal Science with a concentration in Poultry Management. Currently, I am an adjunct instructor teaching summer poultry classes and in the fall scheduled to teach Career & College Promise courses at Wilkes Central, West Wilkes, and North Wilkes high schools.
Benefits of attending WCC: I attained skills and knowledge that made me a highly desirable candidate for several careers in the agriculture field, such as poultry production supervisor, poultry service technician, farm manager, cattle herd manager, swine technician, and many more. With a low student to teacher ratio, I was able to get one-on-one instruction and significant hands-on experience.
I would tell prospective students that 98% of the U.S. population consumes meat as their primary protein source, and less than 2% of the total population works in agriculture. With food being the largest consumed commodity, employers within the animal agriculture community are aggressively seeking skilled labor and paying a premium for those skills. Let Wilkes community College give you the skills to join this fast-growing industry.”
Success Story - Daniel Hayes
Daniel Hayes – Applied Engineering Technologies
Daniel Hayes graduated from Wilkes Community College in 2016 with a degree in Applied Engineering and in 2017 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. What makes Daniel’s story unique is that he first obtained his bachelor’s degree from a four-year liberal arts university. After working in the field of industrial design, he decided to continue his education at Wilkes Community College. When asked about this, Daniel replied, “I have always loved being in school and learning. What I found at WCC was the term “applied technologies” is literal in every sense. The courses are designed to directly apply to industry; especially industry in the surrounding area. After graduating from WCC, I had the qualifications and the training to go into the workforce as an Industrial Engineer. A lot of high school students aren’t aware that community college is a great way to go for an engineering or technology career. In many instances it is a faster and less expensive pathway to earning a living and doing something you love.”
Daniel is currently working at Craft Master Furniture in Hiddenite, N.C. as an industrial engineer. He is completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and plans to continue his education by earning a master’s degree. He enjoys designing and making furniture and spending time with his family.
Success Story - Earl Byrd
Earl Byrd – Criminal Justice
Earl Byrd has enjoyed a career in law enforcement for over 13 years. He just completed one associate degree and will complete another in the late spring, both with a concentration on criminal justice. Earl plans to obtain his bachelors and master’s degrees with the goal being to advance his law enforcement career and eventually teach at WCC.
When asked, Earl said there were several reasons he decided to continue his education. He hopes to set the example for his two young sons that education is important for personal fulfillment and financial success. And, perhaps, most compelling, is his desire to give back to his community and alma mater by teaching criminal justice, a field he has dedicated most of his career to.
“Being in law enforcement and a student in criminal justice has given me a unique perspective, one that I hope follows me from the station to the classroom and back again. I have enjoyed being in class with students fresh out of high school. Their natural curiosity and enthusiasm has inspired me to work hard and enjoy the journey. Wilkes Community College is, without a doubt, where I want to teach someday. There is just something special about WCC and the way you are embraced as a student regardless of your unique path. I feel like I’m a part of a family here at WCC. Someday I hope that I can pass that on to my students.”
Success Story - Julie Perry
Julie Perry – Health Sciences
“I chose WCC and the Ribbon Program because the quality and affordability were just outstanding. The Ribbon Program is part of an agreement with Lenoir-Rhyne College that provides a seamless transition and clear path to a four-year degree.
Before I graduated I had a job at Wilkes Regional Hospital as an operating room nurse. Because I graduated debt-free, I am planning to go for my doctorate. Choices can create opportunities! By choosing WCC, I now have the opportunity to further my education and career goals.”
Success Story - Mary Morgan Arrington
Mary Morgan Arrington – Horticulture Technology
“I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in horticulture and that WCC offered this program. They have wonderful greenhouses and the faculty is very hands-on! Because they have the 2/2 agreement with NC A&T, I knew that my classes would contribute to earning my four-year degree. After completing the program at Wilkes, I felt prepared to continue my education and earned a BS in Agriculture Education and Plant and Soil Science. Attending WCC was a great move, financially and for my career.”
