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EXCELLENCE AWARDSThe Excellence Awards recognize the exceptional work offaculty, adjunct faculty, and staff at Craven Community Collegewho go above and beyond their day-to-day duties at work andin the community.EDDIE SABAT, Faculty ExcellenceMathematics instructor Eddie Sabat has certainly made his mark on the students andfaculty at Craven CC. His love for teaching is genuine and contagious. He was able toshare his passion for teaching with a demonstration to the nominating committee that usedcryptography to play his version of the game Clue.Sabat was a high school teacher before beginning at Craven CC in 2015. Having beennominated for this award for the last four years, he was ecstatic to become the recipient thisyear. “You want the students to be successful,” said Sabat. “I think this validates what I’mdoing—maybe I’m doing something correct. My students and my peers, my boss, my dean;they see I’m doing a good job. I’m ultimately pretty humbled.”AMANDA BENNETT, Adjunct Faculty ExcellenceAs an adjunct history instructor and part-time academic advisor at Craven CC, AmandaBennett has made a positive impact on students and coworkers. Her dual roles haveenabled her to form bonds and see students in a different light.Bennett has been a teacher for 12 years and part of the Craven CC family for nearly six years.She prefers to focus on students as individuals and helps them utilize real world skills in theclassroom and beyond.“I want to reach the student as a whole, not just focus on the experience of the class they arein,” she said. “I prepare them for the workforce and classes as well. I want them to be wellrounded when they complete the class.”JEFF SCHULZE, Staff ExcellenceJeff Schulze started his career at Craven CC in 2013. He recently took on a new challengeas director of trade programs at the Volt Center (see page 16).Schulze strongly believes that hard work is the key to success. He finds great pleasure ingiving back to the community whenever possible. He loves to strike up a conversation withanyone he meets and never hesitates to lend a helping hand to his colleagues, members ofthe community, and even complete strangers. He considers himself “on the clock” at all timesand promotes the college at every opportunity. “I always say, ‘loving what you do is happiness;doing what you love is freedom,’” he said. “That’s how I go through life. If you enjoy whatyou’re doing, it doesn’t feel like a job.”8CRAVEN MAGAZINE

PANTHER PRAISEEarly College RecognitionCraven CC is the proud home of Craven EarlyCollege (CEC) on the New Bern campus andthe Early College of Eastern Applied Sciencesand Technology (EAST), or ECE, on theHavelock campus.Both CEC and ECE were recognized Jan.17 for being one of 13 schools in the districtto receive the distinction of meeting andexceeding academic growth based on the2017-18 school year. CEC was recognizedfor a 100% graduation rate for three yearsin a row, and ECE received a certificate ofachievement for the outstanding graduationrate of 97.3%. The U.S. News & World Reporthas also recognized CEC as a bronze medalhigh school in their national rankings.Outstanding Efforts bySmall Business CenterIn November 2018, Craven CC’s Small BusinessCenter (SBC) received the U.S. Small BusinessAdministration (SBA) Collaboration andPartnership Award for outstanding efforts to helpSBA partners and small businesses in thecommunity. The SBC received the award in partfor its role in supporting MCAS Cherry Point inteaching Boots to Business and assisting withthe inaugural business plan competition calledBattle for Business. The SBC at Craven CC isunder the leadership of Deborah Kania, director,and Christina Bowman-Murray, assistant.Craven CC Staff Member WinsPrestigious Piano AwardPhi Theta Kappa Brings Home 17 AwardsIn March, Craven CC’s local Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society chapter, Alpha PhiNu, competed in the Carolinas Regional Convention in Columbia, South Carolina, and broughthome 17 awards. The chapter has earned a five-star rating for nine consecutive years. This isthe highest rating awarded and is based on the chapter’s participation on local, regional, andinternational levels. Chapters that receive the award are part of the Honors Program to helppromote the organization’s hallmarks: leadership, service, scholarship, and fellowship.Craven CC staff accompanist Liz Eunji Sellersperformed during a special piano concert atCarnegie Hall, the world-renowned classicalmusic venue in New York City, in 2018. To achievethis exclusive opportunity, Sellers performedin the Brooklyn Music Teachers’ Guild (BMTG)Intercontinental Piano Competition 2018. Sheplaced second overall and won the PeskanovMusic Award for piano solo performance. Shethen performed at a special winner’s concert atCarnegie Hall on December 8 and had the honorof meeting composer Alexander Peskanov.CRAVEN MAGAZINE9

