TCC Professor Thomas Geary awarded Outstanding Faculty Award by SCHEV

Tidewater Community College Professor Thomas Geary, Ph.D., was recognized with the 2022 Outstanding Faculty Award by the State Council of Higher Education and Dominion Energy.

Geary is one of 12 recipients in the Commonwealth and will receive a $7,500 gift from Dominion Energy at a ceremony on March 1, 2022.

Geary is a professor of English at the Virginia Beach campus at TCC. He regularly teaches composition, rhetoric, technical writing, developmental writing and humanities courses. He also serves as the editor of Inquiry, the peer-reviewed journal for faculty, staff and administrators at Virginia’s Community Colleges. He is an elected representative on the Modern Language Association Delegate Assembly and an executive committee member of the Two-Year College English Association.

Since 1987, these Outstanding Faculty awards have recognized faculty at Virginia’s institutions of higher learning who exemplify the highest standards of teaching, scholarship and service.

“Truly, this is the greatest honor of my professional career. I am humbled to receive such a prestigious award and be recognized alongside an exceptional group of faculty in our state,” Geary said. “Even more so, I am thrilled that TCC shares in this honor; our incredible administration, faculty, and staff work so hard every day to guide our students to be successful in their academics and as contributors to our community. I’m grateful to work alongside everyone in fulfilling our mission.”

This year, the program received 85 nominations. This group narrowed to a field of 25 finalists and then to the 12 recipients. Geary is one of two Virginia Community College faculty to receive the award.

“Once I found my passion, my education became the most fascinating ride of my life.” – Shelby Ouellette

Shelby Ouellette was working at Starbucks when the store hosted “Coffee with a Cop.” She enjoyed the interactions with police officers and the community so much she decided to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

“That day just sparked something in me that I wanted to do something to effect positive change,” she said.

Shelby, 21, selected Tidewater Community College because it was affordable and close to home. She began taking classes in December 2019.

Two years and a pandemic later, Shelby is graduating and will be the Student Speaker for TCC’s Commencement Exercises on Dec. 20. She will walk the stage at Chartway Arena as she earns an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.

“When I was in high school, I wasn’t considered smart by my teachers and they had pretty low expectations for me,” Shelby said. “Once I found my passion and set goals, my education became the most fascinating ride of my life.”

Shelby started at TCC just before all students were moved to remote learning. Previously she had been unsuccessful with online college, so she was concerned that she would have difficulties again.

“It was very hard at first, but my professors made it impossible to fail. As long as I did the work and attended classes online, I was able to keep the learning going,” she said.

Shelby attributes her success to professors who found innovative ways of teaching and leading important class discussions online.

“My favorite thing about TCC is that we were a community, even when we were only meeting in Zoom rooms online. It was almost easier to engage classmates because everyone was comfortable in their own space while interacting virtually,” she said.

A member of Phi Theta Kappa, Shelby earned a 3.8 GPA at TCC and found full-time work as a legal assistant for a local law firm.

She will continue her education through the Honors College at Regent University where she will study government and pre-law.

Shelby also hopes to attend law school and one-day practice criminal defense. Her ultimate goal is a career in politics where she can help foster change in the criminal justice system.

A Navy spouse, Shelby and her husband Payton are from a small town in Illinois and now call Virginia Beach home. The couple has three lively dogs to keep every day interesting.

Nursing grad receives job offer and $5,000 signing bonus

Going to school during the pandemic was especially difficult for Alexis Murphy who lost her mom due to COVID-19 in January of 2020, mere weeks after starting nursing school at Tidewater Community College.

“The hardest part was my planning mom’s funeral while acclimating to nursing school,” Alexis said. “But it was my way of honoring her to show up for class, not make any excuses and keep moving in my schooling.”

Alexis outside the nursing school at Portsmouth Campus.

Alexis is one of the hundreds of graduates who will be celebrated during TCC’s 73^rd Commencement Exercises on Dec. 20. She will earn an Associate of Science in Nursing.

Alexis has more to celebrate as she recently received a job offer from Sentara Healthcare to join one of the critical care teams at Sentara Leigh hospital. She also received a $5,000 signing bonus.

