News at Haywood Community College

HCC Launches Creative Institute on Aging

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:19:51 -0400

Haywood Community College is launching The Creative Institute on Aging, a new program which is a series of programs that will address issues relevant and important to older adults in the community. The college is interested in expanding the services offered to senior adults recognizing that Haywood County and the state of North Carolina is fast becoming a retirement mecca. In 2007, more than 33% of the population in Haywood County was over the age of 55 and more than 20% were 65 and over.

Rinda Green, HCC Coordinator of Corporate and Community Education says, “The college has many services available for our senior population offered through the continuing education program. It is our hope that the Creative Institute becomes a resource for seniors to assist them with issues that they face throughout their later years. These topics will range from finances to healthy aging as well as information for adult care givers.”

HCC will launch the Institute with the first class series entitled, “The Retirement Puzzle… Fill in the Missing Pieces.” This 7-week series will provide students the necessary tools needed for successful retirement and estate planning. Students will be given a workbook with the essential documents for estate planning as a foundation. Students will have ‘homework’ to help them develop a financial portfolio. Other topics will include examining assets, building a financial legacy, and information on how to protect your identity and nest egg.

The class will be held Tuesdays, June 3 through July 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Continuing Education Building on the campus of HCC. Lillian Norris, financial consultant, will lead the class. Guest speakers from various agencies in the community will also contribute. The cost of the 7-week program is $125.00 and is free for North Carolina residents age 65 and older.

HCC already offers a vast array of classes for seniors encompassing the areas of arts/crafts including quilting, drawing and floral design, to gardening and computer skills. The Senior Leadership program is also available. This program is a partnership with Haywood Community Connections offering a series of classes designed to assist older adults in becoming leaders in their communities.

To register for the class “The Retirement Puzzle… Fill in the Missing Pieces,” or for more information, call the office of Corporate and Continuing Education at Haywood Community College at 565-4246.

HCC Holds 2008 Graduation Ceremonies

Mon, 12 May 2008 14:42:46 -0400

Haywood Community College awarded over 375 certificates, diplomas, and degrees at its double graduation ceremony last week. For one graduate, she will receive a college degree one night and her high school diploma the next. Megan Trasport started taking dual enrollment classes at HCC in 2006 while completing her high school diploma as a home schooled student. At HCC’s 2008 graduation ceremony, the 18 year-old received an Associate in Arts degree.

Through the dual enrollment classes, Trasport received college credit while still enrolled in high school. As a bonus, she saved money on tuition and received the college degree for only the cost of fees and textbooks. A great deal for parents and students alike.

Trasport plans to attend Mars Hill College in the fall. While unsure of her career goals at such a young age, she says attending HCC has sparked her interest in becoming an elementary school teacher.

“Attending HCC was a good opportunity for me,” she explains. “It made me a better student and more disciplined. And now I have my general education classes out of the way.”

Debra Keen has a different story to tell. The Mount Olive resident will receive her degree from HCC without ever stepping foot on the beautiful campus. Keen took all of her classes online and now has an Early Childhood Teacher Associate degree to show for it.

For Keen, the accomplishment is a great achievement. She overcame tremendous obstacles to complete the program in two years. Keen, mother of three, spends all of her time waiting on the beeper in her pocket to go off. When the beeper sounds, it means a double lung transplant for her oldest child who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis.

If that wasn’t enough of a hurdle, Keen also faced losing her husband, children’s father, and sole family provider while a student. Her husband had chemicals explode on him at work, leaving him hanging on for life at a burn center for eight months.

Online courses worked perfectly for Keen even before her husband’s accident but she knows she would have never been able to complete requirements while living in a hotel four days a week as he was recovering if she was enrolled in traditional classes.

“Had it not been for the instructors at HCC, I would have just quit,” Keen says. “They gave me courage when I had none. They are understanding and caring. You don’t get that every day. I also trusted in God and kept my mind busy.”

Keen’s son is her inspiration. Even with his medical condition, he received a bachelor’s degree and is now a student at Campbell Divinity School.

“If he could get a bachelor’s degree, I could get my associate,” Keen explains. “He is an example of how no one should ever give up.”

Keen plans to continue her education starting with classes this summer. Her goal is to work with children like her son who perform below grade level due to medical reasons. “I want to work with children who don’t think they can achieve.”

Online classes fit perfectly with Keen’s lifestyle and schedule. But she admits the classes are not tailored for everyone. “You have to be disciplined and not procrastinate. For me, I could go online when it didn’t take me away from my kids, like 11 o’clock at night.”

Fish and Wildlife graduate Max Cox knows how special it is to graduate with his class. Last semester as he was target shooting, the gun blew up in his face. His cheek was shattered, his eye socket was dislocated, he suffered a puncture wound to his shoulder, and his equilibrium was unbalanced. The accident left him unable to talk and even stand.

