Education News

SCC Macon campus hosts STEM event

Federal health guidelines may have limited participation, but Southwestern Community College instructors made sure activities were as challenging as ever for high school students who attended this year’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Event on April 16 at the college’s Macon Campus.

Instructors Elaine Merritt (Math) and Michael McIntosh (Science) set up three different challenges for the event, which drew students from Franklin and Nantahala High Schools.

“Even though we couldn’t have as many students here as we’ve had at our previous three STEM events, it was exciting to have the Groves Center buzzing with activity,” said Dr. Cheryl Davids, Dean of SCC’s Macon Campus. “All of our faculty and staff members were extremely impressed with the ingenuity of these young students. We all had a lot of fun.”

To learn more about Southwestern and the programs it offers, visit www.southwesterncc.edu, call 828.339.4000 or drop by your nearest SCC location.

Franklin High School student Ciara Holden participates in this year’s STEM event at Southwestern Community College’s Macon Campus.

WCU students dominate competition

It was first place honors for Kristen Revis and a solid third place for Sophia Spangler, finance students in Western Carolina University’s College of Business, in a national collegiate competition held this past week in St. Louis.

They rose from a field of 73 students representing 10 universities to find success in a financial planning competition by the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants. Open to undergraduate students who are enrolled in a financial services curriculum, teams undertake a fictional case narrative and from it craft a financial plan, which is judged for effectiveness and potential for success.

HCC grads overcome pandemic

When Leah McBride walked across the stage recently to receive an Adult High School diploma from Haywood Community College’s College & Career Readiness Department, she became the fourth of her siblings to celebrate the milestone. Being the youngest, she watched a sister and two brothers take the same journey and decided to follow in their footsteps.

“I wanted to get a jump start on college and I liked the flexibility of the schedule. I could choose to do the work from home or come in person,” she said.

For McBride, it was a good feeling to know she had easy access to the instructors.

This was also an important factor for Amber Summey, who also walked across the stage this year to earn a High School Equivalency. In traditional public high school, she felt like she did not get enough attention from the teachers and decided to drop out of school over six years ago while in tenth grade.

After seeing a post on social media about an acquaintance going through the program at HCC, she decided to return to the classroom.

“At HCC, the teachers would take time to sit down and help me understand the material,” she said. “It made me feel more comfortable that they made sure I was learning what I was supposed to be.”

Now Summey is planning to continue at HCC and hopes to take pottery while McBride dreams of having a bakery where she can make a living from one of her passions.

For more information about obtaining a High School Equivalency Diploma or Adult High School credential, call 828.627.4700.

WCU honors former scholar

Western Carolina University Board of Trustees awarded Cherokee scholar Thomas Belt with its highest honorary degree, doctorate of humane letters, as part of its commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 15, in Cullowhee.

Belt, who speaks the western dialect of Cherokee, retired in 2018 as coordinator of WCU’s Cherokee Language Program. His work to preserve and revitalize the Cherokee language and traditional culture have had profound significance, not only for WCU, but the region and nation as well.

“It just finally occurred to me how prestigious it is for someone like me to be honored in this manner,” Belt said. “Even at this point I don’t have words for it. The fact that I am being recognized for the work that I did humbles me because I was just doing the best that I could do with my colleagues. It is an extreme honor to accept this from the university.”

As a teacher and scholar at WCU, he developed vital materials for teaching Cherokee language and prepared multiple cohorts of students to read, speak and teach Cherokee language themselves.

“Tom worked tirelessly to make WCU a more welcoming place for Cherokee and Native American students,” said Kelli Brown, WCU chancellor. “These students had not always seen WCU as their place, in spite of Cullowhee’s identity as a significant ancient Cherokee site and its proximity to the Qualla Boundary. With his help, we began to change, working to make Judaculla’s place a true home for Cherokee and Native American students.”

Jackson swears in new superintendent

Dr. Dana Ayers was sworn in as Superintendent of Jackson County Public Schools at the regular business session of the Jackson County Board of Education on May 25.

Assistant Clerk of Court Kelly Rich administered the oath of office.

“I’m honored that the board has chosen me to lead Jackson County Public Schools, and I am eager to begin,” Ayers said.

Ayers’ four-year term will begin June 1 when she assumes the role from Interim Superintendent Dr. Tony Tipton who has led the district since Sept. 1, 2020.

Free tuition to NC high school grads

have some or all of their tuition and fees covered at Southwestern Community College over the next two years through Gov. Roy Cooper’s N.C. Longleaf Commitment Grant.

To qualify, students need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. They also must be N.C. residents, and enroll in an associate degree or qualifying certificate program at SCC for the upcoming academic year that starts Aug. 16.

Students who qualify will receive between $700 to $2,800 per year. The amount will be calculated based on each student’s FAFSA submission. Even students who may not qualify for federal financial aid such as Pell Grants may qualify for this new program.

The funding is a grant, not a loan, and it will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For guidance on filling out the FAFSA, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4hhx694f.

For more information about the Longleaf Commitment Grant, check out: https://tinyurl.com/2btccacn.

WCU names dean of Hunter Library

The Western Carolina University Board of Trustees has appointed Charles F. Thomas as dean of Hunter Library. Thomas will start in his new position effective July 1.

“Mr. Thomas’ experience in academic libraries, at a premier funding agency and at a major consortium, provide unique perspectives to this important leadership position,” said Provost Richard D. Starnes. “He will work closely with the Hunter Library faculty and staff to meet the contemporary challenges facing libraries and develop innovative approaches to maintain the library’s essential position within our campus community.”

Thomas comes to WCU from the University System of Maryland & Affiliated Institutions Library Consortium, which includes all of Maryland’s public universities, as well as other libraries. He has worked as the USMAI executive director for the past eight years.

HCC recognizes excellent teachers

Haywood Community College recently recognized five full-time and two part-time instructors for Excellence in Teaching awards.

Those recognized for full-time instruction include Christopher Bond — Spanish instructor, Dawn Cusick – Biology instructor, Eliza Dean – Early Childhood Education instructor, Lucy Lowe –Biology instructor, and Emily Reason – Professional CraftsClay instructor. Recognized for part-time instruction were Gary Gudac – Criminal Justice instructor and Janet Medford – Nurse Aide instructor.

HCC Nursing instructor Sarah McAvoy was recognized as Master Teacher. This award is a distinguished teaching award presented to the full-time curriculum faculty member who most exemplifies excellence in teaching by demonstrating excellent teaching, leadership, and service to the College and the community.