The Awake58 Podcast

In this Awake58 podcast episode, we sat down with Dr. Audrey J. ”A.J.” Jaeger to learn more about a special project led by the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. The Trailblazer Profiles Project highlights and celebrates the work of Asian, Black, Indigenous, and LatinX leaders in the North Carolina Community College System, specifically focusing on current and former community college presidents.

In the latest Awake58 podcast, A-B Tech president John Gossett and A-B Tech VP Beth Stewart provide lessons from running a community college during the pandemic — including the importance of grace. Nation held conversations with Gossett and Stewart over the course of 15 months. Listen in for the lessons they shared.

Mike Krause currently serves as a higher education consultant based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Prior to this role, he was the head of the Tennessee higher education commission. Krause helped lead Tennessee’s efforts around attainment and adult learners. Having been an adult learner himself, Mike has a unique perspective on the topic. In this conversation, he shares his personal stories and experiences, as well as gives us tips for how North Carolina might move forward in the adult learner space. Thanks for listening!

EdNC’s Emily Thomas sits down with Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, President of Central Piedmont Community College. They look back at the past 18 months as Deitemeyer discusses what it was like leading a community college and serving as President of the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents during a pandemic. They talk about cybersecurity, colleges rallying together this past year, social and economic mobility, and the future of North Carolina community colleges.

North Carolina’s community colleges have a proud legacy of making postsecondary education accessible across our state. Their impact, however, is dependent on the work of dedicated employees — employees who are paid significantly less than their national and regional counterparts. Employees who haven’t seen a significant pay increase in years. This year, they are once again asking the state for a raise for employees. In this special episode, you’ll hear from community college presidents and faculty about what a raise would mean for them and the impact employee pay can have on a college’s success.

Dr. Jessica Holt is a Veterinary Medical Technology instructor at Central Carolina Community College. Prior to teaching, she had a successful career in veterinary practice. The Veterinary Medical Technology program at CCCC was the first of its kind in the state of North Carolina. Learn more about Holt’s journey and the VMT program in this episode of the Awake58 podcast.

In this episode, Nation sits down with Dr. Pamela Senegal, President of Piedmont Community College. The conversation spans a range of topics including the digital divide and access to broadband, issues driving this year's legislative session as it relates to community colleges, and how new nursing board requirements may impact smaller communities. Overall, this episode focuses on what role rural community colleges will play in their communities moving forward. Thank you for listening!

In this episode, EdNC’s Emily Thomas catches up with Dr. Jason Hurst, president of Cleveland Community College. They discuss Hurst’s past several years as president, the opportunities he has been given, and the challenges he’s experienced. They also talk about how a global pandemic has impacted the college and greater community. Check out the episode and let us know what you think!

In this episode, EdNC’s Alli Lindenberg sits down with Shelley White, president of Haywood Community College. They talk about White’s first year as president, the changes the college has made during the pandemic and plans to keep in the coming year, and how their library is helping close the digital divide for students. We also witnessed a Zoom dance party for staff, learned about White’s favorite memory at HCC so far and her pandemic hobbies. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!