Success Story - Michael Murphy
Michael Murphy – Automotive Systems, Collision Repair, and Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technologies
Michael Murphy is a three-time graduate of Wilkes Community College. He has earned degrees in Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology, Automotive Systems Technology, and Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology. Michael currently works for Western Carolina Freightliner, but enjoys coming back to teach classes and spend time with the students at WCC. He is passionate about diesel and automotive careers.
Michael stated, “There are so many diverse career choices. You could work on boats, farm equipment, hospital generators, or even back-up generators for businesses such as banks. Virtually every industry has some level of involvement with diesel equipment. This is a career that isn’t disappearing, and the long-term job outlook is very solid!
I would encourage anyone, young or old, who has a passion for mechanics to check out the programs at WCC. These programs give you the qualifications needed to enter the workforce.”
Success Story - Olivia Van Buskirk
Olivia Van Buskirk – Early College and College Transfer
When Olivia Van Buskirk was entering high school, she was asked if she would like to apply for the brand-new Wilkes Early College High School. It would be the first year for the school and after applying and getting in she knew that she had made the right decision. Olivia dove right in to her new environment. She wrote the winning essay for the mascot naming contest, and the WECHS became the “Wolves”. As a part of the legacy class Olivia would be able to attend high school and simultaneously take college courses toward her four-year degree.
When asked about her educational journey, Olivia said, “I was an average student before being accepted into the Early College High School. The freedom to explore options and take higher level course work really opened my eyes to the many possibilities and what I could accomplish.” Upon high school graduation, Olivia had earned enough college credits to enter UNC-Chapel Hill as a junior. After a semester at Carolina, Olivia decided that teaching English was her passion, and she transferred to Appalachian State University to finish her degree.
“I plan to get my master’s degree and complete my national board certification. I can’t speak highly enough of what an opportunity it was to complete two years of college while still in high school. Besides the enormous amount of money that I saved, which will afford me the ability to get my master’s degree sooner, I had an incredible, personalized experience at WCC. I am still in touch with many of my instructors and Dr. Muir comes to my class as a guest lecturer! In my experience, that is just not something that happens at big universities.”
Success Story - Samantha Carpenter
Samantha Carpenter – Animal Science / Poultry Management
“I was one of those people who didn’t quite know what I wanted to do for a career. What I found at Wilkes Community College was knowledgeable, friendly instructors who wanted me to succeed, and perhaps most importantly, to succeed and be happy!
Because of their relationships with local industry and their agreements with universities like A&T, I am employed with Purdue in a career that I love, poultry management. I earn a good living and have great benefits. The company is paying for my four-year degree that will lead to a pay raise. Attending and getting my degree from WCC was one of the smartest decisions that I have ever made!”
Success Story - Sarah Shepherd
Samantha Carpenter – Health Sciences
“Both of my parents attended community college and both went on to earn four-year degrees. I knew that I wanted to go into nursing, like my mom, so I started looking into different options. What made the difference and what was ultimately the deciding factor was the Ribbon Program between WCC and Lenoir-Rhyne University. Essentially, I was guaranteed a spot in their nursing program after completing my first two years with WCC. If you are going into nursing, then you know this is a huge benefit! Especially for me, because I had a timeline for my educational goals; with the end result of earning my doctorate and becoming a licensed nurse practitioner.
I also believe CCP (Career & College Promise) classes enabled me to be more successful. I was able to complete high school with six college freshman courses under my belt. Anyone who is considering a career in a field that requires clinicals such as nursing or dental should be taking CCP classes. Because of the opportunity to complete these classes during high school; I was able to focus mainly on nursing in college. Several of my classmates who did not take CCP classes found the required class load to be overwhelming.”
