Edgecombe Community College

Fall 2012 Volume 8 • Number 1

Public Safety Programs Expanding See page 2 Health Occupations Programs Increase to Keep Pace New Initiatives in with Demand Criminal Justice Under Way See page 6 See page 4 Edgecombe Introduces Edgecombe Community College NON PROFIT ORG. 2009 West Wilson Street US POSTAGE Tarboro, NC 27886 PAID Barbering Program Academic Marketing services See page 9 ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

Career Focus

Questions about the ECC programs and services described in this publication should be directed to Student Services Content at (252) 823-5166, ext. 255.

Editor:...... Mary Tom Bass

Writers:...... J. Eric Eckard Mary Tom Bass Features

Photography:...... Stacey Patterson 2 Public Safety Programs Expanding Cover Photography:...... Ronald L. Sowers 3 Public Safety Coordinator Following in His Dad’s Footsteps Like us on Facebook 3 Security Cameras Heighten Campus Safety www.facebook.com/edgecombecc 4 New Initiatives in Follow us on Twitter Criminal Justice Under Way twitter.com/edgecombecc 4 Alive@25 Reinforces Good Driving Habits Edgecombe Community College 5 Geospatial Certificate for Board of Trustees Law Enforcement in the Works Jonathan K. Felton, Chair James H. Long, Vice Chair 5 College Celebrating 45 Years Jean M. Bailey Wick Baker Health Occupations Programs Helen W. Collins 6 Jessie M. Jones Increase to Keep Pace with Demand Bernice M. Pitt Dr. Jerry W. Price 7 CEO of Bermuda Hospitals Gladys C. Shelton Started at Edgecombe Jerry W. Spruell James I. Taylor 8 ECC Offers Unique Certification Gloria Wiggins-Hicks for Child Care Workers Executive Officers 8 What Will College Get You? Dr. Deborah L. Lamm, President Charlie Harrell, Vice President of Administrative Services 9 Edgecombe Introduces Barbering Program Michael Jordan, Vice President of Student Services Dr. Kristi Snuggs, Vice President of Instruction 10 Manufacturing Training Evolving at J. Lynn Cale, Associate Vice President of Instruction Warp Speed Thanks to $1.2 Million Grant

To advertise in CareerFocus, call (252) 823-5166, ext. 279. 11 College Is a State Leader in CareerFocus is published annually by Edgecombe Job Skills Assessment Community College, 2009 West Wilson St., Tarboro, NC 27886. 12 Engineers Save Their Company Thousands Edgecombe Community College is an equal opportunity Through Six Sigma Training institution. All rights reserved. No part of the material printed may 12 I-TRIZ: Exclusive Problem-Solving be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, Training Offered at ECC electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher.

Fall 2012 Volume 8 • Number 1 Edgecombe Community College Get a FREE Digital Subscription to © 2012 Edgecombe Community College CareerFocus Interactive On the cover: Representing Edgecombe public safety are Valuable Career Information You Need Now (front row, from left) Lee Darnell, Public Safety Coordinator, • Just graduated from high school? • Ready to move up? Edgecombe Community College; William Whitaker, Tarboro • Looking for a new career? • Need a better income? Fire Chief; Allen Dennie, Conetoe Fire Chief and President The NEW Interactive CareerFocus magazine

Fall 2012 Volume 8 • Number 1 of the Edgecombe County Fire Association; (second row) Public Safety Edgecombe Community College Health Occupations Programs Programs Expanding Expand to Keep Pace connects you directly to Edgecombe See page 2 with Demand Mike Catagnus, Edgecombe Sheriff’s Office Communications See page 6 New Initiatives in Community College resources to help you Director; James Knight, Edgecombe Sheriff; Lt. Bill Braswell, Criminal Justice Under Way Edgecombe Introduces See page 4 Barbering Program NON PROFIT ORG. See page 9 choose the right education and career path. US POSTAGE Edgecombe Community College PAID 2009 West Wilson Street ACADEmIC mARkETING SERVICES Tarboro Police Department Interim Chief; (back) Chad Eason, Tarboro, NC 27886 ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER Public Safety Health Occupations Programs Programs Expanding Expand to Keep Pace See page 2 with Demand Edgecombe County Rescue Squad Paramedic and Interim See page 6 New Initiatives in Criminal Justice Under Way Edgecombe Introduces See page 4 Sign up for a Free Subscription Barbering Program NON PROFIT ORG. See page 9 US POSTAGE Edgecombe Community College PAID 2009 West Wilson Street ACADEmIC Tarboro, NC 27886 mARkETING SERVICES Chief; Sgt. Al Braxton, Tarboro Police Department; and Butch ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER Beach, Edgecombe Fire Marshal. at edgecombe.mycareerfocus.org

