Academic Excellence Award
Cleveland Community College’s 2018 Academic Excellence Award winner is James “Jamie” Hamrick.
Jamie Hamrick, Academic Excellence Award Winner
Hamrick began his educational journey at CCC more than 35 years ago. He studied TV and Radio Repair and got a job with IBM in Charlotte as a Test Technician. He worked at that location for 31 years, holding a variety of positions and experiencing two ownership changes.
In the late 1990’s, Hamrick began taking classes again at CCC, working toward an Associate in Applied Science degree in Electronics Engineering, but he never completed it. Recently, he came back to CCC with the intention of finishing his degree. “It is a bucket list item for me,” said Hamrick. “After raising two kids, I told my wife it was time I finished what I started.”
So, when the current company owners decided to close the Charlotte location, Hamrick simply switched from part-time to full-time student. Because the company moved the jobs out of the country, he was able to get support to attend school full time from the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers program. He also decided to pursue a second degree.
On May 4, 2018, Hamrick, with a 3.9 grade point average, crossed one item off his bucket list. He graduated with his Associate in Applied Science in Electronics Engineering, plus an Associate in Applied Science in Mission Critical Operations – Operations Technology.
2018 Cleveland Community College Excellence in Teaching Award
Richard Carroll, 2018 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient
Richard Carroll, Fire Protection Technology Instructor, is the 2018 Excellence in Teaching Award recipient.
“It’s difficult to put into words what receiving this honor means to me. I am very humbled that someone would take time out of their busy day to nominate me, for the second time,” said Carroll. “I am blessed to be surrounded by incredible people. My hope is that this honors God as well as all those who have encouraged and helped me. I am forever grateful.”
Carroll joined the full-time faculty in 2014, having taught part-time for 11 years. He holds an Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology, a bachelor’s degree in Fire & Emergency Services Administration and is currently working on his master’s degree in Public Safety and Homeland Security Administration.
In addition, he is a volunteer for Cherryville Fire Department, serves as vice president of the NC Association of Fire Protection and Emergency Management Educators, and is a member of the NC Western Firefighters Association and the NC State Firefighters Association.
He enjoys playing the guitar, and is a member of the praise band at Anthony Grove Baptist Church where he also serves as the Wednesday night dishwasher.
Carroll and wife Mary have been married 19 years and have two children, Dylan and Savannah.
2018 Cleveland Community College Outstanding Staff Member Award
Alan Qualls, 2018 Outstanding Staff Member Award Winner
Alan Qualls, Electrical Lineworker Program Coordinator, is the 2018 Outstanding Staff Member award recipient.
“I am very honored to have received this recognition and am very humbled to have been selected out of all the other qualified staff members,” said Qualls. “I will do my best to represent CCC well in all that I do.”
Having worked at CCC for more than five years, Qualls previously served as Discipline Coordinator for Electrical Systems Technology. He was nominated for the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2014. He holds an Associate in Applied Science in Electrical/Electronics Technology and has been a North Carolina licensed electrician for 29 years.
Qualls is an Eagle Scout and an active member at Beaver Dam Baptist Church where he serves as the advisor for the security team.
Also a Navy veteran, he is currently preparing to audition for the Bugles Across America organization, which provides volunteer buglers to play Taps at veterans’ funerals. The performance must be flawless, requiring hours of practice.
Qualls and wife Allison have been married 21 years and have two children, Charlie and Laney.
