Durham Tech concludes year-long interview radio series

Stephanie Turner
Jul 18, 2019

durham tech staff on wchl The new programs, partnerships, and efforts of Durham Tech were highlighted over the last year on “The Aaron Keck Show” on WCHL 97.9 The Hill radio in Chapel Hill.

Penny Gluck, Executive Dean of Orange County Services, went on air in August to introduce the Do Great Things Series with host Aaron Keck. Her interview can be heard here: bit.ly/2Sdluu3. Keck also teaches Political Science at Durham Tech.

AUGUST: Anesthesia Technology program

Guests: Melissa Oakley Ockert, Dean of Health and Wellness; Gail Walker, Program Director

For the full interview, click here. 

The Anesthesia Technology program began last fall through a partnership with the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, the UNC School of Medicine, and UNC Healthcare. It is the first program of its kind in North Carolina. For more information, visit the program's page.

SEPTEMBER: Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program (C-STEP)/Community College Collaboration (C3) programs

Guests: Lea Bingham, Assistant Dean of University Transfer; Kara Battle, Dean of Science, Engineering, and Math; DeCarlos Hickson, Durham Tech graduate and C-STEP student

For the full interview, click here.

Durham Tech has guaranteed admissions pathways to both UNC-Chapel Hill (C-STEP) and North Carolina State University (C3). The C3 partnership is the newer of the two, with Durham Tech signing onto the pilot program last June. For information, visit the Durham Tech pages on the C3 and C-Step programs.

OCTOBER: Emergency Medical Science/Services (EMS) program, its community involvement

Guests: David Silfen, Program Director; Leah Tilden, EMS Instructor and Coordinator of EMS Extension Services; Kim Woodward, Operations Manager for Orange County Emergency Services; James Johnson, former Durham Tech paramedic student and current supervisor for Orange County Emergency Services

For the full interview, click here.

The EMS program is based at the Orange County Campus and offers an associate’s degree for those wanting to become a paramedic and continuing education classes for those who need to train, retrain, or update their skills for the field. For more information, visit the Durham Tech programs page.

NOVEMBER: NASA projects

Guests: Julie Hoover, former Durham Tech geology and GIS instructor and former faculty sponsor of Science and Engineering Club, NASA Swarmathon, and The Unacceptable Risks GOAT/RAM High Altitude Student Payload; graduates Dan Koris, who studies at the Colorado University at Boulder, and Jimmy Acevedo, who works for NASA Goddard.

For the full interview, click here.

Over the last few years, Durham Tech have competed in — and won — various NASA competitions and worked on projects for NASA including a robotic arm.

DECEMBER: Basic Law Enforcement Training program, its community efforts

Guests: Doug Thomas, Program Coordinator; Sheriff Charles Blackwood and Sgtwchl durham tech staff members blet . Ricky Watson with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office

For the full interview, click here.

Students wanting to enter into law enforcement can earn their certificate to help them qualify for entry-level government or private positions. For more information, visit the program's page.

JANUARY: Career and College Promise (CCP) program

Guests: Linda Hall, Cedar Ridge Career Coach; Abby McAlister: Durham Tech College Liaison for Carrboro High School, Chapel Hill High School, East Chapel Hill High School, and Orange High School

For the full interview, click here.

The CCP program is a dual-enrollment system that allows high school students to earn credits towards a college certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree. For more information, visit the program's page. 

FEBRUARY: Durham Tech Promise scholarship

Guests: Dr. Christine Kelly-Kleese, Vice President and Chief Student Services Officer of Student Engagement, Development, and Support; Ava Rountree, Durham Tech student from Orange County and Durham Tech Promise recipient

For the full interview, click here.

Recent high school graduates in Durham and Orange counties can receive up to $1,000 a year for two years with the Durham Tech Promise scholarship. The funds are applied towards the student’s tuition and fees. This scholarship does not have an application process. The Financial Aid office reviews student records and contacts those who qualify. For more information, visit the scholarship's webpage. 

MARCH: Durham Tech relationship with Chapel Hill Tire, Automotive program

Guests: Nate Smith, Director of Durham Tech Automotive Systems Technology program; Marc Pons, President of Chapel Hill Tire

For the full interview, click here.

Students interested in an automotive career or wanting to learn some basic automotive techniques have several credential options at Durham Tech, including at least four different certificates, a diploma, and an associate’s degree. There are also Continuing Education automotive courses available. For more information, visit the Durham Tech Programs page. 

APRIL: New Culinary Arts program, move into American Tobacco Campus

Guests: Susan Paris, Vice President/Chief Academic Officer for Academics and Guided Career Pathways; and Katie Loovis, Vice President for External Affairs of The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro

For the full interview, click here.

The new Culinary Arts program is projected to begin this fall at the College’s new location in the American Tobacco Campus in downtown Durham. The program will offer an associate’s degree and will cover various topics such as menu design, baking, and catering cuisine. Durham Tech also offers Culinary continuing education courses. For more information, visit the program's page. 

MAY: Forge Great Futures Campaign

Guests: Willis Whichard, Campaign co-chair

For the full interview, click here.

The Forge Great Futures Campaign publicly launched in April and aims to raise $5 million by June 2020. Funds will be applied towards developing future workforce talent and providing economic opportunity for students. For more information or to donate, visit campaign.durhamtech.edu.

The Do Great Things interview series wrapped up in June with Gluck, Ockert, and Nathan Hardin, Durham Tech Director of Marketing and Communications, talking about the year’s highlights and what they are looking forward to in the upcoming academic year. For the full interview, click here. 

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