Success Story- Kendra Rupard
College: Wilkes Community College
Program: Career and College Promise
Career and College Promise Program Helps Student Jump-Start Career
Thanks to a collaborative program between Wilkes Community College and the Ashe County School system called Career and College Promise, Kendra Rupard was well on her way to realizing her goal to become a machinist and work for GE Aviation when she graduated from Ashe County High School in the spring of 2017. Career and College Promise (CCP) gives high school students the opportunity to receive career counseling and take college courses while in their junior and senior years, virtually free!
After graduation Kendra enrolled full-time at Wilkes Community College and continued her course work to become a machinist. Kendra was recently hired at GE Aviation in her field. After her training period, she will work and continue with her studies to complete her two-year degree. “I will make the decision, at that time, whether to pursue my four-year degree. GE believes in investing in their employees, so they will pay for the remainder of my two-year degree as well as the four-year degree should I continue,” said Kendra.
The Ashe Campus Wilkes Community College works with local industry, like GE Aviation, to provide the necessary curriculum and course of study to support the needs of the facility, which in turn provides “living wage” jobs for the community. It is a mutually beneficial relationship. Kendra stated, “Having the chance to complete the necessary coursework to land a position at GE Aviation is amazing. Being able to take my classes for free during high school gave me an advantage that has really jump-started my career.”
For more information about Career and College Promise please contact Miranda Roark at Ashe Campus Wilkes Community College, 336-838-3138 or mnroark754@wilkescc.edu.
Success Story- Billy Wolfe
College: Wilkes Community College
Program: Computer Programming
Billy Wolfe, Blind Student, Overcomes Barriers to Complete Computer Programming Degree
Former Wilkes Community College student, Billy Wolfe, was born blind. However, that has never slowed him down. At an early age, his passion for video games motivated him to learn to play the game called “Mike Tyson’s Punch Out.” He mastered the game by listening to the sounds to determine how close he was to the opponent, so he could throw punches.
Billy’s passion for learning motivated him to obtain a degree in Broadcast Production Technology in 2004. While working toward his Broadcasting degree, he worked at WCC’s radio station and hosted his own show called “The Blood Bath.” The station wasn’t staffed on a full-time basis, so he wrote a virtual DJ program to automate the system as one of his required projects.
In 2006, he obtained a degree in Computer Programming. “Billy was one of the most positive students I have ever had the privilege of instructing. The first day of web design class, I realized Billy was a blind student enrolled in a class that relies heavily on the visual sense. In the role of instructor, I had no idea how I was going to benefit Billy. By the end of the semester, Billy learned web design and enlightened me on his experiences as a blind person in the digital world. To this day my experience with Billy assists me with web development and technologies strategies,” states Michael Wingler, vice president of Information Technology.
When asked of his experience at Wilkes Community College, Billy stated, “The faculty and staff at Wilkes Community College were phenomenal.”
Since completing his Computer Programming degree, he volunteers in the Information Technology Department at WCC. According to Winger, “Billy provides feedback and suggestions that will assist the staff in creating the best possible experience for a visually impaired faculty, staff, student, or community member utilizing our website or taking a Moodle course.”
Success Story- Shannon Holden
College: Wilkes Community College
Program: Associate Degree in Applied Animal Science Technology
Youngest Vendor at the Yadkin Farmers Market
Shannon Holden, a 2017 graduate of the Applied Animal Science Technology program, is the youngest vendor at the Yadkin Farmers Market, located at 1141 Tennessee St., Yadkinville. Shannon sells eggs and produce from her family farm and serves as a youth representative on the market’s board. She began selling at the farmers market in 2012.
The market board, in conjunction with Cooperative Extension’s Agricultural Area Agent Pam Jones, strives to offer a diversity of products to make the market an interesting place to visit. A frequent point of discussion of the board is the need to involve young people in the market gardening community. Yadkin Farmers Market has provisions to make selling at the market easier for young people. And, there are people at the market to talk to about getting started in growing food for personal use or to sell. Every farmer there can offer advice and support.
