[Clinton, N.C.] – Celebrating thirty-eight years of 100% participation from all full-time faculty & staff, the Sampson Community College (SCC) Foundation recently held its annual Campus Drive event— an employee fundraiser launching the Foundation’s new giving year. This October, hires dressed to the theme of ‘Music Icons,’ uniting to donate and pledge support for student scholarships, faculty and staff development, and other campus programs.
“I am so proud of the support the staff and faculty show for the Campus Drive each year,” Lisa Turlington, Dean of Advancement & Executive Director of the Foundation, shared. “The campaign kicks off Foundation fundraising for the fiscal year and sets the bar high for all other initiatives. Sampson is known across the state for the level of participation, and it sends a message to all our donors that our people believe in the mission of the College.”
During the event, the Foundation also held its annual EXCEL awards presentation. Each year, SCC faculty & staff are nominated by their fellow colleagues for demonstrating excellence in their occupations. After review by an anonymous EXCEL Selection Committee, two winners are selected for going “above and beyond in their work at the College.”
Receiving high praise from their coworkers, this year’s EXCEL award runners-up were: Sharon West, CTE Advisor – Applied Technologies; Larry Boone, Maintenance; Sarah Burgin, Arts & Sciences Instructor; and Mark Brown, Welding Instructor. However, the ultimate prize went to Billie Jo Pittman, Registrar, who represented staff; and Jake Miller, Department Chair – HVAC/Refrigeration & Electrical, who represented faculty.
One colleague praised Miller in their nomination, “I’m pleased to nominate Jake Miler for the EXCEL Award due to his exceptional leadership and contributions to SCC. He holds NC contactor licensures for both electrical & HVAC. He began as the director of maintenance, excelling in that role, and now serves as Department Chair. He leads an excellent group that always strives for the best, and both could easily be considered two of the best in the NC Community College System. It is an honor to work with him… and at this time, I couldn’t imagine anyone else leading these programs.”
Similarly, another voiced of Pittman, “Billie Jo is the best candidate for the 2024 Excel Award for college staff, exemplifying dedication, precision, leadership, and excellence. Her punctuality, meticulous attention to detail, and high reliability are unparalleled, demonstrating her exceptional leadership and organizational skills. In all aspects of her role, Billie Jo goes above and beyond… Her unwavering dedication and exemplary performance make her a deserving recipient of the Excel Award, as she continually contributes to the success and reputation of our community college.”
In addition to EXCEL, this year, the Foundation created another recognition to be earned by employees during the fundraising event. Titled the ‘Campus Drive Cup,’ the award is bestowed upon the “best dressed” group who perfectly meets the theme of the Drive. For 2024, the Cup was presented to SCC’s Maintenance Team, arriving as the iconic rock band: ZZ Top.
Sampson CC extends its immense gratitude to all the employees who continuously show their commitment to student success and development through the Foundation’s annual Campus Drive & EXCEL campaigns. Their dedication speaks to the College’s mission to “provide accessible and affordable education, workforce training, and lifelong enrichment” to all students, assisting them in truly beginning at SCC, then going anywhere.
For more information about the SCC Foundation or how to contribute to student success at SCC, 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.
