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Experience and Community: Why �鶹ԭ�� Is Building Its Own Campus Security Team

Joseph Oh — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 19:55:41 +0000

Beginning May 1, �鶹ԭ��’s Old Charlotte Highway campus and Tyson Family Center for Technology will be protected by an in-house security team.

The College has long partnered with third-party vendors, most recently Blackstone Security Group, to patrol OCH and Tyson. Beginning May 1, security personnel assigned to those two locations will be employed by the College.

“By bringing campus security in-house, we are taking an important step to strengthen both the safety and sense of community on campus,” said Interim President Michelle Brock.

“Directly employing our safety personnel allows us to provide a more consistent and responsive level of security, while also fostering stronger relationships between our security team, students, and employees. It’s a model that prioritizes connection, accountability, and peace of mind.”

The OCH And Tyson security teams will be comprised of five full-time and 14 part-time employees. The full-time hires were all previously employed by Blackstone. They include Amanda Blakely, Ahmad Chaban, Kendra Clyburn, David Holmes and Frank Tisa. Combined, the new in-house security force brings a wealth of experience in law enforcement, the military, private security, and other fields that will enhance the safety and security of OCH and Tyson.

“We’ve handpicked this team. We have retired law enforcement, individuals with experience in the CIA and the military. We have one employee who works at Monroe High School and has experience with special-needs students. We have two who are ministers, which means they have exceptional communication skills. We’re surrounding ourselves with a vast amount of knowledge that will enhance our campus safety operations,” said Assistant Director of Campus Safety Rich Osvai, who built the in-house security team alongside Director Willie Kilgo.

The in-house security team will be responsible for patrolling OCH and Tyson, building relationships with employees and students, assisting in investigations as needed, and liaising with both the �鶹ԭ�� Security Operations Center and local law enforcement agencies.

Security at Tyson and OCH is provided from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For now, �鶹ԭ�� will continue to contract security services at the L.L. Polk campus in Polkton and the Lockhart-Taylor Center in Wadesboro, but long-term plans call for expanding the in-house security operations to those locations as well.

“We are thankful to have such experienced, knowledgeable, and committed individuals joining our Campus Safety department, and we look forward to entering this new era of safety and security at �鶹ԭ��,” Brock said.

For more information, email Osvai at rosvai@spcc.edu or Kilgo at wkilgo@spcc.edu.

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�鶹ԭ�� Receives More Than $28,000 from Former Providence Fire Department

Joseph Oh — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 19:53:32 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� has received more than $28,000 from the former Providence Volunteer Fire Department to support its firefighting program.

Providence Volunteer Fire Department representatives Scott Robinson and Jack Parks presented a check for $28,322.30 to �鶹ԭ�� Interim President Michelle Brock and other College representatives late last month.

“We are deeply appreciative of this generous donation from the Providence Volunteer Fire Department,” Brock said.

“This gift will directly support the advancement of our firefighter training programs, empowering our students to serve and protect our community in its most critical moments. Thanks to this contribution, we are better equipped to shape the next generation of heroes who will make a real difference in saving lives.”

The Providence Volunteer Fire Department served Union and Mecklenburg counties for over 60 years before ceasing operations in 2015. The funds donated to �鶹ԭ�� were part of a settlement between the Providence VFD and the Town of Weddington.

“The Board of the Providence Volunteer Fire Department has used the entire settlement to support 22 volunteer fire departments and three educational institutions that provide firefighter training and certification in Union, Stanly, and Anson counties,” said Robinson.

“We’ve also procured a heavy-lift drone and Starlink systems to assist in the ongoing recovery efforts in western North Carolina—and, over time, across the entire state.

“These grants are intended to honor the men and women of the Providence VFD who provided outstanding fire suppression and emergency response services for six decades,” he continued.

“They also ensure the legacy of Providence VFD lives on by supporting the training of new first responders and enabling local VFDs to upgrade their equipment and facilities to better serve their communities.”

�鶹ԭ�� will use the donation to purchase critical firefighting training equipment, including adult- and child-sized manikins, training lights, hoses, and doors.

About the �鶹ԭ�� Foundation:
The �鶹ԭ�� Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that receives monetary and equipment donations to support the mission of �鶹ԭ�� and the needs of its students. To learn how to give to the �鶹ԭ�� Foundation, contact Ashley Furr, director of community outreach and engagement, at afurr@spcc.edu. For more information, visit . To learn more about �鶹ԭ��, visit .