Some items offered at the market include: strawberries, fresh herbs, lettuce, arugula, onions, salad turnips, kale, farm fresh eggs, tomatoes, handmade soaps, lotions, and oils made of naturally derived ingredients, plus seedlings ready to plant, handcrafted natural pet treats, fresh cut flowers, hanging baskets, and cuts of beef.
Success Story- Zachary Parker
College: Wilkes Community College
Program: Associate Degree in CTI: Networking Technology
Education helped veteran student land his dream job
(Pictured left to right: Kristen Macemore, Chair of Business and Technologies, Zachary Parker and Gary Daemer, President Infusion Points)
Zachary Parker’s Testimonial
Upon being honorably discharged from the United States Army, I had a great amount of experience in communications and military leadership. One thing I did not have was an education to support my experience. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way, through failed job applications and interviews, that employers were looking for experience, and even more importantly, education. Although I oftentimes had superior experience, I wouldn’t get considered for positions by hiring managers because of the lack of a degree.
At this point, I knew that if I was going to excel in the information technology field, I would need to complete a degree. That was when I registered to become a student at Wilkes Community College in Computer Technology Integration with a specialty in Networking Technology. I was very impressed with Wilkes Community College’s staff interaction with me. The assistance WCC offered was oftentimes personalized to help meet my needs to give me the best opportunity of being successful during my time in the CTI-Networking program. From assistance with financial aid to finding work-based training, WCC supported me the whole way. My advisor and lead instructor, Randy Gambill, pushed to get the most out of me technically during the entirety of the CTI-Networking program. While the program was very challenging, it was equally rewarding. Classmates in the program were oftentimes eager to work in teams, and I found this to be very helpful during some of the technical challenges.
At the end of the CTI-Networking program, I could combine my experience with the education that I had gained at Wilkes Community College. All the focus and hard work had paid off once I submitted my updated resume to obtain a Cyber Security Analyst role with InfusionPoints. At this point, I was much more confident and prepared for the in-depth interview with Gary Daemer and the InfusionPoints team. Thankfully, I secured my dream job as Cyber Security Analyst at InfusionPoints LLC located in North Wilkesboro, N.C. This would have been completely impossible if not for enrolling at Wilkes Community College and gaining an Associate in Applied Science in CTI-Networking degree.
I will always be very appreciative of Wilkes Community College and the staff that helped me reach my goals. Thank you, WCC!
Success Story- AJ Felts
Name: A.J. Felts
College: Wilkes Community College
Program: Associate Degree in Networking Technology
SkillsUSA Competition Leads to Graduation Day Job Offer for Wilkes Community College Graduate
Wilkes Community College graduate A.J. Felts so impressed a proctor at the SkillsUSA competition that he landed a job on graduation day. Felts, who received an Associate Degree in Networking Technology in May 2012, competed in Internetworking at the state competition. One of the proctors works for Cisco Systems and recommended A.J. to the company.
After a series of interviews, A.J. received a job offer from Cisco. Felts and wife Heather relocated to Research Triangle Park for his new position as a Technical Services TelePresence Customer Support Engineer II.
Randy Gambill, lead instructor for Networking Technology, says, “A.J. told me how appreciative he was for our college, our program, Hardin Kennedy (SkillsUSA advisor), Michael Wingler (SkillsUSA advisor) and me for encouraging him to compete in SkillsUSA. His words were, ‘I landed this job as a direct result of SkillsUSA and our college!’”
Felts enjoys his new position very much. “My new job is simply amazing. Although it is very challenging, I could not ask for anything more than what I have been blessed with. I never imagined that I would be working for a company like Cisco Systems, but thanks to all the leadership, support and encouragement from my instructors, I am living a dream.”
