Employee Recognitions, 2021-2022
Aug 8, 2022Rockingham Community College recognized many employees for their achievements during the 2021-2022 academic year.
Employees of the Year
Caroline Baird, Full-Time Excellence in Teaching Award
Thirty years of experience have allowed Caroline Baird to change roles from bedside nurse to college professor, maintaining skills and influencing both patients and students of knowledge-based practice.
Baird holds an associate degree from RCC, a bachelor’s degree from UNC-G, and a master’s degree from University of Virginia, all in Nursing. She came to RCC in 2011 and became an assistant professor in 2015 and an associate professor in 2019. She has served as an academic advisor to Practical Nursing and Pre-Health Nursing students, a mentor to new employees and adjunct faculty, and provides remediation weekly to students in academic need.
She has worked diligently to make RCC a Nursing Assistant Certified Testing Site, which enables students to test in the same place where they train and learn. The pass-rate in Practical Nursing certification has grown from 69% to 90% in the last year.
Gina Byrd, Full-Time Staff of the Year Award
Gina Byrd, who holds an Associate in Applied Science degree from RCC, joined the staff in 1996, serving under four presidents, and at least five vice presidents of Academic Affairs as administrative assistant in that office. She is a steady force in the Administration Building, with a smile that can be heard in her voice.
“Sometimes she is pulled in many directions with so many people relying on her, but in her usual fashion, Gina shows up and delivers, always,” said one nominator. Others described her as kind, understanding, a great listener, supportive, always willing to help or find an answer with a smile on her face, a wealth of knowledge and patient.
“She truly shows dedication and commitment to RCC,” the compliments continued. She works incredibly hard, and is someone RCC is fortunate to have on our team.”
Lori Brame, Part-Time Excellence in Teaching Award
Lori Brame began her journey to become a surgical technologist 20 years ago. After graduation, she worked at Alamance Regional Medical Center in Burlington.
She has worked with RCC’s Surgical Technology students in a preceptor role for many years, and joined the faculty in 2019. When she stepped into the part-time position, she began her work in 14 clinical sites during her first year.
Her professional experience related to surgical technology clinical affiliate organizations has allowed her to function effectively and proficiently with discipline-related instruction.
According to students, Brame goes above and beyond to make sure they are prepared for class and clinicals, is available for extra lab practice, really seems to care whether they succeed in the program, and is a great instructor.
Iris Carter, Part-Time Staff of the Year Award
Iris Carter demonstrates a high level of commitment to serving students through personal contacts, instruction and insights that she provides to persons seeking professional guidance regarding pursuit of a career and how best to prepare oneself for a career.
She faithfully guides students through career-related activities that include job search, resume writing, and interviewing skills. She broadens students’ awareness of career fields and weekly information on career search in general and specific career areas. Her management of the College Central Network provides outreach both to RCC students and local employers who are seeking to fill positions in their companies.
Carter also contributes regularly as a specialist in the recently reorganized Career Development Services area, through various workshops, computer-based classes and other activities that extend her service for both continuing education and curriculum students.
Faculty Rank Advancements
Years of Service Recognitions
Retirements
Jim Gunn, John Key, Jeff Knight
