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TCC Weather Closure
TCC will close at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10. All evening and weekend events and services are canceled. The college will resume normal hours on Monday, Jan. 13.
Help available over the holidays if you want to enroll for spring classes at TCC
Tidewater Community College is open virtually during the holidays to help students enroll in spring classes, explore career options, learn about financial aid and support services. Help is available over the phone and via email.
All college offices are closed beginning Dec. 24 through Jan. 3.
TCC’s Virtual Student Support Team will be available on Dec. 29 and 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., by phone at 757-822-1111 or email at info@tcc.edu.
Virtual advisors will be available over the holidays except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. Connect with them by emailing advising@tcc.edu.
A one-stop-shop for TCC services will be held virtually during extended hours and Special Enrollment Day:
Extended hours will be offered Jan. 4-14, 2021.
Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Special Virtual Enrollment Day:
Saturday, Jan. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Spring Semester classes for the 16-week session begin on Jan. 11.
Questions? Contact us at 757-822-1111 or info@tcc.edu.
Kudos to TCC’s Fall Class of 2020
Four days before Christmas, Tidewater Community College celebrated its 71st Fall Commencement Exercises virtually.
The full stream of the ceremony is available here.
“This celebration demonstrates the tenacity and strength of our students and the TCC community,” said TCC President Marcia Conston, presiding over her second virtual commencement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
TCC President Marcia Conston
President Conston acknowledged the college’s military-related students, who make up one-third of enrollment and she commended the faculty and staff for their role in student success. Several faculty and staff members also recorded “shoutout” videos offering their congratulations to the 1,206 graduates.
Many applauded the resilience of the graduates to complete their journeys despite the pandemic. Faculty members from the ESL Department congratulated the students in multiple languages.
“I cannot even begin to describe the many life lessons I have learned, and I am sure I am not alone,” said Motley, who thanked the professors and STEM Promise Program coordinator Jaedda Hall who helped her complete her degree.
Baca embraced the “community” part of being a TCC student, acknowledging his peers, professors and faculty members for helping him persevere. “Know there is no timetable on experience in life, but we must have the courage to face it,” he said.
Joseph Baca
Michelle Woodhouse, TCC’s vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer, presented the 1,026 graduates. President Conston conferred the degrees.
Prior to the ceremony concluding with a benediction, alumna Rickkita Taylor, recently a guest on “Ellen,” welcomed the college’s newest graduates to join an alumni network that is more than 100,000 strong.
“We are embedded in the fabric of Hampton Roads and are so proud of you for persevering and finishing strong,” she said. “I encourage you to take advantage of your achievement by attending networking events and embracing all the opportunities offered by TCC Alumni to “connect, contribute and celebrate!’ ”
All graduates had their names and corresponding degrees or certificates scroll on screen.
TCC provided a compass for Class of 2020 grad Joe Baca
For a long time, Joe Baca searched for a direction. He didn’t apply himself in high school. He traveled after that only to realize rest stops aren’t ideal places to sleep. He even tried classes at Tidewater Community College.
The first time it didn’t work out. The second time — today — he graduates with an Associate of Science in Social Sciences and is one of the speakers for the graduates at the virtual 71st Commencement Exercises.
“Perseverance is really big,” says Baca, 30, who started at TCC in 2012. “Even during the times I thought it was pointless, I kept going.”
The son of Navy parents, Baca moved here in 1998 and graduated from Ocean Lakes High in 2009, admittedly bored by the classes and critical of his own bad choices. From there, he relied on his Honda beater car to traipse around the country, working in kitchens to keep himself financially afloat.
“A couple of nights when I was traveling, I slept in my car,” he says. “Once I actually woke up to somebody jigging the handle to try to get in.”
He went on to work with troubled youth at a camp in Grand Rapids, Michigan and did similar work at a church — stints that made him realize he wanted to mentor middle- and high-school aged students. That’s when he realized he wanted to be part of the school system, only, “I didn’t know how to do that.”
He did know education was key, so he returned to TCC with a purpose. After his first psychology class, he discovered a passion, one fostered by Professor Andrea Palmisano.
“I was still going through the motions, but I had a spark of interest in psychology,” he says. “She was so genuine, and she’s so passionate. She really cares about her students.”
She motivated him to become part of the TCC community. He joined the psychology club, serving as treasurer and later president. Rather than grumble about the virtual nature of activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he embraced them, enjoying one talk on racial injustice and another on the importance of remaining connected in a divided country.
He got a job on the Virginia Beach Campus as a work-study student in the dean of students office.