But through a lot of hard work and encouragement, Cox achieve his goal and will soon start a job at the University of Tennessee studying the effects of silvacultural practices on white tail deer and wild turkey.

Cox, a Tennessee resident, found out about HCC after his mom came on campus for a botanist meeting. On his first visit, he was impressed when he arrived on campus to see students outside surveying the land.

“What we learned in class, we use everyday in the field,” Cox said. “The instructors know what you’re going to need when you go to work. They are the best thing about HCC.”

As a student, Cox was involved in many activities. He was president of the archery club, a member of the Student Chapter of Society of American Foresters, vice president of the Wildlife Club, a member of woodsmen’s team and eco-team. He completed an internship with the US Fish and Wildlife Department at Mississippi Sand Hill Crane National Wildlife Refuge.

Through these activities, Cox made connections with potential employers, fellow professionals, and lifetime friends.

“Participating on these teams was very gratifying,” Cox said. “To go to these four year schools and win. You get as much education at HCC as you do at a four year school. And all these schools know HCC.”

HCC Medical Assisting graduate Michelle James shares her special night with her daughter Riley.

Cosmetology graduates Tonya Childers and Melissa Roberts are all smiles on their special day.

Natural Resource graduates gather for one last time as a group before embarking on their respective journeys. Many already have jobs like Max Cox (fourth from the right), who will begin work at the University of Tennessee studying the effects of silvacultural practices on white tail deer and wild turkey.

Faculty members applaud Network Administration & Support and Network Security graduate Andrew Mauldin at the 2008 HCC graduation ceremony.

Charles Honeycutt, HCC Forest Management Technology graduate, received the Outstanding Student Award for his program.

HCC and WCU Form Entrepreneurship Degree Partnership

Mon, 12 May 2008 14:32:47 -0400

Haywood Community College and Western Carolina University (WCU) recently signed an articulation agreement to create a 2+2 degree program in Entrepreneurship. HCC is the first community college in the state to offer an Associate in Applied Science degree in Entrepreneurship and the first to enter into an articulation agreement for Entrepreneurship with WCU.

After graduation in the Associate in Applied Science program in Entrepreneurship, HCC students will directly transfer to WCU and receive two years of credit toward a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship through the articulation agreement.

This agreement between WCU and HCC will provide students the ability to enter WCU as a junior. It will also provide incentives for students to enroll at HCC for their post-secondary education due to the low tuition costs and ease of transferability of credits. The articulation agreement is effective beginning in the fall of 2008.

"This partnership will make the critical study of entrepreneurship more accessible to students who are the future business leaders and innovators of our region," said WCU Chancellor John W. Bardo. "At a time when so many traditional manufacturing jobs have moved overseas, small business and entrepreneurship offer hope for our continued economic competitiveness across this state."

HCC has long been a leader in helping people start businesses. Since 1991, the college has integrated Real Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL) education into degree programs. The college is now leading the way in the North Carolina Community College System with the development of this new associate degree major in Entrepreneurship. In addition, HCC is working with 12 other North Carolina community colleges interested in implementing the Entrepreneurship program for their communities. HCC’s vision is to create an entrepreneurship network across North Carolina.

According to David Forester, HCC Chair of the Department of Business and Entrepreneurship, “The loss of manufacturing jobs and the relocation of people to Haywood County have increased the number of people who are self-employed. People no longer believe they can remain employed while working for one business and eventually retire from that business after 30 to 40 years of work. Therefore, they want to start their own businesses. These trends have led to the need for an Entrepreneurship degree program for individuals who want to take control of their own career.”

The majority of the jobs that are being created in Western North Carolina and the country as a whole are being created by entrepreneurs starting up businesses on their own.

“Small business owners play a key role in the economic welfare of our region,” said Dr. Rose Johnson, HCC President. “The development of the new associate degree in entrepreneurship at HCC recognizes this role and encourages business development.”

The college has many avenues of support already in place for budding entrepreneurs. These initiatives will compliment the new associate degree program. Two HCC employees, Sharron Donnahoe and Laura Leatherwood, are part of the Certified Entrepreneurial Community (CEC) Leadership Team. The CEC is committed to building and supporting entrepreneurship programs for Haywood County. Through the CEC, sixteen Western North Carolina communities will collaborate resources to nurture entrepreneurs.

HCC recently completed Entrepreneurship Video Modules that are used by students as Internet feeds and/or as a DVD format to learn how actual business owners practice principles of entrepreneurship. Sixteen local business owners were involved in this project and they discussed topics such as: cash flow issues; pitfalls and remedies in business ownership; customer service and managing employees; and marketing and pricing.

The HCC Small Business Center provides one-on-one free confidential counseling and guides clients through writing a business plan. In addition, future entrepreneurs can gain assistance from curriculum and continuing education classes.