“My grandmother was a nurse, and I grew up hearing stories about her day. I loved the compassion she had for sick and injured people,” Alexis said.

Alexis is preparing to take her national boards and is confident that she will do well. She attributes much of her success to the nursing faculty who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to lectures and labs.

State-of-the-art patient simulators added to the learning. “The sim rooms are amazing, and the mannequins seem so natural – they breathe, bleed and have emergency situations. Faculty work behind the scenes to run codes so we know how to react in the clinical setting,” Alexis said.

Nursing students complete 500 “clinical” hours of hands-on training in hospitals and clinics, all before graduation.

“We never missed a beat, and TCC did a really good job keeping the clinicals going during the pandemic,” she added.

Alexis earned two scholarships at TCC including the Ruth Pate Memorial Scholarship and the

Holly Hogge-Biagioni Memorial Nursing Scholarship. She served as secretary of the Student Nurses Association and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year schools.

Alexis also earned her bachelor’s in nursing this December, concurrently with her associate degree, through a special program with Old Dominion University.

Alexis’ husband Eric, who she calls her super support team, will be cheering her success from the stands at Commencement.

“I knew this was what I was meant to do, and I’m so excited to get started,” Alexis said. “My mom received great care in the hospital with COVID, and I want to do the same for other families.”

TCC grad aims to provide quality care and grow her business

Known as the “Amazing Ayisha” by her patients, Ayisha Muhammad is dedicated to caring for elderly and disabled clients as a certified nurse aide through her business, iCare4u, LLC.

She hopes to one day open a multicultural care center, a different type of place that emphasizes the cultural and religious needs of the clients living and receiving services in her care. “My vision is for a facility with people who respect and understand everyone. A place that offers different food options and provides spiritual care for those with varying beliefs,” Ayisha said.

The 34-year-old mom of two decided to pursue a business degree at Tidewater Community College to expand her knowledge and gain the skills she needs to grow her business.

Ayisha chose the college’s Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) to get her degree even faster. She started in Feb. 2021 and will cross the stage at TCC’s 73^rd Commencement Exercises less than a year later on Dec. 20, 2021.

The ADP satisfies general education requirements at most Virginia public colleges and universities. Students who complete the degree will likely be admitted as juniors at their transfer school. Participating students also receive personalized attention and dedicated advising, including monthly check-ins.

“The ADP was an intense program, but it allowed me to be super focused on my studies,” Ayisha said. “And doing everything online meant I could work around my family’s schedule and didn’t need a sitter.”

Ayisha gave birth to her now 8-month-old daughter, Aliza, during the program and recalls being in a Zoom class while in labor.

When Ayisha started her degree, she had to improve her grades before she could apply for financial aid. She did just that and received educational funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Another bonus was a free laptop to ensure she could complete her work on time at home.

Ayisha encourages others considering college to come back now because of the resources available and the careers you can prepare for in two years or less. “I absolutely recommend TCC to everyone,” she said. “My advisor Crystal Stafford was amazing, and she kept me on track and made sure I was passing every class.”

Ayisha is especially proud to set an example for her teenage daughter, Alani. “She understands the sacrifices I’ve made, the work I’ve done and that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.”

“I came to TCC because of the motto that said I could ‘go anywhere’ from here. And I think it’s true.” – Tim Slootmaker

Timothy Slootmaker has a motto for life, “I’ve got this!”

And after seven years, Tim’s determination and can-do attitude are paying off as he earns an Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technolgy from Tidewater Community College.

Tim will cross the stage at TCC’s 73^rd Commencement Exercises on Dec. 20 with his mom, Lenore, at his side just as she’s been for every class.

“Mom has been with me every step, so it makes sense to have her at graduation,” Tim said.

Tim, 25, was born with cerebral palsy with epilepsy. And even though he has endured ailments and setbacks, he has persevered in school, graduating with honors from Western Branch high school and now with a 3.9 GPA from TCC.

“I came to TCC because of the motto that said I could ‘go anywhere’ from here. And I think it’s true,” Tim said. “Whatever I needed, the staff was there and always encouraging me.”