“The more knowledge I gained, the more I realized that education is worth investing in to understand what’s happening in the world around you,” Baca says.
Taking an active role in the community grew to be increasingly important. Baca formerly volunteered on the Norfolk Campus for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia & the Eastern Shore. He’s also tutored his peers in math.
“It sounds cliché maybe, but I really like helping people any way I can,” he says.
Now he has a list of goals, the most significant of which is going into educational psychology. He’d like to work in a school setting and mentor youth with a vision of helping boys who have suffered trauma discover coping mechanisms.
Baca is awaiting word on acceptance from a trio of schools that include the College of William and Mary, University of Virginia and James Madison University. He plans to earn his bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in education.
His graduation day message speaks to the perseverance that lifted him to this pinnacle. Early on at TCC, he didn’t qualify for financial aid. Sometimes he could only afford a class or two per semester. With aid in place this final semester, he’s been able to focus on his studies and will graduate with a 3.4 GPA.
He will share a Bob Dylan quote in his graduation speech. But another by Calvin Coolidge is also a favorite:
Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
TCC grad passionate about helping teens in trouble
Maya Johns dreams of opening a youth center for troubled teens. With her Tidewater. Community College degree, she is one step closer to making that dream come true.
The Chesapeake native’s journey to a college degree included a few stops and starts. It wasn’t until her best friend enrolled in classes alongside her that the dream of a college degree began to take shape.
“I chose human services to help people,” Johns said. “In a world full of struggle and strife, a straight path is something we all long for. What better way to give back than to truly walk with someone on this journey, providing help and hope.”
Johns’ human services degree included internship hours at Teens with a Purpose, a youth organization empowering young people to use their voices, creativity and actions to affect personal growth, transform lives and impact communities.
“In my background, I saw a lot of things happen that held my friends back,” she said. “I want to show them and others that there are opportunities out there. You don’t have to be a product of your environment.”
A single mom of two children, Johns recalls the struggle of juggling life, work and school.
“There were a few times when my children had to come to class with me and plenty of long nights,” she said. “We’d all be around the kitchen table doing homework and I’d feel so tired, but my kids looked at me like I was their superhero!”
Johns chose TCC for its Human Services program and for the smaller classes. “TCC has so much to offer, and the faculty and staff are rooting for you,” she said. “Even with my online classes, I felt a real connection to my TCC community.”
Johns credits professor Shelby Johnson for teaching real-world concepts. “Everything was a teaching moment with Professor Johnson. It wasn’t just textbook learning. She talked about what to expect in the field and the rewards that come from helping people.”
Johns plans to continue at Old Dominion University for her bachelor’s in human services.
Graduation week will include another milestone for Johns. She and her partner, Charles, will welcome a third baby next week.
“I want my kids to know that you never give up,” Johns said. “Be resilient and show strength, and take every opportunity that comes your way.”
TCC grad has a message for women in STEM
“You have what it takes. You can do it. Start now.”
Gracey Motley offers those encouraging words for women considering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields.
“When I started in STEM Promise, I didn’t feel ready or even good enough to be in the program,” she said.
Motley, 20, considered herself more the artsy type at Deep Creek High. When her guidance counselor suggested she apply for the STEM Promise Program and she earned acceptance, her future changed directions.
TCC’s STEM scholars receive four semesters of tuition and fees paid in full. They graduate ready to enter a career or to transfer to a four-year college to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Motley notes that studying computer science has been unlike anything she’s done before.
“You have to think outside the box and figure out the puzzle, especially with coding,” she said. “I especially like getting a task in class and then finding the best way to get it done.”
Motley misses being on campus with her peers, having found a close-knit student body on the Chesapeake Campus pre-COVID-19.
“It was amazing being together for events in the Student Center, whether it was drawing and painting or a seminar on STEM. There was always a lot going on, and I made some great friends.”
Motley adjusted to the pandemic and shift to remote learning with the help of Jaedda Hall, the program coordinator for STEM Promise.
“Ms. Jaedda helped build my confidence and kept me on track with my classes,” Motley said. “She was encouraging and always available to talk when I needed her.”
Motley liked remaining close to home so she could stay involved in family life. She has no student debt.
“At first, I wasn’t totally sure what I wanted to do, so TCC was a good choice,” Motley said. “Being able to focus on school and not worry about paying off my tuition — that was great too.”
Motley will transfer to Old Dominion University for a bachelor’s in computer science. She plans to work in cyber security and has her sights set on the FBI.
“For those who’ve never considered STEM fields, have an open mind,” she said. “While these careers aren’t for everyone, try different things to find your perfect fit.”