College: Wilkes Community College
Program: Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
Cooperative Education Gives Wilkes Community College Graduate a Head Start In Criminal Justice Career
Wilkes Community College graduate Amanda Sutphin got a head start on her criminal justice career through the Cooperative Education program. A 2013 Criminal Justice graduate, Amanda was recognized for program excellence during the 2013 Student Awards Ceremony. Soon after, the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department offered her a job as an administrative technician. Amanda completed a co-op work experience with the sheriff’s department under the guidance of supervisors Major David Carson and Lt. Jason Whitley.
“By participating in this partnership program between the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department and Wilkes Community College, I was able to decide my future plans, which includes continuing my education in the BLET program,” explains Sutphin. “That will allow me to begin working toward my goal of becoming an investigator with the Wilkes sheriff’s office. To me the co-op experience was priceless.”
“Amanda excelled in her position in the Cooperative Education program,” says Lt. Jason Whitley, who is Sutphin’s supervisor. “She is hard working, conscientious, efficient and eager to learn. The co-op illuminated Amanda’s values as a potential employee, and she quickly established a positive reputation at the sheriff’s office.”
“Co-op works because everyone – employers, students and the college – wins,” says Beth Foster, director of Cooperative Education.
Name: Grace Fox
College: Wilkes Community College
Program: College Transfer
WCC Graduate Grace Fox Heads to Medical School This Fall
Wilkes Community College graduate Grace Fox aims to help many people through research and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. But, first she must complete the M.D./Ph.D. program at Georgia Regents University.
Fox began her studies at Wilkes Community College before transferring to Lenoir-Rhyne University. Because she transferred to LRU with such a high grade point average, she was inducted into LRU’s Honors Academy, Honors Biology Program and several other honor societies.
Fox says that she established the foundation of her college experience at Wilkes Community College. She says the availability of the faculty fostered an interactive learning experience.
“At WCC, you are free to talk to teachers after class, during their office hours – they are not too busy for you. They are always willing to offer valuable advice and mentoring. If I had my undergraduate years to do over again, I would still choose to attend WCC. WCC has a place in my heart that I will cherish for years to come,” Fox expressed.
Fox is a native of Taylorsville but spent 12 years as an adolescent in Northern Ireland where her parents served as missionaries. She credits her parents, who homeschooled Grace from preschool through graduation, for her academic success.
Success Story - Jeremiah Dancy
Name: Jeremiah Dancy
College: Wilkes Community College
Program: College Transfer
Former Wilkes Community College student Jeremiah Dancy recently completed his third educational goal- graduating with a Masters of Arts in Naval History, with distinction, from the University of Exeter in England. His next step is completing a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil), similar to the U.S. Ph. D. at Oxford University. Jeremiah is truly an example of how community colleges give individuals the foundation on which to build their continuing success story.
Jeremiah entered WCC after a four and a half year commitment with the U.S. Marine Corps. While in the military he was able to take some classes to get started on his educational goals. With the discipline of a former serviceman, he began a rigorous course of study, taking an extremely heavy course load so that he could complete his associate’s degree in one year. He credits the intimate environment of WCC with helping him get through that challenging year. Getting to know the faculty helped him to stay motivated through 24 credit-hour semesters. Specifically, he praises instructors Tom Ingledue, Cinnamon Martin, and Nolan Belk for challenging and motivating him throughout his time at WCC and still follow his successes and challenge him to keep taking that next step.
Currently planning a career in academia when he completes the DPhil requirements at Oxford, Jeremiah commends the community college system for helping to create his own success story as well as others’. “The community college provides the opportunity of higher education to people who may not otherwise go to a traditional four-year college or university,” he says. “Higher education in general searches for the truth without outside influences and that community colleges are able to bring that to small communities is amazing. It makes a difference in people’s lives, prepares them for a life outside their community, and is a launch pad for you to go on to other things.” Jeremiah’s experience at WCC launched him on an educational journey that spans institutions and international borders.