According to Sharron Donnahoe, Director of HCC’s Small Business Center (SBC), many communities and economic developers are just now realizing the power of creating jobs through entrepreneurship. “The timing is right for this curriculum at HCC,” she explains. “Many things are coming together at the same time… the County’s quest to become a Certified Entrepreneurial Community, the SBC moving to main campus, dedicated library space for small business research, and continued growth in the REAL instruction… all of these make HCC uniquely positioned to move ahead with the Entrepreneurship curriculum.”

Serving the seven westernmost counties in the state, classes will be available online as well as in the classroom. Students may pursue an AAS, diploma, or certificate. Students interested in enrolling at HCC can contact David Forester at 828-627-4594 or dforester@haywood.edu.

Pictured left to right are HCC President Dr. Rose Johnson, WCU Chancellor John W. Bardo, and HCC Vice President of Academics and Workforce Development Bill Rhodarmer as they sign an articulation agreement between the two schools. The agreement is for a 2+2 degree program in Entrepreneurship where a student can transfer after completion of the associate program at HCC to WCU and receive two years of credit toward a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship.

HCC Recognizes Community Volunteers in Honor of National Volunteer Week

Wed, 07 May 2008 09:29:26 -0400

Webster’s New World Dictionary defines a volunteer as a person who chooses freely to do something. Volunteers at Haywood Community College’s Teaching & Learning Center exemplify the spirit of freely giving to others. Volunteers change lives. They help students learn—about courses and about themselves. Last year more than 500 HCC students were helped through the tutoring program for a total of 2,800 hours. Community volunteers are an important part of student success at HCC.

Elaine Barnes, Student Success Services Director, says “Community volunteers enhance the teaching and learning environment by helping students in a positive, caring way. Our volunteers spend one-on-one quality time teaching students.”

The value of these teaching moments reaches far beyond improving classroom knowledge. Improving students’ confidence and belief in their ability to succeed is another result of the tutoring process.

Jim Bond, a retired engineer, has been tutoring in the Teaching & Learning Center for more than 10 years. Bond spends 5 to 10 hours each week tutoring math and chemistry. He says he has met many bright young students and hopes his efforts have helped them achieve their goals. Many students have been successful in their algebra and trigonometry classes thanks to Bond. He’s made new friends and helped students gain skills that truly changed their lives forever.

Leora Schermerhorn, a retired community college English instructor, began tutoring in the Teaching & Learning Center in 2001. She says, “I enjoy tutoring for the same reasons I love teaching; helping students understand the course material, watching them become more confident in their classes, and instilling a love of learning.”

What do HCC students think about their community volunteers? Their comments reflect how important volunteers are: Bill Balentine, HCC Pulp and Paper Technology student, says “Jim Bond is very helpful in the learning process. Lots of students appreciate him very much with their improved grades. I really did!”

Another student’s comment: “Being tutored has helped me to achieve my goals and grades that I have strived for as a student at HCC.”

Ravi Gupta says, “I asked Leora for a million questions about sentence structure. She taught me how to identify verbs, adjectives, and adverbs properly.”

Margaret Lafada is a recent addition to the Teaching & Learning Center team of volunteers. Margaret and her husband moved to Haywood County earlier this year. She met Francine Popular, Teaching & Learning Center Technician, who informed Margaret of the wonderful work being done in the center. Being familiar with community colleges from previous volunteer work, Lafada enthusiastically signed up and is now tutoring 4 hours a week. “This gives me a chance to give back to the community and become actively involved with students in this area.”

The Teaching & Learning Center’s Peer Tutoring program has grown over the last few years in no small part to the efforts of community volunteers. New volunteers are always welcome to the program. Please contact the Teaching & Learning Center at 627-4696 for additional information. Come visit and share the joy of learning!

In honor of National Volunteer Week, Haywood Community College’s Teaching & Learning Center recently held a Volunteer Recognition Lunch at Lake Junaluska in honor of community volunteers. Pictured left to right are two of HCC’s community volunteer tutors, Leora Schermerhorn and Margaret Lafada. Tutors play such a vital role in student success at HCC, aiding over 500 students last year. New volunteers are always welcome to the program.

HCC Enhances College's Recycling Program

Thu, 01 May 2008 15:47:28 -0400

The Haywood Community College Volunteer Club has enhanced the college’s recycling program with the purchase of 14 additional trash cans and 80 cardboard boxes. The trash cans will accept cans and bottles while the boxes will be a depository for paper. The boxes were painted by Canton Middle School students as part of an art project. The cans were painted by HCC students, clubs, faculty, and staff. According to Blair Bishop, HCC Natural Resources instructor, “These cans and boxes will reduce waste, save money, and help the environment all at the same time.”

Dr. Rose Johnson lent her artistic abilities to paint a new recyclable receptacle on campus.