252.823.5166 I www.edgecombe.edu I Edgecombe Community College CareerFocus I Fall 2012 I 1 Feature

Career Focus Public Safety Programs Expanding Online components are being added to training by J. Eric Eckard Since Darnell took over the public safety program at Edgecombe a ee Darnell wishes the year ago, he has been pushing for Internet had been more hybrid courses – part online around when he was and part classroom. He hopes to going to school in the add hybrid and online options in early 1990s, training to each of his program areas to offer be a law enforcement students more flexibility. officer and paramedic. Presently, Edgecombe offers Instead of having hybrid classes for EMTs and EMT- Linstant access to course work at Intermediates. In the fall, the various schools across the country, college is reviving its paramedic Darnell, 41, spent countless hours training, and an initial paramedic on the phone trying to find schools certification hybrid course will be that offered specialized continuing available. Hybrid firefighter and education classes so he could stay technical rescue classes are offered certified and advance his career. every semester. Then, after finding that school, he often had to commute for hours to “We teach the basics online, and Edgecombe instructors introduce the basic concepts of modern technical take the class. then bring the students onto rescue equipment to students from across , with the campus for hands-on training, assistance of the Rocky Mount Fire Department. That’s why it’s important to typically about once a month,” Darnell, Edgecombe Community Darnell says. “We’ve had a lot of with an online environment, so we breathing, coughing, and other College’s coordinator for public success with online classes in fire also offer traditional face-to-face lifelike symptoms. safety programs, to try to find a and EMS.” classes.” Firefighters learn modern way to help students stay current firefighting, rescue, officer in law enforcement, fire, and EMT students spend most of the From an agency perspective, development, and fire department emergency medical services. 203-hour class online, but they officers and firefighters are meet on campus one Saturday a required to take continuing management skills. Law “Public safety is all about month during the semester. The education classes each year. Often enforcement officers have a teamwork,” Darnell says. “Whether EMT-Intermediate class is 305 agencies have to pay overtime to wide range of classes available it’s two police working on the hours, and students meet a full get them through the class. at the college, including report street or a college working with weekend each month during the writing, defensive tactics, basic local law enforcement agencies semester. “If it’s done online, they can go at investigation skills, and firearms or fire departments, it’s about their own pace and possibly save training. teamwork. Hybrid classes offer flexibility, overtime pay,” Darnell says. “Also, financial savings, and the ability it’s easier to bring in a fresh point At the core of the training is “There’s a brotherhood in public to pull from a wider range of of view because we can use online developing and maintaining safety. If we don’t take care of each instructors. However, Darnell instructors from other areas.” partnerships with local agencies, other, people can get hurt.” adds, “Not everyone is comfortable making the college public safety- Edgecombe offers classes for K-9 friendly for them, Darnell says. training, detention officers, and He also wants to make Edgecombe continuing education for law Community College the go-to place enforcement officers. Though none for public safety students in the of these are set up with a hybrid area. element, Darnell wants to change that. He also is exploring new “When I first started out, I had state-of-the-art program areas to to travel to find classes,” Darnell help strengthen and support local says. “If there’s any way to prevent law enforcement efforts. that, I want to do it. “We’re always looking for what “I want to keep our people here. local agencies need,” Darnell says. I want to make it easier for our “If agencies want more specialized people and our agencies.” training, we want to add that.” Whether it’s a hybrid or traditional class, the college offers the most up-to-date training in the state. While conducting on-campus course work, public safety students have access to Edgecombe’s state- of-the-art simulation facility that Students learn how to dismantle a wrecked vehicle using a variety of includes a patient care mannequin different tools so trapped patients can be removed safely and quickly. that can simulate seizures, labored 2 I Fall 2012 I CareerFocus Edgecombe Community College I www.edgecombe.edu I 252.823.5166 Public Safety Coordinator following in his dad’s footsteps

hen Lee Darnell was as well as courses in health a kid, growing up in care administration, business Yadkin County, he administration, and leadership for remembers his dad two decades. Wanswering calls for help in his community from behind the wheel Darnell also has played a law of a hearse. officer and medical worker on stage, on television, and in movies. In the early days of first He calls it a hobby, but he has responders, there was no 911 started a fledgling production system, and rescue squads were in company, and he’s working on a their infancy – especially in rural script. areas of the state. “I did theatre as a child,” Darnell “This was before rescue squads says. “But at 16. I walked away. became like they are today,” Then it jumped back on me 12 Darnell says. “My dad worked for years ago.” a funeral home, and they would take the hearse for emergency Darnell answered a call for extras calls. for “The Ultimate Gift,” which was filmed in Charlotte. He played “I remember going to the funeral a funeral mourner, and a few home one night with my mom months later, he had an agent. and sleeping. There’s nothing like growing up, sleeping in a funeral Over the years, he’s worked with home.” Abigail Breslin, Michael Landon Lee Darnell, coordinator of public safety, stands in his response boat Jr., Tyler Perry, Jason Sudeikis, Darnell’s father later transitioned while working as a water-borne paramedic on the Gulf of Mexico during Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Danica to law enforcement, serving as the BP oil spill several years ago. Patrick. police officer, police chief, and sheriff’s lieutenant until he teaching law enforcement and , serving He just finished filming a movie retired about a decade ago. EMT training, Darnell heads up as a paramedic and police chief of in Winston-Salem called “Susie,” the public safety programs at Arlington, where his father also which features Jon Provost, who Those early days of watching Edgecombe Community College. had been chief, and Yadkin County played Timmy in the old Lassie his dad help people first as a He credits his dad for where he is Sheriff’s Office, where his father TV series. Naturally, Darnell plays surrogate ambulance driver and today. had been a deputy. a court bailiff. then as a law enforcement officer led Darnell to follow in his father’s During a five-month period in With an MBA and degrees in “It all goes back to my dad,” footsteps. 1991, Darnell graduated from emergency medical science Darnell says. “You do what you schools with certifications as both and health care, Darnell has know. It’s just who you are.” After 20-plus years of working a paramedic and law enforcement designed and taught EMS – J. Eric Eckard in the field and the classroom, officer. He worked in both fields in and law enforcement courses,

Security cameras heighten campus safety

ff-duty police officers enabling analysts to review the Rocky Mount met on the Tarboro alert we can get it out quickly to regularly patrol the video later. campus to sign memorandums of our full-time employees’ home and Rocky Mount and Tarboro understanding and to review the cell phones.” campuses, but extra security Cameras are just one of the college’s Emergency Response Omeasures have taken shape in security measures the college has Plan. Also, employees and students can recent years. implemented. Lighting has been opt into the college’s emergency added, and some landscaping has The group has continued to meet notification alert system. They Security cameras have been been removed in an effort to make once or twice a year. Janice Tolson, automatically receive e-mails and installed to help monitor the the campuses more open and director of human resources, can elect to get text messages. campuses – 29 cameras on the visible. coordinates the group. “The local Tarboro campus and 13 cameras emergency personnel advise “It’s an ongoing process,” Baker on the Rocky Mount campus. In addition, faculty and staff us on revisions that need to be says. “We not only want to secure undergo regular training to be made to our Emergency Response the campuses, but provide as According to Neil Baker, director more aware of suspicious behavior, Plan so that it stays up-to- much safety for our students of computer services, up to seven and safety and security are date on emergency policies and and whoever else comes to our cameras will be installed on each discussed in detail during student procedures,” Tolson says. campuses.” campus next year, depending on orientations. available funds. “In 2008 Edgecombe County – Mary Tom Bass In 2008, college personnel and helped us set up a Reverse 911 All activity captured by the local emergency responders from service so that when we have an cameras is recorded and saved, Edgecombe County, Tarboro, and