Portsmouth dual enrollment students learn a trade that will last a lifetime
Tidewater Community College’s Portsmouth Campus is home to the area’s largest welding lab.
On most weekday mornings, students from Portsmouth Public Schools are transported from their high schools to the Portsmouth Campus, where they are learning a trade that will last a lifetime.
Aurora Finchum
Moody with students in the lab.
Instructor Marcus Moody, a TCC graduate, provides instruction and guides students with their hands-on learning.
“I like teaching welding because we’re giving students a skill that will last the rest of their life. I enjoy seeing that spark when they get it,” Moody said. “Coming from industry, I’m sharing job success skills too. We talk a lot about responsibility, accountability, being on time and safety on the job.”
The Portsmouth Campus is home to the area’s largest welding lab.
Once in the lab, students put on safety gear and head to individual booths where they can safely handle the tools of the trade. During each session, Moody, ever watchful, moves about the lab assisting students with their projects.
“We’ve been delivering hands-on instruction to our dual-enrolled welding students even though Portsmouth Public Schools are still fully remote,” said Thomas Stout, pathway dean for Maritime and Skilled Trades. “We have 22 students, and they were all eager to get back in the lab.”
TCC’s welding curriculum lines up with industry standards. The lab is an official testing facility for the American Welding Society.
Finchum and Ryan Payton
Students who complete the program are sought by employers in South Hampton Road, including shipyards, power plants and private companies. The median pay, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, exceeds $42,000.
What students are saying
“I picked up welding pretty easily. It’s just fun to me. I plan to do nuclear welding on a ship or power station. I’m more confident now and know I will get a job after high school without having to do extra training. It helps that Mr. Moody is a pretty good teacher and very understanding.” – Aurora Finchum, Churchland High
“I want to be an underwater welder. I like being in the water, and I like welding. With this job, I can combine two things I enjoy. Mr. Moody is a great teacher. He won’t tell you the answer but leads you to find it on your own. That’s how you get better. Every day I learn more and more.” – Ryan Payton, Woodrow Wilson High
About the instructor
A skilled technician, Moody has more than seven years of industry experience. He has worked in machine shops and for private contractors, where he built parts for machinery.
Instructor Marcus Moody
More information
Learn about TCC’s welding certificate programs here or contact Dean Stout at tstout@tcc.edu. For information about TCC’s dual enrollment programs for high school students, email enroll@tcc.edu.
From high school student to college grad in one year
Caroline Mahoney skipped a grade in high school. Now she’s about to skip a year of college, too.
Mahoney, 18, is one of 34 students currently enrolled in the college’s Accelerated Degree Program (ADP), offered on the Norfolk and Portsmouth Campuses.
“I saw this as a way to get into the workforce faster. I’m a fast-paced person and enjoy classes that move quickly so I don’t lose interest in the subjects I’m learning.” — Caroline Mahoney
Mahoney heard about the program when a TCC career coach visited her high school during her junior year.
“I saw this as a way to get into the workforce faster,” she said. “I’m a fast-paced person and enjoy classes that move quickly so I don’t lose interest in the subjects I’m learning.”
The college’s ADP program gives students a way to accelerate their education, enabling them to earn an associate degree in three semesters. Degrees are offered in business administration and general studies. Students who complete the ADP can transfer to a four-year university as a junior.
The program usually begins in August and includes classes in 8-week sessions for a full-year.
For the first time this spring, a second cohort of students can enroll and start classes in February. The degrees offered are:
With the COVID-19 pandemic, all ADP courses are offered online.
One of the best aspects of the program for Mahoney is that she can complete the program at home.
“In high school, the bell rings and you have to go here or there,” she said. “Now I make my own schedule and I’m responsible for the work.”
Mahoney says she appreciates the personalized attention from her advisor Meredith Pollard, the lead counselor on the Norfolk Campus. She also credits her professors with holding engaging classes and being accessible during online learning.
“My classes have been super interesting, and I enjoy the diversity of the people,” she said.
“Also, having a woman of color as president, well that gives me a sense of hope and that’s no small thing right now.”
Mahoney is excited about applying for her first job soon. She is seeking a position in accounting and said the accounting courses in her degree have given her an excellent foundation.
“College is so much better than high school because you have a hand in your future,” she said.
“TCC is a great place – it’s like when you’re practicing driving. You are behind the wheel, but in a safe place to start.”
For information about the Accelerated Degree Program, visit here. Or email enroll@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.
