Wayne Community College honors its top employees

GOLDSBORO – Wayne Community College has recognized its top employees for 2023.

Workforce and Community Service Programs Coordinator Lisa Newkirk received the Professional Staff Employee of the Year Award. Newkirk, who has been employed at the College for over 25 years, was praised for her successful implementation of many campus programs by her nominator, Vice President of Workforce Continuing Education Services and Community Engagement Renita Dawson.

“Lisa has always been a ray of sunshine,” added Executive Assistant of Workforce Continuing Education Services Linda Berard. “She takes her time with you and makes sure you have everything you need.”

The Operational and Maintenance Staff Employee of the Year Award was given to Facilities and Maintenance Technician Bill Roberts. Roberts was commended for his work ethic and “outstanding” remodeling skills on campus renovation projects by his nominator, Academic Foundations Department Chair Tammy Bishop.

“I cannot praise his craftsmanship enough,” Bishop said. “Wayne Community College is truly honored to have him on staff to help with the upkeep of our buildings. Bill is a gifted, dedicated, skillful, and detail-oriented remodeler and maintenance person.”

Agribusiness and Sustainable Agriculture Adjunct Instructor Chris Hartley was recognized as the Adjunct Faculty Employee of the Year. “Chris loves this college, our programs, and especially the students,” said his nominator, Agriculture and Natural Resources Department Chair Gabe Mitchell.

Hartley, a WCC alumnus, was also recognized for his creativity in keeping students engaged in the classroom and lab. “His passion inside the classroom is evident to all his students, and he loves nothing more than sharing his knowledge with them,” Mitchell said.

Laura Tilghman, administrative assistant for Business and Computer Technologies, won the Professional Support Staff Employee of the Year Award. Tilghman has also stepped in as administrative assistant for the Allied Health and Public Services and Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences departments. “All of Laura’s job requirements are done with a high level of detail and enthusiasm, even with her added duties,” her nominator said.

“Laura is dedicated to faculty and student success and goes out of her way to ensure everyone she meets is helped in any way possible,” said her nominator. “Her level of dedication is unmatched.”

Honorees are nominated by their peers and chosen by an outside committee. Selection is based on initiative, enthusiasm, expertise, leadership, professionalism, productivity, creativity, involvement, dedication, and how they were rated on their last evaluation.

Each winner receives a trophy and a stipend provided by the Foundation of WCC.

The Foundation of WCC is a nonprofit organization established to support the students, faculty, staff, and programs of WCC. The purpose of the Foundation is to broaden the base of community support in order to promote the educational development of the College.