Tim started at TCC in 2014 and took most of his classes in-person before the pandemic. He successfully transitioned to remote learning with the support of faculty and staff, not missing a single assignment during the pandemic.

Tim in his favorite spot on campus with staffer Chuck Thomas.

Tim is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year schools. He is also active in Breakaway Bible study on Chesapeake Campus. His favorite spot on Portsmouth Campus is the Student Center where he connects with staffers including Chuck Thomas and Dean Jenefer Snyder who are his personal cheerleaders.

Tim received accommodations from Disability Services that aided his success including more time for writing and testing. Lenore credits the testing center with helping Tim overcome any barrier and sends a special shout out to the staff for their part in Tim’s success.

“It will be a sweet moment walking the stage at graduation, and I’m extremely proud,” Lenore said. “I guided Tim along the way, but this success is all his. Without his determination, we would not be here now.”

Tim will return to TCC in the spring to start another degree. This one in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design. His goal is to become a CAD professional for a government agency or a local shipyard.

TCC selected for New America New Models for Career Preparation initiative

Tidewater Community College was selected to participate in the second cohort of the New America New Models for Career Preparation initiative. TCC is one of six colleges selected nationally for the program.

Supported by the Lumina Foundation, the New America New Models for Career Preparation aims to better understand how community colleges – with the support of public policy – can build quality, non-degree programs. The initiative was launched to develop new career preparation models that offer faster, more affordable and equitable employer-aligned pathways for non-degree pursuing students to find their way into high-quality jobs.

At TCC, the $50,000 grant will evaluate ways to expand the Job Skills Training Program (JSTP) and pre-hire programs with additional industries. JSTP is a comprehensive approach to job skills training and placement for those wanting to enhance their employability, change careers, or are unemployed or underemployed. With the help of regional partners, successful participants receive resources, soft skills training, industry credentials and a direct-hire pipeline.

“The New America Grant through Lumina will greatly support our efforts to provide workforce solutions to our community that will benefit our students and regional employers,” said Tamara Williams, TCC’s Vice President for Workforce Solutions. “We are grateful for the funding and opportunity to be part of this second cohort as we know it will help with the economic growth in our region.”

TCC joins County College of Morris in New Jersey, Des Moines Area Community College in Iowa, Lone Star College in Texas, Mott Community College in Michigan and Sacramento City College in California for the second cohort of the New America New Models cohort.

For information about workforce training and this initiative, contact Williams at twilliams@tcc.edu.

TCC has resources to help students achieve their goals

Tidewater Community College’s recent advertising campaign features the tagline, “We’re Here to Help.” And it’s true! TCC has resources to help you succeed in school.

Spring Semester is just a few weeks away with classes starting on Jan. 10. Now is the time to get ready for your next steps in school. The college offers help with internet access, free computers, tuition assistance, emergency financial help and food. Here’s what you need to know.

Cox Cable discounts for students
Thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the college is able to offset the cost of internet service for students who qualify. TCC is working with Cox Cable to offer discounted internet service for students. To request service use this link.

Computers for school
TCC’s Computer Club makes personal computers available through its Computers for Student Success program. Visit here for more information and details on how to apply.

Wi-Fi available on campus
If you are equipped with a Wi-Fi enabled portable device, you may access TCC’s network in the following campus locations. Spaces are marked “TCC Student Wi-Fi Parking.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Chesapeake Campus: Parking lot next to the Pass Building. You may park in handicapped spaces. Of the four campuses, this area has the strongest external Wi-Fi signal.
Norfolk Campus: On Granby Street in front of the Walker Building and on College Place across from the Green District Administration Building. Note that these are metered spaces with the first hour free.
Portsmouth Campus: On Freedom Avenue alongside the B Building
Virginia Beach Campus: Driveway in front of the Regional Health Professions Center. You may park in the handicapped spaces.

Emergency Assistance
Student Emergency Assistance is available to help students with temporary, short-term financial needs that may hinder their education. Consideration is given to students that have experienced financial hardship due to an unforeseen emergency. Funds can be used to bridge the gap when students receive less financial aid than needed for school costs and emergency living expenses.