AVIATION PROGRAMTradewind Flight Services Incorporated (TFSI). TAI recently entered intoan agreement with Craven CC to provide flight-training courses for theAMCP program.CRAVEN CC RECENTLY UNVEILED a new Aviation Managementand Career Pilot (AMCP) degree program, which will teach studentswhat it takes to be a commercial pilot, help launch careers, andreach new heights.The AMCP program focuses on providing students with afundamental knowledge of flight concepts, aerodynamics,meteorology, aircraft systems, airline operations, flight safetypractices, and human factors. Program graduates will earn acommercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating and multienginerating. They will be qualified for jobs as commercial and corporatepilots, as well as airport managers, fixed-base operators, flightinstructors, flight dispatchers, and more.“This is an excellent opportunity for a Marine or family member to gothrough this program,” said Wally Calabrese, dean of the Havelockcampus. “And if the Marine is considering a career in the airlines, wewill be able to help them achieve that goal.”In January 2019, Tradewind Aviation International (TAI), a flightschool based at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern,merged with a subsidiary of ONVOI Global Services to form10CRAVEN MAGAZINEBecause of the partnerships with TAI and ONVOI Global Services, theAMCP program will be recognized as a Restricted Airline TransportPilot (R-ATP) program, allowing graduates to earn an airline or cargopilot position with less than the federal mandate of 1,500 total flighthours. Since Craven CC is a two-year institution, the Federal AviationAdministration (FAA) reduces the total flight time program graduatesmust achieve.A recent market study by Boeinghighlighted a need for over 630,000pilots worldwide in the next 20 years.“This lowers the amount of required flight hours to 1,250 with an associatein applied science degree or 1,000 with the BS in Aviation Managementdegree,” said Calabrese. “This adds up to enormous savings for thestudent, and having to spend less time accumulating hours meansentering the job market sooner.”Classes will be held on the Havelock campus, as well as TradewindAviation’s flight school in James City.

FIRST STOP OPENINGA LASTING FIRST IMPRESSIONFIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE IMPORTANT.To ensure potential students begin their collegejourney with a positive, streamlined experience,Craven CC renovated Barker Hall and openeda new, consolidated student services office inApril 2019. Known as First Stop, this new frontdoor to the college brings admissions, advising,counseling, switchboard services, financial aid,veteran’s affairs, and payment processing intoone convenient location.“First Stop is not just for new students lookingto register,” said Zomar Peter, dean of studentservices. “It’s a place for anyone to comeexplore options in workforce development orcurriculum and see what our college has tooffer them for their unique educational path.We look forward to assisting students with theireducational, career, or personal goals.”The 1.2 million renovation of approximately12,000 square feet included updates to theinterior lobby and new entrance into PublicRadio East, which broadcasts live from theCraven CC campus. First Stop now housesenrollment services, career/transfer advising,financial aid, testing areas, and studentaccounts. Bringing everything togetherunder one roof allows the college to improvethe quality of service to students and otherstakeholders, facilitate sharing of information,and improve efficiency for the college.Last year, the college enrolled 19,603 students(approximately 1 out of 5 county residents)across curriculum and workforce developmentprograms. Each student needed individualadvising on their academic journeys and hadunique financial aid needs to address. Theconsolidated services will greatly facilitatethese tools, which are crucial to every student’sinitial college experience.Bill Taylor (left), Craven CC Board of Trustees chair, andDr. Ray Staats, Craven CC President, cut the ribbonto mark the official opening of First Stop.First Stop’s 28 employees serve 40 to 100students every day. While the department’sprimary focus is on curriculum studentenrollment, the college will soon integrateworkforce development enrollment.Last year, the collegeenrolled 19,603 studentsacross curriculum andworkforce developmentprograms.The ribbon cutting marked the completion ofthe college’s full restoration of Barker Hall,which included the renovation of GodwinMemorial Library and Testing Center on thesecond floor that was completed in 2018.“We are excited to celebrate the start of anew, exciting chapter in Craven CommunityCollege’s ever-expanding history,” said Dr. RayStaats, Craven CC president. “First Stop is atransformative improvement for our students.”CRAVEN MAGAZINE11