252.823.5166 I www.edgecombe.edu I Edgecombe Community College CareerFocus I Fall 2012 I 3 Feature

Career Focus New Initiatives in Criminal Justice Under Way

by Mary Tom Bass law enforcement and corrections course delivery will help those law personnel,” he says. enforcement personnel who rotate native New Yorker shifts and would never be able to is bringing his Previously, Basile served as chair attend a traditional class. Their police smarts of criminal justice at Bryant and work schedule wouldn’t allow it.” to Edgecombe’s Stratton College in Syracuse, criminal justice NY. “The students here are very Currently, criminal law and program, making similar to students in Syracuse,” juvenile justice courses are offered the courses more he says. “They are multi-taskers online. In several years, Basile accessible and who are balancing full-time jobs would like to see criminal justice providing students with real-world with family responsibilities. offered as a fully online program, while retaining the traditional Aunderstanding. “I’ve done it, and I know it’s hard. classroom program. Rick Basile, criminal justice Rick Basile, who has been My message to students is: ‘I’ll program chair, joined the involved in law enforcement, work with you.’” Edgecombe offers a two-year Edgecombe faculty in fall 2011. public safety, and education for degree program (74 credit hours) He has been involved in law Since Basile understands in criminal justice as well as a the past 35 years, joined the firsthand the challenges of adult enforcement, public safety, and Edgecombe faculty last fall. Since two-semester certificate program education for the past 35 years and learners, he is adding online (12 credit hours). then, he has been tweaking the courses each semester to give has taught in higher education for curriculum to emphasize policing students more options. “Online Students are taught by faculty more than 20 years. He spent about operations. “I’m trying to target who hold criminal justice academic 12 years serving as chief of police credentials and have experience in Ithaca, NY, and Ellenville, NY. with either corrections or law Alive@25 reinforces good driving habits enforcement agencies. “The inmates were extremely frank in their discussion of prison ccording to the National issue parking permits,” he says. Criminal justice students number life and what it means to miss Highway Traffic Safety “And some parents want their between 200 and 300 in any given major events in their family’s Administration, motor kids to go through it to get some semester. Basile and four adjunct life. Our students were genuinely vehicle accidents are the additional training.” instructors are the primary affected by their testimony.” ANo. 1 cause of deaths in the U.S. The class focuses on such issues faculty. “Everyone who teaches for those between the ages of 16 The new club will be taking as the dangers of driving and here is or has been a practitioner and 24. similar tours of various criminal texting, having too many friends in a criminal justice field,” he says. justice facilities, inviting guest To help drivers reach their in the car, following distances, “They have real-world experience, speakers to address the club, 25th birthday, Edgecombe and stopping distances. because students remember and participating in community Community College offers a principles and ideals better if you activities, such as volunteering for defensive driving class called “It teaches formulas for safe give them real-world examples.” the Edgecombe Relay for Life and Alive@25. driving,” Abrams explains. “Like American Heart Association Heart going from 60 mph to 75 mph To give students a fresh Walk. “It’s designed for young drivers saves about a minute or so a perspective, he began a Criminal between the ages of 16 and 24,” mile in time, but it increases Justice Club during spring “I want students to get in the says Brady Abrams, instructor your risk of death by 8 percent.” semester. The club is open to mindset that they work for the for the class and longtime criminal justice majors and those community and have to give back,” Edgecombe County deputy. “If Since Edgecombe began offering interested in criminal justice, and Basile says. a young driver gets a traffic the nationwide program three years ago, almost 400 students its membership numbers about 20. violation, then the district “This is a great school, one of have taken the class. In this attorney can refer them to the Club members have gone on site the gems of the North Carolina state, it’s sponsored by the course. If they complete the visits, including a trip in May to Community College System. I Safety and Health Council of course, that violation can be the Fountain Correctional Center inherited a really fine program, North Carolina. reduced or dismissed.” for Women in Rocky Mount. The but I think we can finetune it and “Students are really interested tour was set up by Vivian Brake, a make it better.” The D.A. only refers first-time criminal justice adjunct instructor offenders who receive citations in the content of the course,” Abrams says, “especially the and a deputy superintendent at for such violations as speeding, Fountain. careless and reckless driving, videos of other young drivers and running a stop sign. who have lost friends, telling According to Basile, “No part of the their stories. prison was off limits, and students Although most of the students got a true picture of what prison taking the four-hour class are “It’s coming from kids their own age, not just an old guy like me.” life is all about. An especially referred by the D.A., Abrams moving part of the tour was two says the class is open to anyone. – J. Eric Eckard brief talks by inmates who are “Some high schools require part of the prison’s Think Smart students to take it before they program. 4 I Fall 2012 I CareerFocus Edgecombe Community College I www.edgecombe.edu I 252.823.5166 Career Focus