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�鶹ԭ�� Faculty Member Publishes First Book, Sends a Message of Hope to Readers

Joseph Oh — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 19:52:07 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� Faculty Member Katherine Widner is now a published author.

Widner, who teaches English and Humanities, has achieved her long-held dream of publishing a book with her recently released, I Wish I Could Write.

“This has been a goal of mine for my whole life,” said Widner, who also coordinates �鶹ԭ��’s Honors and Undergraduate Research programs.

“I was convinced as a little girl that I would become a writer one day. I still have many of the journals I kept when I was young, and on the pages, there are often comments in the margins saying, ‘Coming Spring 20XX,’ or ‘I will make this into a book one day!’ When I went to college, I think I got so caught up in living my life and learning and honing different crafts that this dream was lost amongst the hustle and bustle. Now that I’ve found my way back to this goal, I think my younger self would be very proud.”

I Wish I Could Write is a collection of poetry that takes its name from the titular poem and opening piece:

I Wish I Could Write

I wish I could right.

I mean,

write.

I mean,

Find a better way to get these

Thoughts out of my mind,

Off of my skin,

Words from my lips,

I want to dip them in a pool

Of sacred thyme

Out of my mind,

Into the sky

Or on the acrid asphalt

Or the paper

Or the keyboard

Or anywhere

Other than the

Tattooed recesses of my mind.

Flipping through the pages

I know I could

But do I dare–

The stage is set

The table’s bare

The thought’s not there

So it doesn’t count

And I cannot

write

And I want to

write

But my thoughts aren’t right

And the bones inside my flesh

Retract into my nerves

Inside out, left is right,

True is false

Shepherds delight

But I just can’t right.

I mean,

write.

“I Wish I Could Write is the opening piece, so it sets the stage for my writing style. It’s also the starring motif throughout the book, as the themes of the piece emerge in quiet moments, as well as in the louder, more cacophonous parts as a sort of reminder to the reader of my own anxieties as a writer, and in general, as a human being. Through this collection of poems, I am both deconstructing and reconstructing concepts of my own perceived identity, as well as confronting and challenging the concept of wanting to write but feeling unable or unworthy of writing,” Widner said.

Widner, who also coordinate’s �鶹ԭ��’s Honors and Undergraduate Research Programs, said the inspiration for her book came from a wide variety of sources, and that the book wouldn’t have been possible without the support of her �鶹ԭ�� colleagues.

“This book has been inspired by so many things, but it honestly all comes from different aspects of my life. This book contains reflective shards of my experiences with relationships, religion, trauma, identity, and politics. I draw upon both my unique and shared experiences as a woman, my inherent love and desire to write — hence, the title of the book — and also the imposter syndrome I am plagued with as both an educator and writer,” she said.

“I’m a very reactionary writer — so I often will be in the middle of doing something and find myself struck with an idea. From there, I go and write my thoughts down quickly in a notebook or on my phone’s notes app. When I created the Faculty Writing Group at �鶹ԭ�� with my colleagues, Dr. Steph Stripling, Charlotte Smith, John Muir, Connie Garnder, and Morganne Van Voorhis, I finally felt I was in a safe enough space to share my writing with others. With their support and respective capabilities to encourage me, I began the first steps of my journey to being published.”

�¾��Ա��’s&�Բ��;I Wish I Could Write is published by Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and is available in paperback or eBook format. Widner hopes her book will be a source of comfort and inspiration to others.

“I believe that our respective differences make us all unique, and that these differences unite us all together. So, I hope that while they are reading about me and the colorful, but sometimes challenging or disheartening aspects of my life, they find they can also see themselves and aspects of their own,” she said.

“Ultimately, I hope that readers finish this book and feel a sense of hope. No matter where you come from or what your story is, your trauma does not define you. You are capable of raising yourself out of the ashes of any situation, and you are so special and so loved, even when you don’t or can’t see that for yourself.”

For more information, contact Widner at kwidner@spcc.edu.

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National Survey Shows �鶹ԭ�� Improved in Key Student Engagement Metrics

Joseph Oh — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 19:51:46 +0000

A national survey designed to gauge student engagement, an indicator for retention and ultimately graduation, shows �鶹ԭ�� improved in several key metrics.

“�鶹ԭ�� is committed to continually improving the student experience, ensuring both a rigorous and supportive educational journey that prepares students for higher levels of education, the workforce, or whatever may come next in their lives. Our most recent CCSSE results confirm that we are headed in the right direction,” said �鶹ԭ�� Interim President Michelle Brock.