WEATHERINGTHE STORM

HURRICANE FLORENCE BROUGHT CHAOS and destruction tomuch of Eastern North Carolina. It also brought a strong sense ofresiliency and a fierce commitment from the Craven CC family andthe entire community. The combined efforts of hardworking faculty,staff, students, and residents showed the true meaning of being partof a closely connected community.Direct AftermathAfter much deliberation and careful consideration, Craven CC closed its campuses two days beforeHurricane Florence made landfall to help students, staff, and faculty prepare for the damage thatwas expected to arrive with the storm.“Our most important priority was to keep everyone safe,” said Dr. Ray Staats, Craven CC president.“We wanted to ensure everyone was able to take care of their families and loved ones and hadenough time to make any necessary preparations for the storm.”Hurricane Florence made landfall off the coast of North Carolina on September 14, 2018, causingincalculable loss for many citizens of Craven County and surrounding areas. The college itself wasfortunate: The only major damage sustained was to the Havelock campus’ Institute of AeronauticalTechnology hangar roof, which was partially blown off. Other damage included various waterintrusions in buildings and downed trees and limbs.Although classes were canceled and Craven CC facilities were closed to faculty, staff, andstudents, the New Bern campus was abuzz with volunteers and employees from several localorganizations. As recovery efforts unfolded, the community showed resilience by banding togetherand demonstrating support and compassion for one another in various ways.Public Radio East, based in Barker Hall on the New Bern campus, proved vital to keeping thecommunity informed. Their team courageously continued operations and stayed on air to providecritical safety information during the course of the storm.Severe flood damage forced the crew at WCTI NewsChannel 12 to abandon their local studioon Glenburnie Drive. They set up a temporary studio in the Godwin Memorial Library on CravenCC’s New Bern campus, where they diligently kept everyone updated with thorough coverage ofHurricane Florence.Left: The familiar scene of abandonedboats and destroyed buildings, as seenhere near the Bridgepointe Hotel andMarina in New Bern, could be seen allacross the county in the days thatfollowed Hurricane Florence. Despitethe overwhelming damage that occurred,the community remained resilient andsteadfast in its efforts to recover fromthe storm.The college provided space for the American Red Cross, in conjunction with the InternationalPentecostal Holiness Church Men’s Ministries’ Disaster Relief USA team and the North CarolinaMobile Feeding Kitchen, to prepare 14,000 hot meals that were distributed to people in need afterthe hurricane. The New Bern Police Department also set up a temporary emergency operationscenter at the Mary Dale Bender Center.All affected citizens shared the common goal of repairing the damage and regaining a sense ofnormalcy. Craven CC is grateful for all the volunteers and organizations that came together and didwhatever it took to help the community recover.CRAVEN MAGAZINE13

WEATHERING THE STORMCalm After the StormFor months after the storm, there was a tremendous outpouring of careand compassion from friends, families, neighbors, and coworkers. Manylocal residents needed basic essentials that most people take for granted,ranging from personal hygiene items and clothing to sustenance and aroof over their head.To help relieve this burden, the college’s Phi Theta Kappa honor societystudents organized a food pantry and supply closet for the Craven CCfamily. Hurricane relief items such as food, water, personal items, clothing,and cleaning supplies were available for weekly distribution to employeesand students for several months.Since more than 30 Craven CC faculty and staff members lost vehiclesand houses, the Craven CC Foundation took initiative with relief grantsto directly aid faculty and staff in need. The Foundation also assistedstudents in need of books, equipment, and other school supplies byreplacing items lost in the storm in an effort to avoid more disruptionsduring the semester.“It showed that the college is a real community and cares about theirstudents’ success,” said Brianna.Many students are caregivers for children, grandchildren, and otherloved ones and faced the harsh reality of having to pay for expensesout of pocket. Several had extensive damage and mold growththat forced them to relocate. Assistance was requested for basichousehold items, clothing, and food for their families as they countedon the Foundation to make one aspect of their lives stable: theircollege education.Craven CC students showed incredible resilience and a strongresolve to continue their academic journeys. Although heartbreaking,their stories showed their strength and determination to continuetheir educational pursuit even in the face of extreme adversity.“As an educational institution, our primary focus is our students,” saidCharles Wethington, executive director of institutional advancement.“So naturally, we tried to ensure that any Craven CC student displacedby the hurricane had everything they needed to continue their education.We aimed to be a sense of comfort and stability in a time of loss anduncertainty.”Picking Up the PiecesMany Craven CC students faced the uphill battles of relocation, insuranceclaims, taking care of families, and returning to work and school. TheFoundation gave students the opportunity to explain their situations andrequest specific school supplies or financial assistance. Although somesituations were more dire than others, the Foundation devoted time andresources to assist each one.Craven CC student and Phi Theta Kappa member Paige Fike set outdonations for the food pantry and supply closet as part of a collegewide effort to assist Craven CC faculty, staff, and students affected byHurricane Florence.Student Riley Batchelor’s home was flooded, and she and her familylost everything, including her laptop for school. The Foundation steppedin and gave her a new laptop so she could continue her studies withoutinterruption or added financial burden.Brianna Johnson, a first-year student, received a brand new bicycle fromthe Foundation after she and her family lost their home, both vehicles,and all their belongings in the storm. Brianna was extremely appreciativeof the gift and used it to attend classes at the New Bern campus.14CRAVEN MAGAZINELeft: Craven CC student Riley Batchelor received a new laptop. She wasadamant about completing her education even after losing everything infloodwaters. Right: First-year student Brianna Johnson received a newbicycle from the Craven CC Foundation after she and her family lost theirhome and cars during the hurricane. She rode the bike to attend classes onthe New Bern campus.

