Welcome New Employees
The College welcomes three full-time employees who have accepted staff and faculty positions over the past month.
Peggy S. Bulla, career counselor, has a B.A. in Psychology from UNC-Charlotte and an M.A. in Counseling from Western Carolina University. She has worked as a clinical coordinator and program coordinator for Caring for Children, as well as a program administrator and director of the Parent Resource Center for Family Services Center.
Robbie P. Piel, instructor of Foodservice Technology, earned his A.A.S. in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University, Norfolk, VA, his B.S. in Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University, and his M.B.A. in Global Business Leadership from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. He has been a chef/assistant manager and teaching fellow at Johnson & Wales University.
Kaye N. Waugh, director of Human Resources, received her B.S. in Management from UNC-Asheville and her M.S. in Human Resources from Western Carolina University. She has been the Human Resources Manager for Resolution Packaging in Marion and the Employment Manager for the Biltmore Estate. She also worked in various positions at Asheville Savings Bank, including human resources, for over 11 years.
Employees of the Year Honored
Maintenance Mechanic/Safety Technician Marty Rice has been named Staff Member of the Year. Rice has been with A-B Tech for 24 years, also serving on the grounds crew and auto maintenance.
"Marty Rice's energy, determination and initiative are the reasons I wish to nominate him for the Staff Award for 2005," wrote one of his nominators, Randy Rose, associate director of Plant Operations. "He has gone above and beyond in keeping things flowing in the maintenance department. It would be wonderful it everyone shard in his ambition and drive."
Lee Pack, coordinator of Maintenance Operations, wrote, "His dedication and enthusiasm for his job and our college are unsurpassed as exhibited by his 24 years of service. Marty's face is one of the most recognized on campus. He approaches every job assignment with equal importance, no matter how big or small the job may be."
Nursing Instructor Christy Andrews was selected as Faculty Member of the Year for her passion for teaching. She has been a full-time nursing instructor at A-B Tech for seven years.
"Christy's skills as a teacher, her work ethic and dedication to personal and organizational improvement are very apparent and are reflected in the comments from students and her peers. Christy's student evaluations of instruction are consistently strong," wrote Ned Fowler, Dean of Allied Health and Public Service.
Examples from a recent student evaluation include:
"Mrs. Andrews is a great instructor, she could make road kill fascinating."
"Mrs. Andrews is a dynamic instructor who shows real knowledge and love for nursing and the subject she teaches. She made my school experience more enjoyable."
Veronica Dooly received Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year Honors for her work in Business Computer Technologies.
"Many times, adjunct instructors teach their classes and leave for the day. This is not the case with Veronica Dooly. As her chairperson, I know I can count on her," wrote Pam Silvers, chair of Business Computer Technologies. "However, even more importantly, she cares about her students I have observed numerous times when she comes in early or stays late to meet with a student who has questions."
Student comments include:
"Mrs. Dooly is one of the best instructors I've had here at A-B Tech. She is very patient and understanding. She comes to class very well prepared. She is well suited to be in this field."
"Great course! I learned a lot despite my fear of using computers"
Rice will be honored at the August graduation ceremony. Andrews and Dooly were recognized during the May commencement.
PTK Pigs
Phi Theta Kappa used plastic piggy banks to help raise funds for this year's American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The seven pigs were passed around campus to be "fed" by faculty and staff. Four PTK members participated in the overnight relay with advisor Pam Silvers, Chair of Business Computer Technologies.