New pathway launches paramedics, respiratory therapists into Beazley School of Nursing
A new pathway by Tidewater Community College offers credentialed paramedics and respiratory therapists an avenue for admission into the college’s Beazley School of Nursing through prior learning credit.
Paramedics and respiratory therapists who complete a 20-credit career studies certificate and all co-requisites can be placed into the second semester of TCC’s associate degree program in nursing.
Applications for the competitive certificate program open on Jan. 15 and close on Feb. 15. Accepted applicants begin during summer session. This is a financial-aid eligible program.
Paramedics and respiratory therapists must have passed their respective national licensure exams to apply.
The 20-credit certificate includes a four-credit class titled “Concepts for Health Professions Transition,” which must be completed during summer session.
“An overwhelming number of paramedics have wanted a pathway into our nursing school,” said Rita Bouchard, dean of Nursing. “They will be able to apply uniquely as paramedics or respiratory therapists and have an opportunity to bridge into the nursing program.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts the national job outlook for registered nurses to increase by 15% through 2026.
“All of our recent graduates are employed,” Bouchard said. “There’s a huge shortage. Any graduate of the registered nursing program who wants a job gets one. Many have jobs secured before they graduate.”
The college offers associate degrees in emergency medical services and respiratory therapy. Both of those programs require an additional application along with the college’s regular application for admission.
Visit this page for all application requirements. For more information, contact enroll@tcc.edu.
Re-Employing Virginians Special Enrollment Day
Tidewater Community College is holding a special enrollment day to help those unemployed or underemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For community members who have lost jobs, or seen a reduction in hours, TCC is here to help.
Students and prospective students are invited to attend an online session:
Gov. Ralph Northam’s Re-Employing Virginians (REV) initiative will allocate $27 million in federal relief funds to Virginia’s Community Colleges.
TCC’s allotment will provide tuition-only scholarships of $3,000 for full-time and $1,500 for part-time students who meet basic eligibility requirements.
The eligible programs of study are in health care, information technology, skilled trades, public safety and early childhood education.
This information session will be closed captioned. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made prior to the date of the session. Requests should be sent to Beth Callahan at bcallahan@tcc.edu.
This event is open to the public.
For more information call TCC’s enrollment team at 757-822-1111 or email REV@tcc.edu.
TCC to host virtual information session for homeschoolers and parents
Homeschool families in search of educational options are invited to take part in a special virtual information session hosted by Tidewater Community College.
The session is designed for homeschooled juniors and seniors who are interested in earning college credits while still in high school.
To qualify for TCC’s high school dual enrollment program, a student must be classified as a junior or senior in a qualified homeschool program and meet college readiness standards.
Eight things to know about TCC’s Fire Science program
The program can be completed 100% online.
Every professor is either an active or senior retired fire officer, including program head Rick Dienst, a deputy fire chief in the Air Force for 22 years. He is in his 18th year at TCC. Other faculty are TCC alumnus, Ed Elliott, former fire lieutenant for the City of Chesapeake; and Travis Halstead, a retired training officer for the Virginia Beach Fire Department.
TCC’s articulation agreement with Southern Illinois University Carbondale allows students who graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology to transfer into SIU’s Fire Service Management bachelor’s program.
Your experience could jumpstart your associate degree. Current firefighters and former military can receive academic credit, which shortens your time to a degree. Fire academy graduates generally receive eight credits. Licensed emergency medical technicians can also receive credit for their prior education.
Students can take classes year-round in fire science. In addition to the typical 16-week semester, students can take classes in the 12-week session or eight-week session and during the summer.
If you’re already a firefighter, TCC’s fire science program can help you earn a promotion. In some jurisdictions, completing TCC’s Career Studies Certificate in Fire Science Supervision makes you eligible for a promotion. Many who work as firefighters are eligible for tuition reimbursements from their employer.
Former military members are ideal for the demands of this profession. “They’ve got the discipline for this,” Dienst said. Three-quarters of the students in the program are former military, many of whom use their GI Bill benefits for tuition.
TCC is one of two fire science programs in the state. Thomas Nelson Community College offers the other.
Need one more good reason to consider TCC’s fire science program. “I don’t know too many firefighters who don’t like their job,” Dienst said. “At the end of the day, you feel like you accomplished something.”
For information on the program, reach out to Dienst at rdienst@tcc.edu or at 757-822-7209.
TCC to hold its 71st Commencement Exercises Virtually
Tidewater Community College will hold its 71st Commencement Exercises virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Dec. 21 at 6 p.m., the college will recognize the achievements of its graduates with an online ceremony that will include remarks by President Marcia Conston, student speakers and a conferring of certificates and degrees.