The , part of the University of Texas at Austin, launched the Community College Survey of Student Engagement in 2001 to help community colleges identify areas in which they can improve their programs and services. The survey asks students about institutional practices and student behaviors that are highly correlated with student satisfaction.

�鶹ԭ�� has participated in the CCSSE since 2011. A representative sample of �鶹ԭ��’s student body participated in the in the most recent survey, conducted in spring 2024.

Results were analyzed during the summer and fall and are now being released to the College community. They show:

91 percent of respondents would recommend �鶹ԭ�� to a friend or family members. Since 2011, �鶹ԭ�� has consistently ranked at or slightly above 90 percent on this metric.
The College showed substantial survey-over-survey gains in metrics related to active and collaborative learning. For instance, 57 percent students said they asked questions in class or contributed to class discussions; 26 percent said they made a class presentation; 46 percent said they worked with other students on projects during class; and 19 percent said they worked with classmates outside of class to prepare for class assignments. Responses to each of these questions improved since the 2021 survey, showing the College continues to build back collaborative learning activities that were limited during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results were similar on questions that asked students whether they participated in a community-based project (8 percent answered affirmatively, up from 5 percent in 2021) and whether they discussed ideas from their readings or classes with others outside of class, such as students, family members or co-workers (43 percent said yes, compared to 37 percent in 2021).
The College also showed big survey-over-survey gains on questions about support for students. Examples: 81 percent of students said �鶹ԭ�� provides the support they need to succeed, up 13 percentage points from the previous survey; and 61 percent said the College supports students from different economic, social, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, up 12 percentage points from the previous survey.

Brock said she expects future surveys to show even greater gains.

The 2024 results will be used to develop action plans for continuing to improve the College’s rankings. Additionally, many of the metrics align with efforts already in place, including �鶹ԭ��’s Strategic Plan, Goal 1 of which is equitable student outcomes, as well as the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan, Mastering Communication Now, which will provide students enhanced opportunities for collaborating with one another and presenting their work.

“The CCSSE shows we’re headed in the right track, but that doesn’t mean we are content to stay where we are,” Brock said. “We thank our students for participating in this survey, and students, we assure you that we will continue working and innovating to provide an ever-more outstanding educational experience.”

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Celebrating 2025 President’s & Dean’s List Honorees

Joseph Oh — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 19:49:27 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� recognizes its 2025 President’s and Dean’s List honorees. The students included in these lists have met rigorous academic standards, demonstrating perseverance and a commitment to personal excellence.

President’s List

Students enrolled for a minimum of 12 semester hours in a given term in an approved curriculum and earn a 4.0 GPA will be placed on the President’s List. Only courses at or above the 100 level will be considered in calculating eligibility for academic honor.

Samuel Additon, CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS, Waxhaw

Sarah E. Adkins, Associate in Science, Mint Hill

Aisha Alhoobaishy, A.G.E.-Medical Sonography, Charlotte

Kaycie I. Arguedas Castro, Medical Sonography, Charlotte

Gracie A. Arnold, Associate in Arts Early College, Marshville

Salwa Ashraf, College Transfer Pathway, Waxhaw

Hannah Austin, College Transfer Pathway, Polkton

Andrew Badolato, College Transfer Pathway, Waxhaw

Sampada Bastola, Associate in Arts, Indian Trail

Daphne A. Bible, Associate in Science, Waxhaw

Abby M. Bliven, Associate in General Education-Nursing, Waxhaw

Elizabeth A. Boakye-Yiadom , CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS, Indian Trail

Brian D. Boyd, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Richard Brady , Associate in Science, Waxhaw

Hannah Brown, Associate in Arts, Indian Trail

Kearstin S. Brucke, Criminal Justice Technology Forensic Science, Wingate

James Byers, Associate in Arts Early College, Waxhaw

William Campbell, CCP College Transfer Pathway AS, Charlotte

Madalyn Carpenter, College Transfer Pathway, Wadesboro

Kendall B. Carr, Associate in Arts Early College, Waxhaw

Joan Chepkwemoi, Information Technology-Systems Security Degree, Charlotte

Lidia F. Coan, CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS, Waxhaw

Rebekah L. Cox, CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS, Waxhaw

Chloe A. Craig, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Elizabeth G. Cummings, CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS, Monroe