Feature Geospatial Certificate for Law Enforcement in the Works by J. Eric Eckard crime maps, you can make real- on a wall,” he explains. “Now we ballooned in the last 15 years,” time changes.” can use computer-generated maps Hill says. “You can load the data n the 1990s, New York with overlays that show different of every crime in a city into a City police began using Basile, who now is program chair types of information. This is a computer, and you can see a geographic information of criminal justice at Edgecombe perfect marriage.” better graphic of where crimes are systems to map high-crime Community College, is helping happening.” areas in the city. The GIS- develop a curriculum that teaches Edgecombe already offers a based mapping system law enforcement officers about geospatial technology certificate The new certificate program for showed trends in criminal geospatial technology. program that focuses on the police personnel would include information technology aspect. In both law enforcement and GIS activity, allowing police to Geospatial technology deals with target those areas in an effort to the fall, a new two-year degree courses, and the program would the capture, management, and program in geospatial technology most likely benefit supervisors and Ireduce crime. analysis of data that contains a will begin, and it will include some investigators. Over an eight-year period after location component. Google Earth, law enforcement aspects. New York implemented the floodplain mapping, archaeological “If you know what’s happening mapping system in a new overall analysis, and school bus routing Basile, Wes Hill, program chair of right now, you can do something accountability process, murders are just a few applications information technology studies, about it right now,” Basile says. dropped by nearly one-half. connected to geospatial technology. and others are developing a “You can do surveillance, send in certificate program in geospatial undercover officers or add extra “It worked,” says Rick Basile, Basile says the relatively new technology designed exclusively for patrols – whatever response is retired police chief of Ithaca, NY, technology is a boon for law law enforcement officers. necessary after you’ve analyzed and former police lieutenant in enforcement. the data. Albany, NY. “If you have real-time “The technology of using mapping “When I did crime-mapping, we and data together has really “That’s why this is so important.” used colored push pins on a map College Celebrating 45 Years Flash mob gets the party started n ice cream social turned into an for ice cream and to hear a few words from unexpected celebration in March as a ECC President Dr. Deborah Lamm. While the flash mob helped jump start the 45th crowd milled about, enjoying their cool treat, anniversary celebration of the college’s a woman in the crowd began to sing. And then Afounding. another, and then another joined in, singing about Edgecombe to the tune of “I’d Like to Students, faculty, and staff had been invited Teach the World to Sing.” to Mobley Atrium in the Fleming Building When the song ended, an old-fashioned ice- cream man in a straw boater and red bow tie began tap dancing. He was joined by more dancers. When the tap dance ended, a group of students began a modern dance routine. The college was witnessing its first flash mob. “We wanted to do something fun, entertaining, and different,” says Dr. Lamm. “I think everyone enjoyed it.” The event kicked off the college’s 45th anniversary celebration. The State Board Mobley Atrium was the site of a flash mob of Education, by authority of the General in March. The event kicked off the 45th Assembly of the State of North Carolina, anniversary celebration of the founding of established Edgecombe Technical Institute on Edgecombe Community College, which was October 5, 1967. established on October 5, 1967. The anniversary celebration will end with an event on Friday, October 5, to coincide with the college, and a ceremony at the Norfleet House, founding of the school. a historical home on the Tarboro campus that is being renovated by historic preservation From left are ECC dance instructor Dirk Anniversary events will include the dedication students. Lumbard and Steven Thomason, a student at of a new wetlands trail on the Tarboro campus, . the dedication of a book on the history of the – Mary Tom Bass 252.823.5166 I www.edgecombe.edu I Edgecombe Community College CareerFocus I Fall 2012 I 5 Feature

Career Focus Health Occupations Programs Increase to Keep Pace with Demand by J. Eric Eckard course, a 96-hour class that “Home care is becoming huge as First, instructors will teach the will focus on ensuring proper many people are being sent home importance of breastfeeding to he number of the treatment is followed after a after hospitalization and need residents of Edgecombe County 55-and-older crowd is patient is released from a hospital assistance with medical care,” who are interested in learning expected to rise about or doctor’s office. Clark says. about breastfeeding and its 30 percent over the benefits. The class also will offer next two decades. “The goal is for anyone to take this The course will teach nurse aides nurses a path to continuing class – lay people in churches or how to help patients and support education in this arena with the Consequently, all eyes community centers who might not systems adapt to being home and goal of becoming an approved will be focused on have traditional medical training,” being cared for in the home. Four provider with North Carolina Baby Boomers as they Clark says. schools are piloting this program Nurse’s Association (NCNA). hit retirement age in the worlds in North Carolina. Edgecombe T The course will focus on Eventually, Clark hopes the of housing, finance, public safety, plans to offer this course after the management and prevention instruction may lead to national transportation, and of course, pilot programs are completed. certification. health care. of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke The U.S. Bureau of Labor prevention, oral care, foot care, Geriatric Aide Hybrid Nurse Assistant Statistics predicts that the health and dietary management. Often, Six students completed the Edgecombe offers a new hybrid care industry will add the most a patient discharged from the college’s first geriatric aide class class for nurse assistants that jobs in the coming years. hospital receives extensive in May, and all are now on the combines online and face-to- information about diet and geriatric aide registry. face instruction to allow more To help meet the demand for exercise and warning signs about The class focuses on topics such flexibility for students and health care workers, Edgecombe their health. Unfortunately, as behavioral and mental status instructors. Community College has revamped the layperson often does not changes, nutritional needs, safety, its Division of Health Occupations, understand this information. “Students are on campus for eight adding several new classes and and mobility needs that are a to ten hours per week for skills tweaking many already in place. The college is receiving $20,000 result of the aging process. “It check-offs, but the rest of the in grant funds to assist with the trains the nurse aide to recognize “Programs at Edgecombe have course work is done online,” Clark implementation of the health triggers that may contribute to says. “Students also have 35 hours increased and have become more coach program. Edgecombe has problems with care in the geriatric convenient in order to meet the of clinical work at a health care partnered with the Brody School environment and have a better facility.” training needs of the community of Medicine in Greenville on the understanding of geriatrics,” Clark and to place more individuals in project. Classes are expected to explains. Typically a 16-week class, the the workforce,” says Laura Clark, begin in the fall. hybrid nurse assistant class has coordinator of health occupations. Medication Aide been cut to eight to ten weeks. Home Care Aide Health Coach Edgecombe has been offering Jobs for home care aides are medication aide for some time, but Nurse Assistant testing site Edgecombe expects to be the predicted to grow by 70 percent the college has strengthened its In 2006, the state began requiring first community college in North between now and 2020, according medication aide curriculum in an a competency evaluation for Carolina to offer a health coach to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. effort to meet the demands of the students who pass nurse aide community. courses. In January, Edgecombe was approved as a testing site for The 24-hour course is designed for nurse aide certification on both non-licensed/certified personnel. campuses. It focuses on the six rights of medication administration – right patient, right dose, right time, Phlebotomy testing site right medication, right route, and After conducting phlebotomy right documentation – and safety testing for certification for years issues surrounding medication on a random basis, Edgecombe administration. now offers these tests on a regular quarterly basis. Breastfeeding Basics With numerous studies showing that breastfeeding pays huge benefits for babies and mothers, Edgecombe is adding a breastfeeding basics class to its curriculum. The class will have From left, phlebotomy instructor Velensiar Watson and student Victoria a three-tiered focus, according to Griffin practice venipuncture in preparation for clinicals. The next Clark. phlebotomy class runs August 22 through February 20, 2013, and meets three days a week. Call 823-5166, ext. 322 or ext. 397. 6 I Fall 2012 I CareerFocus Edgecombe Community College I www.edgecombe.edu I 252.823.5166 Career Focus

