[Clinton, N.C.] – Each semester, the Sampson Community College (SCC) Foundation awards funds through its mini-grant program to faculty & staff projects that plan to enhance the mission of SCC, but are ineligible to be covered by state budget resources.
In October 2024, the Foundation named Lynn Freeman-Sankey; Department Chair of Education & Director of Residency Licensure Certificate Program; Josiah King, Arts & Sciences Instructor; Barney Grady; Dean of Applied Technologies; and Jim Demay, Dean of Public Safety as mini-grant recipients for the Fall semester.
Lisa Turlington, Dean of Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation, voiced about this year’s recipients, “The Foundation is pleased to be able to support faculty and staff in projects that help promote and build programs and training programs. It is exciting to see the dedication of these program leaders.”
With the funds, Freeman-Sankey plans to host an event for 20 beginning Sampson County and Clinton City school teachers currently enrolled in SCC’s Residency Licensure program. The “Meet and Greet” will enhance teacher engagement, provide an understanding of program expectations, and establish a supportive network among students. Through the event, she hopes to foster a collaborative learning environment for educators through enhanced workforce training and professional development.
“The goals of the day,” elaborated Freeman-Sankey, “are to introduce teachers to one another, review the program’s objectives and purposes, and familiarize them with the courses and instructors. It also strengthens community partnerships and outreach by building a network of educators committed to lifelong enrichment and effective teaching within the local landscape.”
DeMay plans to utilize the funds to establish a semesterly Public Safety Advisory Committee Meeting that will serve to connect college faculty & staff with local partners in emergency management, law enforcement, fire, and medical services. The committee’s goal is to discover the needs of community partners and share current training capabilities of SCC programs, to better develop public safety instruction on campus.
He explained, “The committee supports the mission of the College by supporting relationships with community partners and understanding their needs to help us improve training. It will provide valuable insight and an avenue for faculty to interact with local partners in public safety.”
Similarly, King hopes to rehost a student art exhibit for Fall 2024 curriculum students enrolled in drawing and painting courses at the College. The semesterly reception, reignited in Spring 2023, showcases artists’ coursework in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) for a month, with the opening reception welcoming the community in for viewing.
“An art exhibition offers students a complete experience in the arts—from creation to exhibition,” King shared. “It’s a great opportunity for these young artists to receive recognition for their work. It also allows the College to reach out to the wider community, welcoming those who may not ordinarily step on campus.”
“Thank you to the Foundation for funding the Arts on campus! We are honored to be a part of the mini-grant program.”
The last of the mini-grant winners, Grady plans to use the funding for professional development. He is currently pursuing his masters degree, a feat that will not only enhance his leadership skills, but allow for growth in the many programs he serves as Dean of Applied Technologies.
He closed, “In my pursuit of lifelong enrichment, I am pursuing an advanced degree that will allow me to be the most effective educational leader I can be through innovation and continued community partnerships.”
The goal of the SCC Foundation is to cultivate community support for the College and assist students in their educational pursuits at SCC through scholarships. The gifting of funds through faculty and staff mini-grants is just another way the Foundation helps change student lives each semester through support of the College’s mission.
For more information about the SCC Foundation, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/foundation
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