WEATHERING THE STORMThe State Steps InThanks to an 18.5 million relief fund passed by the North CarolinaGeneral Assembly, Craven CC was among 21 colleges in the state toreceive funding to help minimize the historic storm’s impact on studentsuccess. The package included 5 million in emergency grants toassist students from disaster-affected counties with tuition, fees, andexpenses so they could stay enrolled.As a result, the college implemented a Hurricane Florence DisasterRecovery Fund in November to provide eligible students with financialassistance. Craven CC received 408,333, or 1,250 to distributeamong 322 students per semester, through June 30, 2019. Recipientsutilized funds for assistance with tuition, fees, transportation, textbooks,and living expenses.354 Craven CC students were affectedby Hurricane Florence.Several students came together to express their gratitude for the supportto Governor Cooper, saying they were able to take more classes andno longer felt like a burden when they needed to purchase books andschool supplies. Many considered it a chance to recalibrate and continuetheir education with a sense of renewal.“I was able to complete all six of my classes and finished the semesterstronger than I had in prior semesters,” said one student. “I cannot beginto express my gratitude to Craven Community College for all of thesupport the college as a whole has shown me, and to the state for thegenerosity and financial support to help me reach graduation.”The college’s efforts to provide continuous financial, academic, andemotional support resulted in a record-breaking number of studentswalking across the stage during the 52nd annual graduation ceremonyin May: The Class of 2019 was 681 strong and earned a total of 1,101certificates, diplomas, and degrees.162 students requested assistance.118 students were forced to withdraw.A Contented CulminationThrough the diligent efforts of college staff, all funds were utilizedby May 9, 2019 and distributed to 277 students. Each one of thosestudents was able to utilize the funds to continue or complete theireducational aspirations.Craven CC’s Institute of Aeronautical Technology hangar roof on the Havelockcampus was badly damaged during Hurricane Florence.Craven CC students impacted by Hurricane Florence were able to return toclasses without the added burden of financial stress thanks to hurricane relieffunding from the state.Volunteers for IPHC Disaster Relief USA, American Red Cross, and NorthCarolina Mobile Feeding Kitchen worked through harsh weather conditions toprovide 14,000 hot meals for residents affected by Hurricane Florence.CRAVEN MAGAZINE15

HVAC

NEW BERN’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED workforce developmenttraining facility opened in May 2019 to help connect studentswith new opportunities. The Volt Center provides trainingcourses in various skilled trades that are in high demand acrossthe county. Key partners in bringing this project to fruitioninclude the City of New Bern, Craven 100 Alliance, CravenCounty, Golden Leaf Foundation, Harold H. Bate Foundation,and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.Forklift OperationThe college’s Workforce Development program offers programsat the Volt Center that include carpentry; electrical; heating,ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC); plumbing; small enginerepair; forklift operation; and manufacturing career pathways.Several programs at the Volt Center are also accredited bythe National Center for Co

community have shown in the wake of Hurricane Florence. When Florence arrived on the coast of North Carolina last September, it turned life upside down for many people. Hundreds of Craven CC's faculty, staff, and students were directly impacted by the storm. Even in the face of extreme adversity, our college family continued to amaze me.