Feature CEO of Bermuda Hospitals Started at Edgecombe

by J. Eric Eckard traveled to the United States as community college where I could a youngster, but she had never get personal attention.” unning the only been to eastern North Carolina. urgent care centre, Although many Bermudians She lived in a YWCA room in acute care, and studied overseas, few enrolled in Rocky Mount for two years. Only mental health community colleges. 18 and admittedly “young and hospitals in Bermuda naive,” Symonds experienced can be daunting. Symonds knew what she wanted culture shock in eastern North Daily decisions to do with her life: work with Carolina. Most only knew of her must be made on X-ray machines. After a summer homeland from the notorious everything from medical care and job at King Edward VII Memorial Bermuda Triangle tales, and many Rpatient satisfaction to construction Hospital in Bermuda while in high believed she was from “up north” and food services. school, she received a scholarship because of her accent. to study radiologic technology. The Venetta Pearman Symonds has two caveats: she must attend an “But it was a safe environment,” been with Bermuda Hospitals accredited school for the program Symonds says. Board for 32 years, moving up and she must work for the hospital She studied, spent time with through the ranks until she took in Bermuda for four years after family, and studied some more. over as chief executive officer graduation. Then came one of those life lessons and president in April. Even that pops up when least expected. though Symonds had been the Forty years ago, the evolution in computer technology was After a couple of less-than-stellar deputy CEO for the past six “It was nice being in a small changing the X-ray industry grades, Symonds says she was years, she says there’s still a community college where I could dramatically. The American frustrated and grumbled about it bit of uncertainty in running a get personal attention,” says Society of Radiologic Technologists to her instructor. multi-million dollar operation Venetta Pearman Symonds, was pushing for stricter guidelines that provides a vital service to an CEO and president of Bermuda “He told me that I was getting in schools, but a set of national entire country. Hospitals Board and a 1978 it. He said understanding is standards was a decade away. graduate of Edgecombe better than memorizing, and that Sometimes when that happens, Community College. “I was not one resonated with me. That’s what she says she thinks back to Finding an accredited school of a hundred students, and that that one-on-one interaction did Edgecombe Community College, during a tumultuous time in the enabled me to excel.” for me. I was not one of a hundred where she received an associate industry might have been difficult – especially without today’s students, and that enabled me to degree in radiologic technology in technology. She had family nearby instant Internet searches. But, excel. 1978. to rely on so far from home, and as in many cases, family and fate North Carolina is due east of “I was proud when I graduated, “Even now, when I doubt myself, stepped in. Bermuda and shares a similar and I think I was named most I think back on that,” the climate. The decision was made: outstanding student in my class.” 54-year-old says, “It was my first Symonds had family in eastern Symonds would come to America experience at taking a giant step. North Carolina. Her cousin, “While I am incredibly proud of to study – at Edgecombe. It was big and new and scary, G.K. Butterfield, now a U.S. Venetta’s achievements, I cannot congressman, was a lawyer in and I’m grateful for the whole “It was wonderful,” Symonds says. say that I am terribly surprised,” Wilson in 1976 when she started experience. “G.K. and his wife embraced me. says her cousin, Congressman G.K. searching for a school in the He’d pick me up on the weekends Butterfield. “When I reflect on how “It changed how I think about States. and take me to Wilson for family as a teenager Venetta willingly myself.” Through the Butterfield dinners. left everything familiar to her in The journey for the native connection, Symonds discovered Bermuda for the opportunity to “Although [Edgecombe wasn’t] Bermudian as a teenager to that Edgecombe Community study at Edgecombe Community geared up to serve international Edgecombe was pretty unique College offered an accredited College, I knew that her courage students at the time, I loved in the 1970s. Symonds had certificate program in radiologic and determination would take it. It was nice being in a small her very far in life. At that time, she did what few young people would and, as a result, she has “When I reflect on how as a teenager Venetta experienced tremendous success.” willingly left everything familiar to her in Bermuda “It all starts with one step,” Symonds says. “Edgecombe Community College was part of for the opportunity to study at Edgecombe that first step.” Community College, I knew that her courage and determination would take her very far in life.” – Congressman G.K. Butterfield 252.823.5166 I www.edgecombe.edu I Edgecombe Community College CareerFocus I Fall 2012 I 7 Feature

Career Focus ECC Offers Unique Certification for Child Care Workers by J. Eric Eckard instructor. “The students have embraced these classes and have or years, the child asked for more.” care industry in North Carolina has been Edgecombe is one of only several hamstrung. Low wages community colleges in the region coupled with high that offers the certificate program. stress situations have Child care providers have led to high turnover expressed interest in classes in rates. nutrition, relationships with In 2010, the NC Institute for families, and the Early Childhood F Environment Rating Scale, a Child Development Professionals implemented a certification rating indicator for facilities program for child care workers and daycare programs. “We are in an attempt to strengthen the developing a number of new industry. courses to try to meet the needs of child care providers,” Hathaway Though the state does not yet says. require child care workers to obtain Early Educator A variety of evening classes will be Certification, Edgecombe offers held fall semester, included these that begin in August: Children several continuing education From left, Kim Webb, Danielle Roberson, and Tyler Watson work on classes that lead to certification. with Special Needs; Family Matters Partnerships; Connecting an assignment during an Early Educator Certification class at New “The Institute is trying to raise the Dots: DAP, Observation, Beginnings Child Care in Tarboro. the level of professionalism in the Assessment, and Curriculum industry,” says Dr. Kristi Snuggs, Planning; and Creating a Safe, still have to be credentialed vice president of instruction. “They Healthy Learning Environment. and complete a certain number want it to mimic the licensure of a Classes begin at 6 p.m. or 6:30 of in-service training hours. school teacher.” p.m. on the Rocky Mount and The Edgecombe classes count Tarboro campuses. toward this in-service training. “These are the first continuing Certification also is required for education classes of their type at While the debate continues on funding from some agencies. the college, and there has been whether the Early Educator a tremendous response,” says Certification should be required Joyce Hathaway, early childhood by the state, child care workers

What Will College Get You? Statistics capture some of the benefits college graduates enjoy

