Tansey Topics: A Weekly Look At What's Happening At BCCC From President Barbara Tansey | Eastern North Carolina Now

    What is the contribution that Beaufort County Community College makes to the region's economy? A new report demonstrating the economic value of Beaufort County Community College and community colleges across the state is scheduled to be released next week. This is the first time in about a decade that community college leaders will have taken a look at the role these institutions play in the economic development of the communities in which they are located. We are all aware of the role community colleges play in providing an affordable, quality education and job training for people in our area. But often overlooked is the important role they play as economic development engines. With nearly 500 full- and part-time employees and a payroll of $11.8 million in the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year, the year of the study, BCCC's economic contribution to the region is expected to be significant. The study is scheduled to be released on Wednesday and I will send you information about it that same day.

    Here's a look at BCCC events happening on campus and in the community:

• Today is the deadline to nominate students to represent Beaufort County Community College as Ambassadors for the 2015-2016 Academic Year. Nominees must have a 3.0 grade point average and must not have a felony conviction. For more information about the Ambassador Program or for a copy of the nomination form, contact Foundation Specialist Marcia Norwood at 940-6218 or by email at marcia.norwood@beaufortccc.edu.
• Travelers to see MOTOWN, the musical at the Durham Performing Arts Center will have a special treat on Saturday, February 21. The BCCC Foundation has now scheduled a pre-performance visit to the Nasher Museum on the Duke University campus to see an exhibit of works by Joan Miro! The exhibit, Miró: The Experience of Seeing, is in its final days at the museum. This is an exciting addition for our trip participants!
• The Foundation Executive Director Serena Sullivan reports that a total of $63,298.32 in donations and pledges has been raised to date for BCCC's digital sign or just $16,701.68 from the fundraising goal. Please consider making a donation to this campaign to help us build a sign that will help inform the community of activities at the college!

• BCCC is celebrating Black History Month with a series of events that includes an appearance by one of the nation's most dynamic and uplifting motivational speakers. Dennis Rahiim Watson, president and chief executive officer of The Center for Black Student Achievement, will be the keynote speaker at a Black History Month celebration sponsored by Men of Success. The event, which will also feature musical performances by local choirs, will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, in the auditorium of Building 8 on the BCCC campus. Admission to the event is free of charge to the public. The event is sponsored by our Men of Success and I hope everyone will make plans to attend.
• Teams are still being sought for the upcoming Black History Month Quiz Bowl Competition. Sponsored by the Student Government Association, Students Striving for Success through Leadership and TRiO/ Student Support Services, the Black History Month Quiz Bowl Competition will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, and Thursday, Feb. 26, in the auditorium of Building 8. For information, registration and a study packet, contact Student Success Coordinator Sandra Hunter in Room 120 of Building 1 or by telephone at 940-6487 or Student Activities Coordinator Theresa Edwards in Room 918 of Building 9 or by telephone at 940-6217.

• Don't get a ticket! BCCC Police Chief Chris Harrison reminds all BCCC students, faculty and staff that they are required to have a parking decal visibly displayed on their car. If you have not already obtained a decal for the Spring semester, you should do so immediately as the campus police have begun issuing citations. You can get a decal, free of charge, from the campus police office in Room 114, Building 1 Mondays,Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 9 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays and noon to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Additional hours may be available as resources allow. Students must have a copy of their student schedule, ID number and vehicle registration card to obtain parking decal.

• There's still time for students to apply for graduation. If you think you may be ready to graduate, check with your academic advisor about your eligibility. Next, stop by the Registrar's Office and apply. If you are receiving financial aid, visit the Financial Aid Office for exit counseling. If you are eligible to graduate, please visit the Business Office on the second floor of Building 1 to pay the graduation fee of $35.

• Registrations are still being sought for the upcoming Miss Gullfest Pageant to be held Saturday, April 18, in conjunction with BCCC's spring festival. Pageant Chairman Sara Singleton reports that the pageant will include competition in five divisions - Preschool through second grade for Tiny Miss Gullfest; third through fifth grades for Little Miss Gullfest; sixth through eighth grades for Teen Miss Gullfest; ninth through 12th grades for Miss Gullfest and College Miss Gullfest for current BCCC students. A maximum of 15 contestants will be accepted per division. The registration deadline is March 20. For more information about this event, stop by the lobby of Building 1 or contact Sara at 940-6271 or by email at sara.singleton@beaufortccc.edu.
• Registration is also underway for the Gullfest 5K Run to be held Sunday, April 19, on a course through Historic Bath. The race will begin at 2 p.m. Participants can register for the race at www.runtheeast.com. The registration and processing fees total $28. All participants will receive a race T-shirt. For more information about this event, contact Admissions Director Michele Mayo at 252-940-6233. I hope the campus community will either enter the race or show your support by attending the event!

• The deadline to vote for BCCC in the STANLEY Security's Together for Safer Schools Grant Program is midnight tonight! BCCC could win up to $100,000 in STANLEY Security installed products and services to help secure students and facilities within the campus environment if it receives enough votes of support. Voting is open through 11:59 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 and students, faculty, administrators, parents, alumni and members of the community can vote for BCCC daily via the voting website at http://www.stanleysaferschools.com, text message or Twitter. Individuals should vote every day. There are three ways to vote. The directions are as follows: 1. Visit http://www.stanleysaferschools.com, click on the "Vote Now" tab and type in Beaufort County Community College under "Type in your School Name here." 2. Text bcccedu to 334455. 3. Tweet using Hashtags #STANLEYSecurity and #bcccedu.

• I am delighted to welcome our new Medical Office Administration Instructor Carol Ingalls who began work on Thursday. She succeeds Michele Mayo who is our new Director of Admissions and Recruitment.
• Finally, condolences to the family of Clarence Harding on his death. Mr. Harding tuned the pianos for the college for many years prior to his retirement in 2010.

February 13	LGBT Club, 2 p.m., Library, Building 5.
February 16	State Employees Retirement Session, 1 p.m., Auditorium, Building 8.
February 16	BCANS, noon, Room 1204-1206, Building 12.
February 17	Men of Success, noon, Room 112, Building 1.
February 17	Faculty Senate Meeting, noon, Room 104, Building 1.
February 17	Subs for Clubs, 1 p.m., Multi-Purpose Room, Building 10.
February 18	Financial Aid Distribution, 9 a.m. to noon, Multi-Purpose Room, Building 10 and 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., Building Office, second floor, Building 1.
February 18	Veteran Group Meeting, noon, Room 935, Building 9.
February 19	Great Decisions Program, 2 to 3 p.m., Room 828, Building 8.
February 19	Jeremiah 29 Club, 3 p.m., Library.
February 20	BCCC Foundation Board of Directors, 2 p.m., Board Room, Building 10.
February 20	LGBT Club, 2 p.m., Library.
February 21	BCCC Foundation trip to the Durham Performing Arts Center for MOTOWN, the Musical. Departs BCCC parking lot at 7:30 a.m.
February 23	Black History Month celebration, 5 to 7 p.m., auditorium, Building 8.
February 24	Student Government Association meeting, noon, Student Lounge, Building 9.
February 24 and 26	Black History Month Quiz Bowl Competition, 11 a.m., auditorium, Building 8.

    Beaufort County Community College is a public comprehensive community college committed to accessible and affordable quality education, effective teaching, relevant training, and lifelong learning opportunities for the people served by the College.