Meals, fresh foods and pantry staples
Tidewater Community College and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore have partnered to offer The Community Feed at TCC. Through the program, students can receive meals and fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as pantry items for their families. First-time participants must register via the online enrollment form, and upon completion, utilize the online scheduling tool to select a time to pick up pre-packaged meal kits to prepare nutritious meals at home. Online reservations for pick-up are highly encouraged.

Care Teams provide support
The CARE Team at TCC is focused on caring, prevention and early intervention for students experiencing serious distress. Help is available if you need it by using this form.

TCC’s Student Resource and Empowerment Center (SREC), is a Single Stop site that connects students with a variety of free and comprehensive social services and financial resources to help them stay focused on their academic goals. This SREC includes case managers on every campus. In addition, the SREC collaborates with campus and community partners to deliver educational programs and services that holistically empower students in their personal, academic and professional success. Reach out to the SREC online for assistance.

TCC named one of the best Nursing programs in Virginia

Tidewater Community College was recognized by Nursing School Almanac as a top nursing school in Virginia.

TCC’s Nursing program is a “Best Associate Degree in Nursing” and ranked 11 out of 37 two-year degree programs in Virginia.

The ranking was largely based on the first-time pass rate for students taking the state licensing exam, which is the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). This ranking is based on data from 2011-2020.

The first-time pass rate for TCC students for 2020 was 94 percent. For the ranking period of 2011-2020, it was 89 percent. Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they begin practicing nursing.

TCC’s nursing program is known for its state-of-the-art classrooms, small class sizes, simulation labs and highly-trained faculty. The program is offered at the college’s Portsmouth Campus and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Every year, TCC prepares close to 100 students to become nurses in area hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices.

For more information about the Nursing program at TCC, email Rita Bouchard, dean of nursing, at rbouchard@tcc.edu.

TCC alumna Winsome Sears elected as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor

Tidewater Community College alumna Winsome E. Sears is Virginia’s newly elected Lieutenant Governor.

Sears is the first woman and first woman of color to serve the Commonwealth in this position. During her acceptance speech, she said, “What you’re looking at is the American dream.”

She continued by saying, “What we are going to do now is be about the business of the Commonwealth. We have things to tend to. We are going to fully fund our historically Black colleges and universities. We’re going to have safer neighborhoods, safer communities, and our children are going to get a good education.”

Sears earned an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from TCC in 1992 and went on to earn a bachelor’s in English from Old Dominion University and a master’s in organizational leadership from Regent University.

A mother and wife, Sears is also proud to have served in the United States Marines. She also served in the Virginia House of Delegates, has been the vice president of the Virginia State Board of Education and received presidential appointments to the US Census Bureau and the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Sears also built a successful business as a trained electrician and understands the importance of helping small businesses thrive. She is most proud of her community work leading a men’s prison ministry and as director of a women’s homeless shelter for The Salvation Army.

Sears joins two other Republicans who won statewide office: Glenn Youngkin will be Virginia’s next governor, and Jason Miyares will serve as attorney general.

TCC named to Newsweek’s “America’s Top Online Colleges” listing

Tidewater Community College was named one of “America’s Top Online Colleges” by Newsweek and Statista.

TCC is the only community college in Virginia recognized and one of 150 colleges and universities named nationwide.

With the increase in online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the first time Newsweek and Statista have recognized colleges and universities providing online learning for adult learners.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, as of 2019, the latest year for which figures are available, 79 percent of U.S. colleges offered either standalone courses or entire degree programs online. That figure included about 96 percent of all public two and four-year colleges. By one recent estimate, the number of students enrolled exclusively in online programs had jumped 93 percent from 2019 to 2020.

Ranking for “America’s Top Online Colleges” was based on an online survey among U.S. residents who have used online learning services to obtain an academic degree or acquire knowledge and skills for their job (professional development) or hobbies (personal development).

Between July 26 and September 13, 2021, Statista surveyed more than 9,000 individuals in the United States. Survey respondents indicated which institutions they used to obtain an online degree or where they attended an online course. In the next step, respondents shared their experiences by rating the institutions through specific criteria. Finally, respondents could indicate how satisfied they were with the organization and to what extent they would recommend it to others.