Corneliu Danila, Associate in Arts Early College, Indian Trail

Brendan M. Daunt, Paralegal Technology, Waxhaw

Yesleni Diaz – Jimenez, Associate in General Education-Nursing, Monroe

Caroline Drake, College Transfer Pathway, Wadesboro

Tayler Drake, College Transfer Pathway, Peachland

Maia F. Edmisten, CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS,Monroe

Lillian M. Fant, Associate in Science, Waxhaw

Julie Farag, Business Administration Enhanced CTE, Waxhaw

Skylar Faulk, Associate in Arts, Polkton

Stephanie Fernandez Delgado, Associate in Arts Early College, Indian Trail

Isai Flores- Maciel, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Mia Fonville, College Transfer Pathway, Denver

Justin J. Foss, Associate in Science, Waxhaw

Kyla D. Fowler, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Madeline E. Fox, Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, Waxhaw

Kyndall D. Gaddy, Associate in Arts Early College, Wadesboro

Griffin D. Garlinski, Associate in Arts Early College, Charolette

Hailey Griffin, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Zachary H. Grunow, Associate in Science, Waxhaw

Bailey D. Hance, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Katherine O. Harman, Associate in Arts, Indian Trail

Shelby Hasty, CollegeTransfer Pathway, Peachland

Van B. Helms, CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS, Monroe

Madeline Hernandez-Cruz, Associate in Science, Monroe

Eva Hyatt, College Transfer Pathway, Peachland

Caleb J. Ivill, Associate in Arts, Matthews

Hannah E. Ivill, College Transfer Pathway-AATP, Matthews

Grecia D. Jimenez-Alfaro, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Eva B. Jordan, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Bryce N. Koppe, CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS, Matthews

Rocco J. Krob, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Samantha A. Lagos Munguia, A.G.E.-Medical Sonography, Charlotte

Amelia S. Lawrence, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Seara M. Liles , Paralegal Technology Certificate, Lilesville

Alina Lin, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Erick I. Lopez, Associate in General Education-Nursing, Monroe

Julia E. Marchand, Digital Media Technology, Monroe

Vanessa Medina Campos, Associate in Science, Monroe

Brooklyn Miles, College Transfer Pathway, Peachland

Finlay C. Mitchell, Associate in Science, Waxhaw

Ian G. Moats, Associate Degree Nursing, Matthews

Haylee D. Montanaro, Accounting and Finance, Peachland

Mikayla L. Moorer, A.G.E. – Medical Assisting, Kellogg

Giovanny Moran, Associate in Arts, Waxhaw

Addison G. Mutschler, Associate in Science, Indian Trail

Adrianna Nader, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Israel Nava-Gonzalez, Associate in Science, Monroe

Gordon K. Nguyen, Associate in Science, Indian Trail

Khuu Bao Tran Nguyen, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Jamie L. Nye, Licensed Practical Nurse Refresher (Certificate), Greenville

Alessia P. Osorio Escobar, A.G.E. – Medical Sonography, Charlotte

Bogdan I. Panasyuk, Associate in Science, Indian Trail

Elijah S. Powell, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Lindsey Powell, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Nelith Ranaweera, College Transfer Pathway, Waxhaw

Daniel Rawlinson, Business Administration Enhanced CTE, Waxhaw

Maggie E. Reichel, Associate in Arts, Waxhaw

Harper B. Riffle, Associate in Arts, Waxhaw

Desirae J. Rosario, Medical Sonography, Troutman

Kristina Rotar, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Sophia H. Ryder, Associate in Arts, Waxhaw

Lizette Sanchez-Andrade, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Kamilah A. Seales, Associate in Arts, Matthews

Trinity N. Sellers, Associate in Arts Early College, Wingate

Brad S. Semder, Associate in Arts, Indian Trail

Britney E. Seneff, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Shanice D. Siler, Digital Media Technology, Charlotte

Ishan J. Simms, Business Administration-Business Pathway, Wadesboro

Lindsey H. Siner, Associate in General Education-Nursing, Indian Trail

Merrin A. Sipe , Associate in Arts Early College, Waxhaw

Sarah Smith, Associate in Arts, Waxhaw

Helen Solomon, Medical Sonography, Charlotte

Elizabeth Steagall, College Transfer Pathway, Polkton

Jonathan W. Stewart, Associate in Arts Early College, Indian Trail

Emily E. Tancredi, Criminal Justice Technology Forensic Science, Monroe

Delaney Taylor, College Transfer Pathway, Wadesboro

Roman M. Teichert, Associate in Science, Indian Trail

Hannah Theus, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Joy C. Thomas, Digital Media Technology, Waxhaw