Success Story - Rocky Minton
Name: Rocky Minton
College: Wilkes Community College
Program: Associate Degree Nursing
STUDENT SUCCESS STORY: Rocky Minton
Wilkes Community College student Rocky Minton will receive has been named recipient of the 2011 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development. He demonstrated incredible determination and perseverance to earn an associate degree in nursing.
Minton has received kidney dialysis since he was a teenager. Discontent with staying at home, Minton decided to pursue his dream, entering the nursing program in fall 2008. During his first year of nursing school, Minton received a kidney transplant. With hard work and cooperation from the nursing program, he remained enrolled and passed that semester’s classes.
In spring 2010, Minton’s transplant started to fail, and he had to return to dialysis and the transplant list. Still, he managed to graduate in May 2010. On June 17, 2010, he passed the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse.
Unfortunately Minton continues to have health issues and hospitalizations. Still, he has not given up. Minton’s long-term goal is to continue his education and earn his bachelor’s degree in nursing. And, he hopes to be able to work full-time as a nurse one day. For now, he is hoping for the day that his name is once again pulled from the kidney transplant list.
Success Story - Samantha Coleman
Name: Samantha Coleman
College: Wilkes Community College
Program: Associate degree in Culinary Arts; Associate degree in Baking and Pastry Arts
Wilkes Community College Cooperative Education
Gives Students a Jump Start Toward Successful Career
Wilkes Community College graduate Samantha Coleman got a jump start on her successful culinary career through the Cooperative Education program. Celebrating her third season at the exclusive Roaring Gap Club, Coleman serves as pastry chef. She began working there in 2009 through the Cooperative Education program before being offered a permanent position.
“While doing my co-op at the club, I could tell that my timing and quickness improved. I became more confident in my work abilities,” says Coleman. “Chef David (Wohrle) is an excellent supervisor. He is always willing to answer my questions, teach new techniques through demonstration, and provide assistance when needed. So, my learning experience as a student has continued right into my employment at the club.”
Roaring Gap Club, founded in 1894, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Sparta. The club works diligently to value their most recognized asset – the employees.
The Club made another investment in Coleman this summer by sending her to The Culinary Institute of America’s Baking and Pastry Boot Camps.
Executive Chef David Wohrle says, “Samantha has the passion that it takes to be a good chef. It is that kind of spirit that we like to see in our co-op students. And, it is indicative of the quality programs being offered at Wilkes Community College.”
Success Story - Shannon Smith
College: Wilkes Community College
Program: Associate in Arts
Shannon Smith Comes Full Circle, but With a New Sense of Purpose
Wilkesboro, N.C. – Shannon Smith is on a new journey in Wilkes County with a new sense of purpose, equipped with knowledge for success, as he begins a career with Communities In Schools. And, he credits Wilkes Community College for being a springboard on his road to success.
Shannon graduated from Wilkes Community College in 2010 with an Associate in Arts degree and transferred to Gardner-Webb University through the GOAL program. Greater Opportunities for Adult Learners (GOAL) provides opportunities for students to continue their studies culminating in a baccalaureate degree. GWU’s GOAL program allowed Shannon to take his classes online and on the campus of Wilkes Community College. He graduated from GWU in May with a B.A. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Human Services.
“If it were not for Wilkes Community College there would be no Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Human Services from Gardner-Webb University. I would not be at Communities In Schools if it was not for where I began,” he says.
Shannon recently joined Communities In Schools wearing two hats, “Wise Guys” instructor at Wilkes Central High School and site coordinator at Central Wilkes Middle School.
The “Wise Guys” program is in accordance to the Healthy Youth Act and is taught to male freshmen. The class focuses on teaching about the changes these young men are facing and addressing the responsibilities that they will encounter in their future. Some of the lessons covered by “Wise Guys” are masculinity and gender roles, dealing with stress, fatherhood, interactions with sexes, sexually transmitted diseases and puberty.