Financial Life Expectancy Happiness Index Volunteering Median earnings • Age 75 – Life expectancy today of a A higher number indicates a greater level • High school graduates: 19% • High school graduates: $33,800 25-year-old with 12 years of education of reported happiness. (volunteered median of 48 hours/ • High school or less: 31 year) • Associate’s degree: $42,000 • Age 82 – Life expectancy today of a 25-year-old with at least some college • Some college: 35 • Some college or associate’s degree: • Bachelor’s degree: $55,700 education • College graduate: 34 30% (volunteered median of 50 Source: The Census Bureau, 2009 Source: 2008 Harvard Medical School Study • Post college graduate: 36 hours/year) Unemployment • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 43% Personal Source: Harris Interactive Poll Annual • High school graduates: 10.3% Happiness Index 2010 (volunteered median of 54 hours/ The importance workers place on • Associate’s degree: 7% year) feeling that their work is important and Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009 • Bachelor’s degree: 5.4% provides a sense of accomplishment: Social Voting Rates Source: 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics • High school graduates: 56% • High school graduates: 57% Health • Some college or Associate’s degree: 56% • Associate’s degree: 71% Employer-Provided Health Insurance • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 79% • Bachelor’s degree: 76% • High school graduates: 50% Source: Education Pays 2012 Source: The Census Bureau, 2008 • Associate’s degree: 68% Source: Economic Policy Institute, 2010 8 I Fall 2012 I CareerFocus Edgecombe Community College I www.edgecombe.edu I 252.823.5166 Career Focus

Feature Edgecombe Introduces Barbering Program by J. Eric Eckard hen Sherita Evans was 17 years old, she started cutting kids’ hair at a homeless shelter in Raleigh. WShe wanted to help the younger children at the shelter who had fallen on hard times, because just like them, she also was living at the shelter. Now, nearly 15 years later, Evans is back on her feet and returning to the passion she discovered as a teenager. She is enrolled in Edgecombe Community College’s new barbering program. “I found out about the program through a friend,” Evans says. “I had never been to college. I dropped out of high school. I had my GED, I applied in December, was accepted in January, and I started classes in March. It literally happened overnight.” The barbering program came together quickly, too. College Sherita Evans is taking barbering classes at Edgecombe Community College. Barbering, a new program that leaders began discussing adding it began in March, is offered through evening classes on the Rocky Mount campus. to the curriculum in summer 2011.

“We had students calling all the students were accepted, and College beat us by two weeks,” she Although barbering is a time asking if we had a barbering classes began the first week in notes. predominately male field, program,” explains Carolyn March. “Right now we are at Edgecombe’s first class has two Sherrill, barber/cosmetology maximum student capacity, but Because barbering and women, including Evans. coordinator and a cosmetology we hope that in the future, as our cosmetology have two separate instructor. “Some of them would programs grow, we can enlarge the governing boards in North “I think I’m a person who goes enroll in the cosmetology program facility,” Sherrill says. Carolina, classes for each cannot beyond stereotypes,” Evans says. and find out that it really wasn’t be held simultaneously in the “And I think barbering expands what they wanted.” Edgecombe is one of two same facility. At Edgecombe’s beyond clippers. community colleges in North Rocky Mount campus, when day After announcing that a barbering Carolina to offer both barbering cosmetology classes end, evening “I’m going to be the first person program was in the works, and cosmetology programs at the barbering classes begin. in my family to graduate from Edgecombe received about 100 same site. “Carteret Community college. So, I say that whatever inquiries in four months. Twenty Barbering classes meet 4-10 p.m. your passion is, have faith you can Monday through Thursday and do it, and do it.” from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Students are trained in cutting Cosmetology Programs at ECC hair, shaving, hair coloring, facial massages, and other barbering • Barbering Diploma • Esthetics Instructor Certificate techniques and methods. • Cosmetology Diploma • Manicuring/Nail Certificate Graduates of the diploma program log more than 1,500 hours of • Cosmetology Instructor Certificate • Manicuring/Nail Instructor college classes. Students who Certificate • Esthetics Certificate attend full time can complete the program in four semesters.

252.823.5166 I www.edgecombe.edu I Edgecombe Community College CareerFocus I Fall 2012 I 9 Feature

Career Focus Manufacturing Training Evolving at Warp Speed Thanks to $1.2 Million Grant

by Mary Tom Bass Who’s in the NC he largest grant Advanced Manufacturing Edgecombe Alliance? Community College has ever received The $18.8 million federal grant is a rocket-sized for job training and workforce shot in the arm to development in manufacturing training programs in is being shared by the manufacturing. following community colleges: • Robeson CC (lead TLast fall, Edgecombe was one of institution) ten community colleges in North • Asheville-Buncombe Carolina to receive a share of Technical CC an $18.8 million federal grant • Beaufort County CC for job training and workforce development in manufacturing. • Craven CC • Davidson County CC The grant was awarded to • Edgecombe CC the North Carolina Advanced Manufacturing Alliance, a • Fayetteville Technical CC consortium of the ten community • Haywood CC colleges created to focus on Dr. Stan Garren (left), dean of business and technologies, works with • Nash CC training displaced workers for students Ricky Slade (center) and Lennis Bess to program a robot to • Surry CC high quality jobs. load a CNC vertical mill. “I can’t tell you how excited we are by the new opportunities that lie ahead for our students because of the NC Edgecombe received $1,225,408 – Manufacturing Alliance grant,” Dr. Garren says. with the right skills or work ethic. the largest grant ever awarded to We also have 60 positions open the college. instructor; and Shari Dickens, Dr. Petersen, an engineer and locally with the same problem – A majority of the grant has gone recruiter/success manager. educator for 41 years, says his they cannot find qualified people.” toward purchasing new equipment goal is to have 20-25 students in Edgecombe offers four Technology is an important for teaching and learning in the program. Another goal is paid manufacturing-related programs: component of the grant. Students manufacturing. Also, the college internships within industry for a industrial systems, electrical/ in the program will receive iPads has hired additional personnel majority of students. electronics, manufacturing, and for mobile learning programs, to manage the grant: Dr. Paul mechanical drafting. “We are recruiting students from giving them access to online Petersen, project manager/ three markets,” he explains. applications and training “This grant is enabling a total “The first is displaced workers. simulations via iTunes University. overhaul of manufacturing Hopefully we can reach out and education at ECC” says Dr. Stan get some of these individuals and “Manufacturing is nothing Garren, dean of business and retrain them. The second group is like it was 20 to 30 years ago,” technologies. those who want to gain a skill set Dr. Petersen says. “Students think it’s dusty, dirty work in High-tech equipment purchases in order to get a job, such as high a dark building, and it’s not. include a computer numerical school students. Manufacturing has become a control 5-axis vertical mill, a “The third market is employees very sophisticated, very high tech CNC 3-axis lathe, new industrial who are working in industry who industry.” controllers, industrial grade robots, want to improve their skill sets for and industrial training equipment. promotion.” A large purchase of manufacturing software – the same software used Local industry is already on board. in industry – is on order. “Sara Lee is automating their processes,” Dr. Petersen says. “Three companies in the area say “They are sending their employees they will be adding a significant here to learn how to be technicians Dr. Paul Petersen (center), project number of employees over the rather than just operators.” manager, and students Jamel next three years,” Dr. Petersen McGuire (left) and Mark Ness says. “These are high tech jobs As he explains, “The jobs are out examine an instrumentation that require a certain skill set. there. About 2.5 million jobs in control panel, one of the new pieces This grant is letting us do our job, industry are open, but they require of equipment purchased with NC which is preparing students for technical skills. CSX, for example, Advanced Manufacturing Alliance success in the workplace.” has 5,600 job openings. These jobs grant funds. pay well, but they can’t find people 10 I Fall 2012 I CareerFocus Edgecombe Community College I www.edgecombe.edu I 252.823.5166 Career Focus

