Dublin – Bladen Community College welcomed fall semester students, faculty and guests to the 2016 Fall Convocation on August 30. Convocation is an opportunity for students to ponder the upcoming semester and commit to completion with encouragement from motivational guests and speakers.
The assembly featured greetings to the students from Executive Vice President Jeff Kornegay and Student Government Association President Zachary Bridgers. Anthony Thomas, Director of Students, provided the invocation.
Dennis Troy, chairman of the Board of Trustees, also greeted students, asserting that the Board is committed to the personal success of every student.
The college welcomed the four 2016-17 BCC Ambassadors as guest speakers, who provided inspiration and encouragement to the 200 students and attendees.
Ambassador Christopher Carroll is pursuing an associate degree with plans to transfer into a pre-medical program at a four-year university. Amber Johnson is also enrolled in the associate degree program and will transfer to a four-year university to complete a Bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Savannah Locklear and Taryn Strickland are pursuing associate degrees and will transfer into nursing programs. Strickland will advance into the licensed practical nursing program at Bladen Community College.
Strickland, who expressed her appreciation for “the best faculty and staff around,” remarked that BCC employees are “always eager to see students succeed.”
Ambassadors are selected annually for the college through a rigorous application and qualification process which includes recommendations and interviews. They serve the college as official hosts, conducting tours and participating in student-centered activities as leaders and mentors. The Ambassadors also have a presence at community events throughout the county.
Computer Information Technology graduate Willie Corbett was recognized as the statewide North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) recipient of the Dallas Herring Achievement Award. Corbett was selected from a field of nominations from the 58 community colleges represented by the System.
Dr. William Findt, president of the college recognized staff and faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to the success of the college.
Staff Member of the Year Award was presented to Tiina Mundy, Director of Human Resources. Mundy began her career at BCC in 2005. A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and a five-time All-American diver, Mundy earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Campbell University. She served in the United States Air Force as a Communication-Electronics Officer.
As an avid swimmer, Mundy has raised money through two 100-mile swims to establish an endowed scholarship through the College’s foundation.
The 2016 Excellence in Teaching Award was given to Bruce Blansett, who received a Bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and a Master’s degree in English at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Blansett worked as a graduate teaching assistant and writing center tutor at Virginia Tech and has taught English at Bladen Community College for four years.
Also recognized was Jim Brisson, the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching as an adjunct instructor. Brisson attended Bladen Community College for two years before transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduating with a degree in history. Brisson has taught as an adjunct instructor for BCC since 2011.
Bladen Community College welcomes inquiries about how to change your life through education. For information, call 910 879-5500 and speak with a counselor.
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