“As a ‘Wise Guys’ instructor, I will be teaching at Wilkes Central High School weekly. As a Communities In Schools site coordinator, I will be working with a quarter of the student body at Central Wilkes Middle School. This will include one-on-one sessions, lunch groups and social groups inside and outside of school. I will serve as an independent adult who advocates for students.”
Besides crediting WCC for his academic success and his new career, Shannon also holds many WCC instructors in high esteem for their contributions to his success.
“From the time I started at WCC, I had instructors that took me under their wing and showed me that they actually cared about my future. Instructors such as Cindy Killian, Dr. David Ritter, Marty Franklin, Daryl Finney, Alan Richie, Kimberly Tetzlaff, my advisor Julie Mullis and a host of other faculty and staff would do things to help boost my confidence, offer encouragement, make me laugh, and most importantly challenge me to succeed in my everyday life,” says Shannon. “Their teaching methods were great, but I gained the most insight through intangible aspects that many students overlook from time to time. It’s true that some instructors are likable and smart or can teach well but you can really measure an instructor by how much time they spend willingly to help their students outside of the classroom. This will help me in my career especially as an instructor because I have so many good role models to consider when I serve my students.”
Shannon described WCC as a springboard into higher learning. He says that the community college allowed him the time to mature and become a better person because of the nurturing environment offered.
“When I step onto the campus as a visitor now, I think of all the great memories that I had in the student lounge, the college game room, and the various classrooms. I also think about all the people at WCC who cared for me even when I didn’t. Lastly, I think about how grateful I am to be a graduate from this great school,” he says. “My graduation ceremony in May 2010 made way for the ceremony I attended in May of this year. I would have never appreciated my Bachelor’s degrees as much as I do if it was not for obtaining my associate degree and the pride that I felt when it hit my hand. My future would not have been complete without Wilkes Community College.”
In fact, in 2010 when Shannon graduated, 132 students used WCC as a springboard into four-year institutions within the University of North Carolina System. Of the 132 transfer students, 85 transferred with 30 or more transfer hours and 47 earned an associate degree before transferring.
According to a snapshot report released by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center in 2012, nearly three-quarters of students who earn an associate degree before transferring to a four-year college graduated with a bachelor’s degree within four years of transferring.
Carrie B. Kisker, director of the Center for the Study of Community Colleges, a nonprofit research and policy center in Los Angeles, said the report was important for two reasons: “first, because it reinforces the importance of community colleges in increasing the number of bachelor’s degrees in America; and second, because it clearly demonstrates that earning an associate degree prior to transfer leads to greater baccalaureate attainment.” (http://chronicle.com/article/Community-College-Degree-Often/135616/)
“The academic success of these students may be attributable in part to the increased individual attention offered at community colleges, which tend to be smaller and offer a lower student-to-instructor ratio than larger four-year colleges and universities,” explains Dr. Dean Sprinkle, senior vice president of Instruction at WCC. “Here at WCC, the college as a whole has a personal commitment and investment in the success of every student enrolled here.”
Shannon says that he felt that commitment to his success from many faculty and staff members who helped him at WCC.
“But I have to say that Tamara Grayson stands out in my mind for definitely going beyond the call of duty to help me. I only had one class with Ms. Grayson but in that one class I could tell how passionate she was towards art and her profession as an instructor,” he says. “Ms. Grayson and I spoke more outside of the classroom then we did in. As soon as I walked across the stage and received my degree, she was the first instructor that hugged and congratulated me. Every time she shopped at my old job, Lowe’s Home Improvement, she always wanted to know how I was doing and how far along I was furthering my education, and she always left me with words of encouragement. In my eyes it felt like she was taking the journey with me.”
As the character Abram Saru said in “Seers of Light” by Jennifer DeLucy, “No matter the deviation, all things come full circle. You begin and end your journey in the same place, but with a different set of eyes.”