Feature College Is a State Leader in Job Skills Assessment by J. Eric Eckard significance of earning the CRC credential. dgecombe County ranks in the Top 10 of “This year, 53% of our students the 100 North Carolina received a CRC. We continue to counties for Career promote this credential daily, and Readiness Certificates students are ‘buying in.’ Our three- awarded. year average since we started the promotional campaign is 60%. One With more businesses hundred percent is our goal, and and industries we believe this is an achievable recognizing the importance of goal.” hiring workers with a proficiency in basic reading and math skills, To date, the college has awarded Edgecombe Community College is more than 3,000 CRCs, which helping lead the way in supplying is equal to more than 11% a quality workforce for the state. of Edgecombe County’s total workforce. That puts Edgecombe “There are more than 500 at No. 9 in CRCs awarded among employers in North Carolina that the 100 N.C. counties and in the support the WorkKeys (and Career top 5 as a percent of the workforce. Readiness Certificate) programs,” Across all of North Carolina, the says Dr. Randi Dikeman, dean percent of the workforce achieving of corporate and community CRCs is just under 3%. development at the college. There are three levels of career WorkKeys is a workplace skills readiness certification – bronze, assessment system developed CRC Coordinator Sylvia Hinton-Grant (standing) helps Lucy Ricks silver, and gold. The bronze level in the 1980s for businesses to with a question during the CRC registration process. Ricks, 72, a New signifies that a recipient possesses analyze the skills employees need Yorker for the past 45 years who recently relocated to Rocky Mount, plans skills for approximately 30% of to be successful in the workplace. to enter Edgecombe’s nurse assistant program. Each of the three CRC the jobs profiled by WorkKeys After its inception, many states assessments takes about 45 minutes to complete. Students can retake the in three specific skill areas: and regions developed Career tests if they want to improve their scores. reading for information, applied Readiness Certificate programs math, and locating information. to help assess and train workers Hinton-Grant has moved on its CRC program. Incentive grants Silver signifies skills for 65% of in up to nine skill areas, such as to new responsibilities as the from North Carolina’s Eastern WorkKeys jobs; and gold signifies reading for information, applied CRC coordinator, but the Ready, Region helped fund assessments, more than 90% of required skills. math, and locating information. Set CRC prep class still meets job profiles for businesses, and regularly. To learn more about skills training for the CRC. About 14% of the college’s CRCs Three years ago, Edgecombe began the course, contact Lori Winstead, awarded have been gold, and more offering a prep class to teach the HRD coordinator, at 823-5166, ext. “We’ve been able to access those than half have been silver. real-world skills that are laid 272. funds,” he explains. “Another out in WorkKeys called Ready, reason is that in Edgecombe, we’ve In the state, more than 25% of Set CRC. The course was taught Last year, in 2011, the college had several employers that have all Career Readiness Certificates by Sylvia Hinton-Grant and was moved into the Top 10 of number supported the use of WorkKeys awarded came from Eastern North offered through the college’s of CRCs awarded. in hiring new employees and Carolina, thanks to Edgecombe human resources development developing existing employees.” and three other eastern schools program. Dr. Dikeman credits three factors ranked in the Top 10. for the college’s fast-paced lead in The third factor, Dr. Dikeman says, is that Edgecombe requires that “These are foundational skills that all graduating students complete can apply to any kind of job,” Dr. CRC testing, and a CRC is a Dikeman says. prerequisite for several programs, To date, the college has awarded including nurse assistant, phlebotomy, and advanced more than 3,000 CRCs, which manufacturing. is equal to more than 11% “Four years ago, fewer than 5% of our graduates earned a CRC,” says J. Lynn Cale, associate vice of Edgecombe County’s total president of instruction. “Three years ago, the deans, program workforce. chairs, and instructors began to promote the importance and 252.823.5166 I www.edgecombe.edu I Edgecombe Community College CareerFocus I Fall 2012 I 11 Feature