Seth Thomas, Business Administration-Entrepreneurship Pathway, Matthews

McClain Thorstenson, Associate in Arts Early College, Indian Trail

Anabeth R. Tomalis, College Transfer Pathway, Monroe

Kandy L. Villarreal, Associate in Arts, Peachland

Taryn R. Vogler, Associate in Arts Early College, Matthews

Tera M. Waddell, Associate in Arts, Indian Trail

Jonathan D. Wallace, Associate in Science, Monroe

Evan C. Waltz, Information Technology Game & Simulation Programming Degree, Waxhaw

Caleb N. Watkins, College Transfer Pathway, Monroe

Baxter R. Williams, Information Technology-Systems Security Degree, Waxhaw

Michael A. Williams, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Desire R. Wilson, Digital Media Technology, Raleigh

Ryan Z. Wojciechowski, Associate in Arts Early College, Marshville

Dean’s List

Students enrolled for a minimum of 12 semester hours in a given term in an approved curriculum and earn a 3.5 GPA or higher (but less than a 4.0 GPA) will be placed on the Dean’s List. Only courses at or above the 100 level are considered in calculating eligibility for academic honor.

Madden Adkins, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Amir H. Aguilar, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Laila Aharadniychuck, Associate in Arts Early College, Indian Trail

Almas Akhmetov, Information Technology-Information Systems Degree, Indian Trail

Arianna Alfred, Associate in Science-Wingate, Indian Trail

Andy Armenta, Associate in Science-Wingate, Wingate

Anneabella C. Armer, College Transfer Pathway, Peachland

Adelyn Ashby, Associate in Science, Matthews

Grigorii Baibus, Associate in Arts Early College, Indian Trail

Keely Banks, Early Childhood Education-Transfer Pathway, Indian Trail

Tyler P. Barnes, Information Technology Game & Simulation Programming Degree, Waxhaw

Jacob H. Beare, Associate in Engineering, Marshville

Brittany R. Beck, Medical Sonography, Indian Trail

Aarya Beckles, Associate in Arts Early College, Indian Trail

Kimberly C. Bonilla Zabala, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Tess A. Brico, Associate in Arts Early College, Indian Trail

Simon J. Brown, Electrical System Technology Hydro-Mechanical Pathway, Monroe

Ben Henrich D. Butad, Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, Morven

Sara R. Butler, CCP College Transfer Pathway-Associate in Science, Waxhaw

Taylor M. Calhoun, Information Technology-Information Systems Degree, Waxhaw

Lidia Cano-Luna, Associate in Science, Polkton

Amesha D. Carr, Associate in Arts, Oakboro

Jonathan Casiano-Pineda, Digital Media Technology, Polkton

Koren N. Cebulak, Associate in General Education-Nursing, Monroe

Michelle Cervantes, Associate in Science, Kannapolis

Reece R. Christenson, Associate in Science, Indian Trail

Kimberly O. Clark, Associate in Arts Early College, Wadesboro

Ava G. Clontz, Associate in Arts, Unionville

Kayla R. Colon, Associate in Arts Early College, Indian Trail

Isaac A. Cruz, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Evelyn Diaz, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Caleb Do, Information Technology Game & Simulation Programming Degree, Matthews

Tyler E. Doyle, Associate in Arts, Cornelius

Casey L. Dubois, Associate in Arts, Waxhaw

Sutton G. Duke, Business Administration-Business Pathway, Marshville

Eli W. Duncan, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Isyss L. Edwards, A.G.E. – Medical Sonography, Monroe

Kaitlyn M. Elam, A.G.E. – Medical Sonography, Matthews

Marvin D. Elias, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Enrique Espinoza-Cortez, College Transfer Pathway, Monroe

Sydney A. Flemming, Criminal Justice Technology, Waxhaw

Vasilia D. Galanis, Associate in Science, Matthews

Alexandria J. Garcia, Early Childhood Education-Transfer Pathway, Indian Trail

Terence D. Garmon, Automotive Systems Technology, Marshville

Sydney G. Gee, Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation (AATP), Monroe

Mia R. Gilmore, Associate in Arts, Indian Trail

Amaris Giron-Calderon, Associate in General Education-Nursing, Indian Trail

Lindsey F. Goff, Associate in Science, Monroe

Gabrielle J. Gramling, CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS, Monroe

