BCCC selects four students to be ambassadors | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Four students have been selected by a subcommittee of the Beaufort County Community College Foundation Board of Directors to represent BCCC as ambassadors for 2011-2012. Those selected are Michelle Leggett, Blake Perry, Catrena Ross and Vickie Wilkinson.

    These four new ambassadors join five others--Kendall Hayden, of Washington; Candace Smith Howell, of Plymouth; and Kelli Lozano, Katherine Thomas and Kenneth J. Worsley; all of Washington--who will continue to represent the college as ambassadors in the coming year.

    "This is an excellent team of ambassadors," said BCCC Foundation Director Judy Jennette. "They come from all walks of life and experiences, and they represent a variety of programs at BCCC. We hope that BCCC ambassadors will become increasingly visible on the campus and the community in the coming year."

    Leggett, of Jamesville, is a student in BCCC's Associate Degree Nursing Program. She holds a bachelor's degree in computer information systems from Devry Institute of Technology. At BCCC, Leggett is a member of the Beaufort County Association of Nursing Students and Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society. She is an assistant instructor for first aid and CPR classes with the American Red Cross and is a member of the Washington Montessori Public Charter School's Grounds Maintenance and Hospitality Committees, among other activities. Before coming to BCCC, she was employed with Triangle Planning Services, Inc.

    Perry, also of Jamesville, is a student in BCCC's Associate Degree Nursing Program. He holds dual bachelor's degrees in biblical studies and the history of ideas from The College at Southeastern in Wake Forest. Before coming to BCCC, he was employed with Avoca Inc. in Merry Hill.

    Ross, of Chocowinity, is pursuing an Associate in Criminal Justice degree from BCCC. A graduate of Chocowinity High School, Keys is employed by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office as a captain in the county detention center. She is the daughter of Virgel Ross of Chocowinity and Floyd and Evelyn Ross of Washington and has four children. In 2009, Ross was named supervisor of the year for the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and detention officer of the year for the state and eastern region of the N.C. Jail Administration Association. She plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in criminal justice after completing her studies at BCCC.

    Wilkinson, also of Chocowinity, is pursuing an Associate in Arts degree from BCCC and hopes to become a third grade teacher after graduating from BCCC. Before coming to BCCC, she worked as an administrative assistant for The Wesley Foundation of Greenville and as a manager for Health Information Services and Transcription of Rocky Mount.

    Those selected as ambassadors receive a one-year tuition scholarship and help the college market its programs and services. To be considered for the Ambassador's Program, students must be nominated by a faculty member and meet the following minimum qualifications: a high level of commitment to BCCC; an outgoing personality; good verbal communication and presentation skills; poise and ability to make a positive first impression; scheduling flexibility; and they must have their own transportation. Ambassadors are expected to maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or higher throughout their tenure.

    As part of the selection process, applicants were asked to submit a resume and to participate in a videotaped interview. A panel comprised of members of the BCCC Foundation Board of Directors and local business and civic leaders conducted interviews in an informal setting with candidates for the position.