Graduates will have the opportunity to see their photos and names displayed during the virtual ceremony.
Graduates are encouraged to send in a personal photo, video, or message to be included in the virtual event. Parents, family faculty, alumni and community supporters are also encouraged to send greetings to graduates. To participate, visit here. The deadline is Dec. 11.
Also, all December graduates will receive celebratory items for the day including their diploma case, a letter from President Conston, commencement program and alumni pin.
The exercises will be available as a recording afterwards.
The decision to conduct this ceremony online honors guidelines announced by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and is in line with CDC regulations for social distancing to deter the spread of COVID-19.
TCC’s December graduates should visit this page for more information about graduation regalia, yard signs and to join TCC’s alumni community.
TCC announces new Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Stan Turbeville has been named vice president of Institutional Advancement at Tidewater Community College. He brings 25 years of leadership experience to the position, which includes the TCC Educational Foundation, public relations and marketing, grants management, alumni relations and college events.
A first-generation college student, Turbeville grew up with few resources on his family’s farm in North Carolina. Today, as a higher education professional, Turbeville is paying it forward to the next generation of students in need.
“Education changed my life,” Turbeville said. “I’m passionate about education and community college and want to be sure that students in need have the same opportunities as others.”
As the college’s lead fundraiser, Turbeville credits TCC for pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic to focus on scholarships and helping students with basic needs such as child care and technology.
“The needs have grown steadily, and we are ramping up our efforts to ensure students with few means have access to higher education,” he said.
Prior to joining TCC, Turbeville was vice president of college advancement for James Sprunt Community College in North Carolina. He also worked as director of marketing and public information for Guilford Technical Community College, where he served on the crisis communications team.
Turbeville holds a doctorate in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University; a master of business administration from High Point University; a master of arts in English; and a bachelor’s in human resources management from East Carolina University. He also has certifications in crisis management from Harvard University and is a Professional Certified Marketer with the American Marketing Association.
To reach Turbeville, email him at sturbeville@tcc.edu.
From a TCC commercial to Juris Doctor
Whatever happened to the girl in the Tidewater Community College commercial?
Chances are you’ve seen the TV spot that first aired in 2016 featuring Elissa Sanford, whose 4.5 high school GPA and AP credits would have stacked up for admission to just about any college.
But the Hickory High graduate chose TCC, where she graduated with an Associate of Science in Science and no student debt. She transferred to Old Dominion for a bachelor’s in biology.
As the 30-second ad trails off, Sanford talks about her next step — medical school.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osfPSJQ8rl0
Four years later, Sanford’s no MD. She’s a JD, instead, earning a Juris Doctor degree from the William and Mary Law School in May. Today the 26-year-old is a junior associate at Oblon, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, headquartered in Alexandria. The firm, located across the street from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, is among the largest in the nation that focuses exclusively on intellectual property.
Sanford couldn’t be happier about the journey that started “from here.”
As a high school senior, her friends prodded her to go away to college, but when she did the math, it didn’t add up. Instead, Sanford finished all of her general education requirements at TCC, so she could begin ODU as a junior. As a recipient of the Outstanding High School Graduate Scholarship, she attended tuition-free.
“Ultimately, I had to make the decision for myself, which is something you have to learn how to do,” she says. “I realized there was no point in going away because I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. And I didn’t see the point in wasting all that money while I tried to figure it out.”
As a student ambassador for the Chesapeake Campus, Sanford enjoyed the service aspect. She was a mentor to high school seniors, who she sometimes saw herself in. “Just being able to sit down with someone who was frustrated and helping them out was really rewarding,” she says.
More than the small class size at TCC appealed to her. She felt that the professors invested in her, particularly her human anatomy and physiology professor, who helped her find a direction. For a while, that appeared to be medicine.
“I had always done well in the sciences, so the medical school route was recommended,” she says, and it almost happened.
But shortly after graduating from ODU, she was less than enthusiastic about actually working in a medical setting.
But how things work — now that intrigued Sanford, who decided law school offered a better fit. She compares the problem-solving elements of patent law to piecing together a puzzle. The science to the process fascinates that part of her that once wanted to be a brain surgeon.
“You have to be able to sit down and look at an invention and figure out how it works,” she said.
Sanford interned for her current firm the summer prior to her final year in law school. By summer’s end, she had an offer — a commitment the firm kept despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working remotely is a challenge at times, but Sanford applies those same study skills she learned at TCC to practicing patent law.
“The habits you develop early carry on, and I learned a lot of my study skills and time management skills at TCC,” she says. “I love my job and I am grateful to have found such a stimulating and rewarding career. It all started at TCC.”