Riley L. Greene, Medical Sonography, Jacksonville

Tiffany N. Greene, Criminal Justice Technology Forensic Science, Monroe

Kelcey A. Griffin, A.G.E.-Medical Sonography, Marshville

Citlalih Guerrero, Associate in Science-Wingate, Monroe

Joaquin A. Guillen, Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Monroe

Logan Hamilton, CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS, Indian Trail

David P. Hanna, Public Safety Administration, Wadesboro

Samantha M. Harman, Associate in Arts, Indian Trail

Lia M. Hayward, Associate in Arts Early College, Waxhaw

Anna E. Hernandez, Associate in General Education-Nursing, Monroe

Caroline Herndon, Associate in Arts, Matthews

Madison F. Hilkert, Associate in Science, Indian Trail

Brookelynn N. Honeycutt, Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation, Indian Trail

Brayden C. Horne, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Elizabeth Horoian, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Jamie R. Howard, Associate in Arts Early College, Ansonville

Rylee M. Howarth, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Averie C. Hyatt, Associate in Arts Early College, Peachland

Joshua P. Ince , Associate in Arts Early College, Stallings

Amalia M. Intriago Carrion, Business Administration Diploma, Charlotte

Soleya Jefferson, College Transfer Pathway, Polkton

Zamya N. Jones, A.G.E. – Medical Sonography, Charlotte

Emmanuel N. Kabuya, Information Technology – Business Support Degree, Monroe

Poorvi R. Kasarla, CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS, Marvin

Olivia G. Keefe, A.G.E. – Medical Sonography, Indian Trail

Jessica R. King, Associate in Science, Monroe

Layne A. Linker, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Kayla L. Lockhart, Associate in Arts, Indian Trail

Anna F. Lowery, Associate in Science, Matthews

Eduardo J. Lozano, Electrical System Technology Electrical Pathway, Matthews

Dylan J. Maresco, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Marissa H. Matthews, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Calisse L. McKinney, Associate in Science, Marshville

Kaden T. Miller, Cyber Crime Technology, Lancaster

Marel Morales-Feliciano, Associate in Science, Monroe

Nolan J. Moubarak, Associate in Arts Early College, Waxhaw

Chloe Nance, Business Administration-Entrepreneurship Pathway, Marshville

Gloria N. Niyomahoro, Nurse Aide, Monroe

David Olivan-Hidalgo, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Ryan Opgenorth, Information Technology-Systems Security Degree, Waxhaw

Selena B. Page, Associate in Arts, Waxhaw

Lisa k. Paris, Social and Human Services, Wadesboro

Aaron E. Parra, Associate in General Education-Nursing, Monroe

Kiley M. Payne, Associate in Science, Monroe

Amanda L. Pennington, Accounting and Finance, Polkton

Valeria Perez-Mejia, A.G.E. – Medical Sonography, Charlotte

Rachel Perez-Morales, Associate in Arts Early College, Indian Trail

Kendall A. Preslar, Medical Sonography, Monroe

Bradley W. Purser, Associate in Arts-Wingate, Indian Trail

Akhil Rednam , CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS, Waxhaw

Briceida Rendon, Associate in Arts Early College, Monroe

Carson E. Rhodes, Associate in Arts, Charlotte

Sharon S. Rodriguez Mayo, Business Administration-Entrepreneurship Pathway, Monroe

Ashley Romero, Medical Assisting CTE, Monroe

Luci Karen Rosas-Cornelio, Community Spanish Interpreter Public Service Certificate, Marshville

William D. Ross, Associate in Arts Early College, Indian Trail

Joshua A. Rossnagel, Information Technology-Systems Security Degree, Wingate

Madison V. Rowland, College Transfer Pathway, Monroe

Ethan Scharf, Business Administration-Business Pathway, Waxhaw

Arik M. Scott, Associate in Arts, Marshville

Jennifer L. Shaw, Criminal Justice Technology Forensic Science, Waxhaw

Cedric Shepherd, Associate in Arts, Indian Trail

Nicholas S. Sholar, Welding Technology Diploma, Waxhaw

Taylor M. Shulenberger, Business Administration-Entrepreneurship Pathway, Monroe

Ethan A. Simpson, Information Technology-Systems Security Degree, Monroe

Jackson Smith, Associate in Science, Monroe

Jiaya S. Smith, Associate in Arts Early College, Wadesboro

Leyah R. Smith, Medical Assisting Diploma, Monroe

Angela I. Solis, A.G.E. – Surgical Technology, Monroe

Darren M. Solnick-Dow, Associate in Science, Indian Trail

Dhruv Srinivasan, Associate in Arts, Indian Trail

Keira Stein, Associate in Arts, Waxhaw

Ayanna P. Stevens, Associate in Arts Early College, Matthews

Mai Ly J. Sturdivant, Associate in Arts Early College, Matthews

Rebecca S. Swinney, Criminal Justice Technology Forensic Science, Monroe

Bilal Taffa, Associate in Science, Monroe

Victoria V. Taran, Associate in Science, Indian Trail

James K. Taylor, Associate in Arts, Indian Trail

Daniel Thomas, Associate in Arts Early College, Wadesboro

Preston Thomas, Associate in Arts Early College, Wadesboro

Daniel Titherington, CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS, Matthews