Career Focus Engineers Save Their Company Thousands Through Six Sigma Training by J. Eric Eckard many jars of honey-roasted nuts turned tacky or clumpy once they hen Ann’s reached the retailer’s warehouse. I-TRIZ: House of Nuts exclusive problem- was facing The return rate had risen to 50 quality and percent, which generated $170,000 solving training productivity in losses over a 10-month period. issues in 2011, Echeverry, who is director of offered at ECC executives engineering at Ann’s House of there tasked Nuts, says his goal was to reduce As the economy struggles a pair of company engineers to fix that rate to less than 10 percent. to rebound, business and industry managers are looking Wthe problems. Using a Six Sigma method learned for even the slightest hole to The engineers turned to in class, Echeverry implemented plug in their operations. Edgecombe Community College’s a benchmarking method of Lean Six Sigma training program. analyzing the product to discover In September 2011, why the nuts were clumping. Edgecombe Community Using methods and procedures College began offering a gleaned from the eight-week class, “We collected data for three new training program called engineers Santiago Echeverry and months,” he explains. “We Innovative Problem Solving Patricia Boland solved the quality researched what competitors with I-TRIZ, a problem-solving and productivity problems and were doing, and we found that the methodology that complements saved the company hundreds of tackiness was higher when the and supports Lean Six Sigma. thousands of dollars in the process. roasting temperature was lower.” Engineers Patricia Boland and Edgecombe is the only “The support at the college Santiago Echeverry strengthened There were other variables, community college in North is wonderful,” says Boland, their problem-solving skills he says, including the amount Carolina to offer I-TRIZ. manufacturing engineer at Ann’s in a Lean Six Sigma class at of honey used, speed of the House of Nuts’ production facility Edgecombe Community College production belt, and the amount of “I-TRIZ is a natural in Robersonville. “They gave us and saved their employer, Ann’s product fed into the roaster. progression from Six Sigma,” explains Dr. Randi Dikeman, feedback, and they take every House of Nuts, about $650,000. “But temperature was the variable student seriously. They’re great dean of corporate and with the highest impact.” he says. community development. “Six mentors.” Baltimore-based Ann’s House “When we started the project in of Nuts, which has a warehouse Sigma is the gold standard for The college has been teaching November, the company allocated problem-solving in business facility in Tarboro, is North $250,000 to fix the problem. these methods of problem-solving America’s largest producer of and industry, and it centers on for a number of years, programs trail mixes. In September 2011 “Once we discovered that the brainstorming. I-TRIZ takes that evolved from quality control – two months before the class temperature was the main this a step further. efforts at Motorola in the 1980s. began – there were 228 instances variable, we slowed down the Edgecombe offers both green “With I-TRIZ, a database of of incorrect salt levels on the process, changed the roasting the best solutions from all belt and black belt certification production line in Robersonville. temperature, and we were in training. fields has been assembled, This caused down time for the business.” and we teach students how to line workers because they had to “It’s more than just quality The $250,000 allocation was access those solutions.” control,” says George Anderson, send many of the nuts through the processing system again. unnecessary, and the return rate In this economic climate, all director of customized training was well below 10 percent by the at Edgecombe. “It’s about solving companies are looking at ways Boland’s goal was to reduce end of February. to streamline and become problems.” that number to fewer than 20 “The whole process was very more efficient. Innovative Echeverry and Boland participated instances a month. By analyzing Problem Solving with I-TRIZ the measuring process, changing helpful,” Echeverry says of in the college’s first class of black Edgecombe’s Lean Six Sigma offers a new approach. And it’s belt training last winter. Like a few pieces of equipment, only offered at Edgecombe. and conducting more detailed training. “Every class was very most Lean Six Sigma students at useful.” Edgecombe, they were sponsored sampling – all methods and by a company or organization. recommendations from the class Anderson called Echeverry and And, like most students, they – Ann’s House of Nuts reduced its Boland “exemplary students.” entered the class with a specific rejects to six in February. “They made significant changes (at project in mind. That saved the company $375,000 Ann’s House of Nuts),” Anderson Right away, they were able to a year, Boland says. says. “The outcome was real, live begin addressing their company’s Echeverry’s project was similarly benefits – bottom-line benefits.” challenges. “I felt like every class challenging, and the class provided helped me achieve my goal,” comparable results. The company Boland says. “Right from the start, was getting complaints from a I learned tools to help.” major retailer, indicating that too 12 I Fall 2012 I CareerFocus Edgecombe Community College I www.edgecombe.edu I 252.823.5166 Register TODAY!

• Ranked for three years in a row by G.I. Jobs as a Final registration for fall semester Military Friendly School • Veterans Affairs is August 21 & 22. Classes begin Coordinator on staff • Emphasis on meeting August 23. Call (252) 823-5166 or veterans' special needs log onto www.edgecombe.edu.

How to Apply

Interested in taking courses at ECC but ext. 333, on the Rocky Mount campus not sure where to begin? Becoming an to set up an appointment to take the ECC student may be easier than you tests. think. Here’s how to get started: Schedule an appointment Submit your application to meet with a counselor Your journey to becoming a Your counselor will meet with you student begins with a simple 5 individually to discuss your educational application.1 Applications can be and career goals. Counselors also completed the old-fashioned way with will help students with placement pen and paper or online. For a copy of test results, transcript evaluations, ECC’s application for enrollment, go to and career assessment, and provide www.edgecombe.edu or call the Office information related to financial aid and of Student Services at 823-5166, ext. other services. Your counselor will 255, on the Tarboro campus, or 446- assist you in scheduling an appointment 0436, ext. 333, on the Rocky Mount to meet with your assigned faculty campus. advisor.

Request copies of your Register for classes transcripts During registration, your 2 Request that an official copy of counselor will help you choose your high school, GED, or Adult High are academically and ensure that you classes6 that fit your schedule and Apply for financial aid School transcripts be sent to the Office Complete the FAFSA (Free get the right classes as you begin your educational goals. After you decide on of Student Services at ECC. If you have Application for Federal Student college education. Placement tests are your classes, you will get an official previous college credit from another Aid).3 Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. given at various times every month registration schedule. Once this is institution, you’ll need to request those and are usually completed in less than completed, you can pay your tuition in official transcripts as well. two hours. Please contact the Office of the ECC Business Office. Complete Placement Tests Student Services at 823-5166, ext. 255, Placement tests let your advisor on the Tarboro campus, or 446-0436, Congratulations, you’re an 4 or counselor know where you ECC student! Stand out from the crowd. certify your employability with the N.C. Career Readiness Certificate

The Career Readiness Certificate: • Increases your chances for employment and promotion • Focuses on employment-related competencies • Is a credential recognized by employers nationwide At Edgecombe Community College, more than 3,000 Career Readiness Certificates have been awarded, making us a leader in North Carolina in the workplace skills assessment system.

Contact: Sylvia Hinton-Grant (252) 823-5166, ext. 166 [email protected] Edgecombe Community College 2009 W. Wilson St. Tarboro, NC 27886