Shannon Smith began his journey in Wilkes County and now returns home with a new vision of where he wants to go in his career and in life. He plans to eventually obtain a master’s degree in school or mental health counseling with a goal of being a college professor or college advisor. He will be offering to college students the same gifts of support and guidance that he found as a student at Wilkes Community College.
For more information about the Arts & Science Division’s college transfer program at Wilkes Community College, call 336-838-6229 or email cynthia.alford@wilkescc.edu.
The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC continues to build on a strong history of meeting the educational needs and cultural interests of our students, community and workforce. WCC prepares learners for success in a dynamic world.
Success Story - Christy Poteat
Christy Poteat, an artist with vision impairment, is studying art at WCC and hopes to pursue a degree. Poteat exhibited her collection of paintings at the Wilkes County Public Library.
After the exhibit in Wilkesboro concluded, the collection was moved to the Alleghany Public Library.
Poteat’s portfolio consists of 40 or more paintings, however, she says, “There’s no guessing how many paintings I’ve done over the years.” Interests in buying her paintings continues to increase. To date she has sold almost 20 paintings and now has a couple in print that can be purchased at a later date. Her paintings range in price from $300 to $3,000 each.
In addition to her studies at Wilkes Community College, Poteat has studied etching under David Hunter from Florida. She has also studied collagraph under Bruce Frazier of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. and Glenn Eure, who is also visually impaired, in Nags Head, N.C. Poteat studied drawing under William Vance Nichols of Wilkesboro, N.C. At WCC, Poteat has studied with Tamara Grayson, Craig Greene and Michael Askew.
Poteat is a native of Wilkes County, N.C. She is the daughter of Patricia Poteat and the late Richard Poteat, who was the one who help Christy discover her artistic abilities, which includes playing the guitar.
Success Story - Wanda Hutchinson
Name: Wanda Hutchinson
College: Wilkes Community College
Program: College Transfer
Wanda Hutchinson was the Associate Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools and credits her career success to her experience at Wilkes Community College. “I believe that my success at WCC was due to the staff there;” she says, “They gave me the confidence to move beyond Wilkes County, the understanding of how to set and pursue a goal, and the encouragement to do so.”
In March 1987, Wanda enrolled as a student in the Early Childhood two-year degree program with a goal of becoming a teacher assistant. Wanda had dropped out of high school in 1969 but completed a GED through WCC in 1980. WCC sent her a letter of congratulations on her GED scores and encouraged her to enroll as a student at WCC. With four small children at home, Wanda made the decision to enroll and “trusted God to help me find a way to complete the program.”
Wanda was a non-traditional aged student and felt self-conscious and out of place for the first few weeks. “My instructors were so supportive and complimentary of my efforts that I began feeling more at ease and confident,” she recalls. Her first grade report consisted of all A’s, which boosted her confidence even more. Wanda began to rely heavily upon WCC instructor Mrs. Eloise Boyd who was a constant support. In addition, Mr. Pete Mann, Mrs. Dianne Steele, Mrs. Blair Hancock, and Mr. Bill Moffett were influential instructors as well as Mrs. Vickie Call in the Financial Aid office. With the support of her instructors, she changed her course of study to College Transfer and began working towards becoming a teacher.
“I cannot stress strongly enough how very supportive my instructors were,” says Wanda. “My instructors became friends and worked with me personally, complimenting my work and encouraging me to push forward a little more each day.”
Wanda went on to transfer to Salem College at the suggestion of Mrs. Boyd. “My time at WCC was an incredible time. I began to see all sorts of possibilities that, prior to going there, seemed unattainable for me,” Wanda recalls.
Wanda has gone on to complete her BA at Salem College and a Master’s, Educational Specialist, and Doctorate of Education at Appalachian State University. She has made her way through the Wilkes County School system in roles as diverse as bus driver, substitute teacher, teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and now associate superintendent. She and her husband of 35 years, Walter, live in Traphill and have four children and eight grandchildren.