Brady Torres Ortiz, Associate in General Education-Nursing, Monroe

Richard Truesdale, Information Technology-Information Systems Degree, Waxhaw

Tara M. Tyson, Associate in Science, Monroe

Danielle G. Uhlendorf, Associate in Science, Monroe

Hannah Underwood, College Transfer Pathway, Waxhaw

Juliana C. Uribe, Associate in Arts Early College, Charlotte

Juliana V. Villalba Mantilla, Medical Sonography, Charlotte

Matthew D. Waring, Associate in Arts, Wadesboro

Matthew J. Wezowicz, Business Administration-Entrepreneurship Pathway, Indian Trail

Conor B. Williams, CCP College Transfer Pathway-AS, Waxhaw

Quinchaz D. Williams, Cyber Crime Technology, Marshville

Charlee L. Wilson, Medical Assisting Diploma, Monroe

Annette E. Wootton, Paralegal Technology, Monroe

Timothy Yang, Associate in Arts, Monroe

Rosa S. Yarotskiy, Associate in Arts Early College, Indian Trail

Tabitha A. Young, Information Technology-Business Support Degree, Midland

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�鶹ԭ�� Now an Approved More Than a Job NC Site

Joseph Oh — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 19:48:59 +0000

�鶹ԭ��’s SP | Career Connector is now an approved host site.

The More Than a Job NC program benefits individuals who are receiving Food and Nutrition Services benefits from the state. More Than a Job sites ¾ including �鶹ԭ��’s SP | Career Connector ¾ provide services such as job search assistance, interview preparation, education, job training, and more, all designed to help Food and Nutrition Services recipients improve their employability and ultimately gain employment.

�鶹ԭ��’s SP | Career Connector gained the More Than a Job designation in late January.

Becoming a More Than a Job site aligns and will augment the SP | Career Connector’s role at �鶹ԭ�� of providing comprehensive career services to students and providing local employers with a direct line to emerging local talent.

“I am so excited about what becoming a More Than a Job site is going to mean for our community,” said Director of Career Services Debbie Normandia-Berrios.

“Through the SP | Career Connector, we’re currently serving the students and alumni of �鶹ԭ��, as well as our employer partners. Becoming a More Than a Job site will allow us to assist individuals who’ve never attended or graduated from �鶹ԭ��. We’ll be able to provide them with a unique blend of assistance, guiding them to both work and educational opportunities that will help them start new chapters in their lives.”

�鶹ԭ��’s SP | Career Connector was created in late 2024 to offer students, alumni, and employer partners comprehensive career services support, including career counseling, professional development, work-based learning, and job search resources. The SP | Career Connector also connects employers with qualified students and grads.

For more information, visit /career-services/.

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What’s it like teaching in a prison? For Stephen Palmer, it’s the best job ever.

Joseph Oh — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 19:47:48 +0000

Think “prison” and a lot of words probably come to mind.

Scary. Bleak. Depressing.

For Stephen Palmer, who teaches Human Resources Development courses behind the walls of Anson Correctional Intuition, a whole different set of adjectives come to mind.

“I love it,” he said. “The students want to learn, and it’s an honor to teach them.”

Get to know more about Palmer, a former IT specialist turned teacher, who has a newfound passion for teaching incarcerated individuals.

You’re 58 years old. What did you do before you began teaching for �鶹ԭ��?

I have always been in IT. I was a teenager in high school when computers first came out. I thought they were amazing, and I dove right into it. I learned everything I could about computers. I was the only person on my block with a computer. I actually went to a tech school in Connecticut to learn mechanical drafting, but right about that time, Computer Aided Design (CAD) came out. My first job was in CAD, but because I was always good with computers, I ended up working in programming, databases, networking, and in an IT helpdesk job.

Your IT work spanned several employers. What were some of the positions you had before you became a teacher?