Live! Inside a Civil Engineering Technology surveying lab
In this series, we provide a closer look at hands-on learning duringCOVID-19.While COVID-19 means online learning for most Tidewater Community College students, some are in the classroom for hands-on training. In fact, more than 400 sections of classes in interior design, automotive, health professions, welding, veterinary technology, culinary arts, visual arts, electronics technology and other programs have on-campus components.
A closer look at a geomatics lab
Geomatics requires working with Earth-based data or spatial data and is a requirement for the associate degree in Civil Engineering Technology and certificates in Construction Project Management and Land Surveying. Surveyors work with spatial data regularly. TCC’s geomatics lab (CIV 175) offers a hands-on opportunity to practice with instrumentation tools, which includes automatic levels and total stations.
Geomatics lab is conducted in the great outdoors with all of the equipment set up prior to class time. Students work in groups of two separated by a distance of 100 feet or more. They practice gathering field data with both traditional and modern instruments.
Zachary Tounge
Mary Otterbourg
“Surveying is a fundamental course and the foundation for any kind of construction,” said Chris Cartwright, head of TCC’s Civil Engineering Technology program.
Students use the same equipment that engineers and surveyors work with every day to make measurements.
“We are fortunate to keep our group size to only two students per group maximizing the time each student has to practice the techniques necessary to operate the equipment,” Cartwright said.
Omar Avila
Student voices
“Being outdoors and the hands-on practice of what we’d be doing in the real world is the best part about being back on campus,” said Mary Otterbourg.
“I enjoy the hands on work. It’s hard to do everything online, so doing this in person makes it much better,” said Marcus Rolle. “My favorite part about this class is enhancing my skills. I do this in the Navy, so taking this class will help me use this skill in the civilian world.”
“I love the surveying, getting to learn and use the instruments,” said Kellie Burchfield.
Kellie Burchfield
About the professor
Cartwright started as an adjunct faculty member at TCC in the spring 1999 and transitioned to full time position in August 2002. The TCC alumnus transferred to Virginia Tech to earn his bachelor’s in civil engineering. He holds a master’s from Arkansas University in environmental engineering.
Good to Know
If students can’t make it to campus for lab, they can pursue another option in the fall that allows them to work with a licensed land surveyor as a mentor to compete all requirements.
CMVE ready to assist military-related students with everything
Military-related students, we’ve got you covered.
Pose any question about almost anything, and Tidewater Community College’s Center for Military and Veterans Education will provide an answer.
“The buck stops here,” said Shelly Bearden, a VERITAS veterans resource liaison. “I’m not going to send anyone to another office. If something’s not working, if you’re frustrated with a process, if you have any kind of problem, I will make sure it gets solved.”
Bearden refers to herself as an advocate for all of the college’s military-related students. Echoing that are her colleagues Cassandra Harris, lead military academic advisor, and Alesia Wroten, also a VERITAS veterans resource liaison.
With the Navy a part of all of their backgrounds, the administrators don’t just understand the language of the military — they’re fluent in it. They understand acronyms, including myCAA, VMSEP and TA and can explain if you qualify.
They can answer any questions about GI Bill benefits. The email askvetaffairs@tcc.edu was set up specifically to respond to questions related to military-related students looking to use their GI Bill.
Wroten handles workforce programs geared toward military-related students seeking a short-term program that leads to immediate employment. A sampling:
Wroten works with student vets to ensure they know all their options before selecting a program. “I make sure they know about all the workforce programs they can take advantage of,” she said.
Harris had been on base prior to COVID-19; now she is based at the Virginia Beach Campus with the others. She works primarily with active duty service members, but also assists veterans, spouses and dependents. She provides a range of services, including the evaluation of credit from military experience and prior college/universities attended to ensuring that qualified military-related students receive a domicile exception to pay instate tuition.
Harris also helps military who might not be able to finish the semester due to deployment or temporary assignment. “We can get them pulled out of class and get their tuition fully refunded,” she said.
She’s happy to help military-related students navigate the transfer process and will even advise a student vet on how many hours he or she can handle based on other obligations.
Bearden can assist former military looking to transfer to an Ivy League college as TCC is part of the Warrior-Scholar Project.
The CMVE is also able to direct veterans to a plethora of resources — from assistance to pay for books to filing a disability or unemployment claim.
“We take a holistic approach,” Harris said. “The CMVE is a one-stop shop.”
You don’t have to remember who does what if you’re a military-related student in need of assistance. Email military@tcc.edu for any questions. Virtual service is available daily or via phone; see this link for information.