Pictured left to right are some of the HCC students who painted trash cans for recycling efforts on campus: Daniel Sellars, Sunee Rushing, , Oscar Gamez, and David Powell.

HCC Holds Retirement Ceremony for Fred Owenby

Thu, 01 May 2008 15:41:12 -0400

Haywood Community College recently held a Retirement Celebration for Fred Owenby. Owenby retired as a Horticulture Technician after 30 years of service to the State of North Carolina. Pictured left to right are Dr. Rose Johnson, HCC President; Earlene Owenby, Fred’s mother; Fred Owenby; Nancy Owenby, Fred’s wife; and two grandchildren.

HCC Employee Presented Award from the Local Military Order of the Purple Heart

Thu, 01 May 2008 15:06:21 -0400

Mary Kautz, Haywood Community College Director of Library and Learning Resources, was recently presented an award from the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 844 in Waynesville. The award was presented for exceptionally meritorious and conspicuous service to her community, fellow citizens, and veterans. It is an expression of appreciation and gratitude for these services. Pictured left to right are Kautz and Jerome Franklin, adjutant for the local chapter.

Spring Fling a HUGE Success

Thu, 01 May 2008 14:51:40 -0400

Spring Fling was a huge success. Student participation more than tripled from last year’s event. Everyone enjoyed food from the Wild Wing Café as well as exhibits sponsored by the Criminal Justice Club.

HCC Presented Flag by Local Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart

Thu, 01 May 2008 14:37:54 -0400

Haywood Community College was recently presented a flag for permanent display in the Administration Building of the college campus. Jerome Franklin, adjutant for the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 844 in Waynesville, presented the flag to HCC President Dr. Rose Johnson and Mary Kautz, HCC Director of Library and Learning Resources. The flag was one of 20 banner flags Franklin presented to the college on Constitution Day in 2007 as part of the Flags in School Rooms pilot program. Pictured left to right are Dr. Johnson, Kautz, and Franklin.

HCC Teaching and Learning Center Recognizes Tutors

Thu, 01 May 2008 14:31:00 -0400

Haywood Community College recently recognized tutors at the school’s Honors Day Ceremony. Student, faculty, and community tutors were recognized for their valuable contributions to student success. Awards and certificates were presented to 26 student, 17 faculty, and 3 community volunteer tutors. Haywood Community College tutors have provided around 3,000 hours of tutoring during the last scholastic year.

Elaine Barnes of the Teaching and Learning Center praise tutors for their ongoing efforts to help students. “I have the best job on campus,” she explains. “I’m able to see people make a difference every single day.”

Student tutors receiving awards were: Wanda Arrington, Ronald Barbato, Sherri Bell, Rachel Brown, Harrison Burke, Jake Capps, Beverly Cogdill, Geoff Conklin, Peggy Conard, Jillian Dyer, Mallory Edwards, Patrick Ferren, Judy Fleming, Jeaniece Ford, LaTausha Forney, Oscar Gamez, Rene Gamez, Sarah Haynes, Jennifer Hensley, Phyllis Inman, Zachary McTaggart, Amanda Molnar, Catherine Osborne, Rachele Poole, Gina Smith, and Mari Woodrow.

Faculty receiving awards were: Elaine Barnes, Beverly Brown, Sandra Dillingham, Steve Heulett, Matt Heimburg, Ken Hipps, Kathy Lovedahl, Lucy Lowe, Marlowe Mager, Sara Martin, Nikea Perkinson, Paul Puckett, Susan Roberts, Debbie Rowland, Victoria Shropshire, Margaret Studenc, and Buddy Tignor. Three community volunteers also received awards: Jim Bond, Margaret LaFada, and Leora Schermerhorn.

Jennifer Hensley received the Tutor of the Year Award. During the last year, she tutored students for 144 hours in math and science. Hensley is enrolled in the College Transfer program.

Sara Conklin received the Tutee of the Year Award. She works in a day care center while attending college and raising three children on her own. Conklin plans to work as a teaching assistant and continue her education to receive a Bachelor’s degree. Her long term goal is to become a teacher.

If you are interested in tutoring, please contact the Teaching & Learning Center at 627-4696.

Pictured left to right are Jennifer Hensley, Haywood Community College 2008 Tutor of the Year, and Sara Conklin, Haywood Community College 2008 Tutee of the Year.

Pictured left to right are the 2008 Haywood Community College student tutors: Judy Fleming, Jillian Dyer, Wanda Arrington, Rene Gamez, Rachel Brown, Catherine Osborne, Jake Capps, Jeaniece Ford, Mari Woodrow, Oscar Gamez, Jennifer Hensley, Tausha Forney, and Leora Schermerhorn. These tutors were recently recognized at the 2008 Honors Day Celebration held on the HCC campus.