I worked for a company that made computer chips, another that made medical devices, and another that made emergency lighting. Right before I started teaching at �鶹ԭ��, I was working for Wells Fargo in Charlotte on their internal fraud prevention team.

And just to be clear, you never formally studied IT. You were self-taught, is that right?

That’s right. I’ve always been a workaholic. That’s just how I was raised. You work nights, weekends, whatever you have to do to get the job done.

How did you end up working as a teacher for �鶹ԭ��?

I didn’t have a college degree, and I knew my two children were going to turn to me one day and say, “You didn’t go to college, and you survived, so why should I go?” So, back before the pandemic, I started taking classes at �鶹ԭ��. At first, I took adult education classes, then I ended up getting my associate degree in Computer Information Systems. By that time, I already knew I loved teaching because in my work in IT, I often had to teach people in the organizations where I worked how to use different software applications. I found it very fulfilling. One day I learned that �鶹ԭ�� was looking for a SolidWorks instructor. SolidWorks is a software for computer-aided design. Anyway, I applied, got the job, and I loved it. It was a fantastic classroom environment and experience. When COVID hit, that all slowed down.

But you were hooked on teaching, right?

Right. After the pandemic, I reached back out to �鶹ԭ�� because I really missed teaching. I started teaching Human Resources Development part-time at night, and again, I loved it. Then last year, a full-time position came open. There was only one catch: It was to teach in the prison. That part didn’t bother me at all. I started in May, and I have loved it ever since.

What do you teach in Human Resources Development classes, exactly?

We teach life skills. It’s an eight-week program. The students learn computer programs such as Microsoft Excel and Word, how to write a resume and cover letter, and soft skills that they’ll need to be successful in society after they’re released, such as how to have a positive attitude and talk to people.

Anson Correctional is a medium- and maximum-security facility for females. You’re working with people who’ve committed some very serious offenses. What is that like?

Yes, I do have some students in my class who are serving life sentences. These students may be in prison, but they want to learn as much as they can. They want to gain new skills. They’re very enthusiastic. Teachers want to help students who want to learn – it doesn’t matter if they’re in prison. They’re still students, and I’m their teacher.

Do you think your background uniquely qualifies you for this work?

Well, I didn’t have a college education until much later in life. I’m able to tell them – from my own experience — that there is still plenty of time to change your life. You can always learn new things, advance your education, go to college. Also, my work experience taught me the importance of basic things, like showing up on time, doing what you’re told, and having a positive attitude, so I can teach them those things from my own experience.

What has teaching in the prison taught you?

You can never assume anything. Some of these students don’t know what a resume is. Or a cover letter. I have learned to keep things very basic and not make any assumptions about the knowledge they bring into class.

What’s a good day for you at Anson Correctional?

Well, I have had two students tell me I’m the best teacher they ever had. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I appreciated it. I treat them with respect, and I work hard to always make my classes better. My hope is that they’re successful in class, they leave prison, they lead productive lives after my class, and they don’t come back to prison. It’s about helping them get back on their feet. That’s what I’m working for every day.

�鶹ԭ��’s Human Resources Development program provides education and training for individual success in the workplace.

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�鶹ԭ�� Thanks Monroe-Union Breakfast Rotary Club for $3,000 Donation

Joseph Oh — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 19:46:17 +0000

The �鶹ԭ�� Foundation has received a $3,000 donation from the Monroe-Union Breakfast Rotary Club that will benefit students seeking careers in law enforcement or emergency medical services.

“We are deeply grateful to the Monroe-Union Breakfast Rotary Club for this generous gift. This donation will put education within reach for students who’ve chosen a career in public service,” said Interim President Michelle Brock.

“As our community continues to grow, we have an ongoing need for law enforcement and public safety personnel. The Monroe-Union Breakfast Club’s donation will help produce graduates who will fill these critical positions and keep us all safe.”

The $3,000 gift will be used to provide financial support for students who are studying in �鶹ԭ��’s ��ǰ��Emergency Medical Services��ǲ��.��

The Monroe-Union Breakfast Rotary Club presented �鶹ԭ�� with its donation at its meeting on Jan. 15.

About the �鶹ԭ�� Foundation:

The �鶹ԭ�� Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that receives monetary and equipment donations to support the mission of �鶹ԭ�� and needs of its students. To learn how to give to the �鶹ԭ�� Foundation, contact Ashley Furr, director of community outreach and engagement, at afurr@spcc.edu. For additional information, visit . To learn more about �鶹ԭ��, visit .

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