Ellen surprises TCC alumna dedicated to serving others
Tidewater Community College alumna Rickkita Taylor says the three minutes she spent on “Ellen” were life changing.
Not only did she get to meet DeGeneres, the star of the show, she received $10,000 for her family and another $10,000 the charity she runs.
“Meeting Ellen and being in the room with all of that energy was an amazing experience,” said Taylor, who graduated with an Associate of Science in Business Administration in 2013. “She’s very sweet and has an amazing heart.”
Taylor was surprised to learn that Ellen was pretty normal.
TCC alumna Rickkita Taylor on “Ellen.”
“She was genuine and very smiley and upbeat,” Taylor said. “We talked during commercial breaks, and she was interested in what we are doing to serve the community.”
Taylor sent several letters to Ellen beginning in April as the COVID-19 pandemic ramped up. She wrote about the nonprofit she started, Sisters Healing Sisters.
“I started the charity in 2018 because just a few years ago I was that sister in need,” she said. The single mom of two was without a job or home.
Sisters Healing Sisters, run entirely by volunteers, provides meals and outreach programs for women in need. The goal is to educate, empower and elevate women.
Taylor used her savings and scraped by on last year’s grants and donations for most of 2020. The donation from DeGeneres helps the group serve even more people.
Throughout the pandemic, Sisters Healing Sisters has regularly delivered meals and hygiene items to a local women’s shelter. They also provide groceries and hotel vouchers for homeless families.
While Taylor ended up losing her job due to the pandemic, she never stopped serving. “I had a lot of bills piling up, but my faith in God kept me grounded and kept me going,” she said.
“I understand that it’s not about me. It’s about my purpose, which is to help other people,” she added. “Even though it’s been tough, if I can help someone else, that helps me.”
Taylor is now a real estate agent and back in school for her bachelor’s in social work at Norfolk State University. She hopes to open a transitional home for those in need.
Taylor is thankful to all of the organizations and people who support Sisters Healing Sisters.
“It’s been two years, and we are going strong,” she said. “We are all absolutely committed to the mission and not letting anything slow us down.”
REV program a win-win-win for students, employers & the economy
It’s not just Tidewater Community College students who will benefit from the Re-Employing Virginians (REV) initiative, which will provide scholarships to those unemployed or underemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regional employers will benefit as well. Gov. Ralph Northam’s $27 million initiative in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act targets those in the essential industries of health care, information technology, skilled trades, public safety and early childhood education.
“TCC is ready to lead this charge to help students in these essential fields,” said Cindy Free, chair of the TCC College Board.
REV vouchers are available now
One-time REV scholarships of $3,000 are available to those who qualify for a full-time workforce program and scholarships of $1,500 will help those who qualify for a part time or a short-term, noncredit training program.
Training the next generation of skilled technicians has been an ongoing priority for TCC.
“Mitsubishi Chemical has long supported TCC’s development of workforce training and we have benefited directly from it,” said Bill Yannetti, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Chemical Composites America. “We believe graduates of the Mechatronics program, and others within the college, are a fantastic source of well-trained, ready-to-work manpower.”
TCC students who complete workforce programs often have jobs prior to graduation.
Helping Virginians get back to work
“We know jobs are plentiful in these high-demand career areas in the Hampton Roads region,” said TCC President Marcia Conston. “TCC’s curriculum aligns with the needs of its industry partners in those areas, so once you have the education, you are prepared to be hired immediately. “
TCC’s allotment, $3 million in tuition-only scholarships, will be passed on to those who meet some basic eligibility requirements.
Norfolk’s Jessica South, 21, is among the first to use a REV voucher to enroll at TCC. She looks forward to working toward an associate degree in early childhood education. She is unemployed and would not be able to afford college without the REV program.
“I read up on it and found my degree on the list of programs and right away decided to apply,” said South, who received $3,000 toward her tuition. “I received a call from a TCC advisor the very same day. It was such an easy process.”
TCC partners agree this is a win-win for the community
TCC has a long history of working with the Hampton Roads Workforce Council and that continues with the governor’s REV initiative.
“Governor Northam’s commitment to providing the resources to meet the educational needs of Hampton Roads and Virginia residents is a great step in the recovery process,” said Shawn Avery, president and chief executive officer of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council. “The Workforce Council looks forward to supporting Tidewater Community College in promoting this opportunity to the region.”
Northam regards the program as a win for workers, employers and the state’s economy.
“As we focus on recovering from the impacts of the global pandemic, the new REV initiative will give Virginians the resources they need to get back on their feet and help ensure that our Commonwealth emerges from this public health crisis even stronger than we were before,” he said.
To find out if you qualify for a REV scholarship, visit here.
TCC receives donation from Anthem Healthkeepers Plus for female students in need during COVID-19
Tidewater Community College is the recipient of a $2,500 donation from Anthem Healthkeepers Plus, which will assist students facing financial barriers and basic need insecurities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anthem Healthkeepers Plus, the largest Medicaid health plan in Virginia, requested that TCC use the funds to purchase hygiene kit items for students who visit the Community Feed at TCC in Norfolk.
TCC and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore partnered to open the food pantry in June.
The pantry, made possible thanks to a $250,000 donation from TowneBank, is located across from the Apple Store on the second level of MacArthur Center. The Community Feed distributes meal kits and other fresh food to students with a TCC ID. Meal kits must be ordered in advance online.
“This sponsorship from Anthem, Inc. will provide basic needs for our most vulnerable student populations,” said Jaedda Hall, program coordinator for the college’s Women’s Center STEM Promise Scholarship program. “The recent COVID-19 pandemic has only further exposed the magnitude of college students struggling to meet their basic needs.”
Addressing food insecurity and other obstacles that impede student success continue to be priorities of TCC.
“Anthem Healthkeepers Plus is pleased to be sponsoring The Community Feed at the Tidewater Community College at $2500 in their efforts to support their women students who are in need of personal hygiene products and other items during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Hanna Daminski, marketing coordinator at Anthem Healthkeepers Plus. Our mission is to improve the lives of the people we serve, and we wish the students of The Tidewater Community College a successful school year.”
For information about the Community Feed at TCC and other support services available to TCC students during the pandemic, visit this resource page.
When MS cost him his Navy career, disabled veteran found his focus at TCC
One-third of our students are military-related. This week we highlight some of them in honor of Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Snapping pictures, Matthew McCarthy forgets.
Instead of reflecting on his lost Navy career or the Multiple sclerosis diagnosis that unexpectedly ended it, the California native focuses on the subject in front of the lens.
“When I’m out taking pictures for a project, that’s all I’m thinking about,” he says. “It’s an outlet.”
He’s not looking to make a huge career out of photography; it’s a passion that’s evolved into a therapeutic hobby and given him a purpose. McCarthy grew up enjoying the dark room and 35 millimeter film — archaic terms to today’s millennial.
In fact, when he signed up for his first class, he figured he’d be headed to the Virginia Beach Campus. He had no idea that TCC offered its own charming art school, the VAC.
“I had always gone down that street to go to the Children’s Museum and blew right past the VAC,” McCarthy says. “Learning in a building that is dedicated strictly to the arts is absolutely amazing.”
McCarthy’s photograph “Between Hands and Heat,” taken at the glass studio on the rooftop of the Visual Arts Center, was among the works featured in the 49th Annual Student Art Annual Design Exhibition.
McCarthy was admittedly directionless when he learned he suffered from MS. He enlisted at 24 and eventually got stationed in Virginia Beach in 2010. Six years after that, he began suffering from double vision and fatigue. Initially, he dismissed it, but within a couple of days, he went to the hospital for tests and received the diagnosis after an MRI.
A downward spiral led to the first major depression he had ever experienced. The MS forced him to medically retire from the Navy. He lost his father earlier that year, and a relationship that became toxic fell apart. He spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in a hotel room by himself.
The time alone caused him to think and reevaluate. Finally, he developed this mindset: “It’s a disease. It’s not going to kill me. It’s chronic. I can manage it.”
“I compared it to diabetes,” he said. “I didn’t want it to control my life. I’m still me. I can still do the things I like most of the time.”
None of it was easy. He struggles with a lack of strength on his left side and some of his right along with cognitive and memory issues. Sometimes he slurs his speech.
“Star Trek” on Netflix became his respite until he realized he had to find a purpose to his days. Having heard from his military colleagues about TCC, he enrolled. He hadn’t been a strong student in high school, so in many ways achieving at TCC was his redemption.
“I went into college with that military mindset,” he said. “I’m in my fourth semester and I have had a 4.0 every semester.”
In addition, one of his photos for a project in his Fundamentals of Design class won an award at the VAC’s student art show. He earned the Doug Barner Fine Arts Scholarship this past fall that will help him purchase some better camera equipment.
Now the best news — McCarthy got married on Oct. 10. He adds, “I couldn’t be happier.”
For special support services for military-related students, visit the CMVE or call 757-822-7645.You can also emailmilitary@tcc.edu.