To learn more about TCC’s online programs, visit here. To get started at TCC, contact the Virtual Student Support Team by emailing enroll@tcc.edu or calling 757-822-1111.

TCC to hold December graduation exercise in person at Chartway Arena

For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Tidewater Community College will hold its commencement exercises in person.
Current Fall Semester graduates and students who graduated in 2020 are invited to participate.

Del. Jay Jones is the keynote speaker for TCC’s 73rd Commencement Exercises to be held on Monday, Dec. 20, at Chartway Arena. Commencement, which begins at 6 p.m., will be streamed live at tcc.edu/commencement.

Jones was elected to the House of Delegates in 2017 to represent the 89th District. During his tenure, Jones fought to expand Medicaid, increase the minimum wage and give teachers a raise. He also gave voice to progressive energy and environmental policies that improve the lives of all Virginians while preserving air, water and land.

Jones also championed legislation known as the “Ashanti Alert,” a bill to establish a missing person alert for adults in the Commonwealth. This legislation was used as the model for a bill that eventually became federal law. In addition, he sponsored legislation to deconcentrate poverty in urban communities, achieve a fair regulatory scheme for our public utilities and create an earned income tax credit in Virginia.

The descendant of slaves, Jones’ family has been in Norfolk since the early 20th century. His grandfather, Hilary H. Jones, Sr., was a pioneering Civil Rights attorney in Norfolk and became the first Black member of the Norfolk School Board. In 1969, he was appointed to the State Board of Education, the first Black to be named to the board in the history of Virginia.

Jones’ father, Jerrauld C. Jones, is one of the few Virginians to serve in all three branches of state government. He was a member of the General Assembly from 1988 – 2002, served as Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice under Gov. Mark Warner and is now a Circuit Court judge.

Like his forebearers before him, Jones is dedicated to ensuring his community and the Commonwealth embrace everyone, no matter who they are, where they come from or what they look like. He currently practices law in Norfolk with Protogyrou Law, PLC.

The college expects more than 1,000 students to participate in Commencement to have degrees or certificates conferred by TCC President Marcia Conston. To learn more about graduation and to sign up visit here.

Meet two military students who are part of the TCC family

This Veterans Day and every day, we honor our military service men and women and their families who have stepped forward to serve, no matter the circumstances. Their dedicated service is invaluable, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Thank you, vets!

Mohammed Aljuboor and Obmarie Rodriguez are among the thousands of active-duty military members who are part of the TCC family. Here are their stories.

Mohammed Aljuboor has two years of active service in the Navy. He works in Port Operations assisting arriving ships coming into port after deployments. Mohammed is pursuing an associate degree in cybersecurity, with the goal of becoming a network systems administrator.

Mohammed decided to go to TCC because the staff work to ensure active-duty service members can attend college and achieve their educational goals in spite of their unpredictable work schedules.

Mohammed moved to the US from Iraq and experienced some hard times during the transition. Those hard times helped build Mohammed’s character and made him believe failure is part of building success.

Thriving professionally and academically, Mohammed hopes to earn multiple degrees before leaving active duty and to motivate his shipmates to advance and grow in life.

Obmarie Rodriguez is an Aegis Fire Controlman with six years of service in the Navy. She decided to pursue her general studies associate degree at TCC in order to live out her motto, “Vincit Qui Se Vincit,” which means “He conquers who conquers himself.”

Her family instilled this motto in her as they moved to the mainland U.S. from Puerto Rico without financial stability and were unable to speak English. But they had dreams and goals.

Her mother was the first in the family to go to college and Obmarie was the first to join the military. Obmarie has set her sights on becoming a Limited Duty Officer or Chief Warrant Officer by the end of her time in the Navy. She encourages others to push themselves, conquer themselves and conquer those things around you that inhibit your growth.

TCC welcomes close to 8,000 veterans and military-related students on its campuses. In fact, one-third of TCC’s student body are veterans and their families. To find out more about TCC and its program and services for veterans, email enroll@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

TCC honors military veterans on Veterans Day

Logan Campbell is one of the thousands of students who came to Tidewater Community College to train for a new career after serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Campbell, 32, spent a decade in the U.S. Army as a veterinarian technician caring for military working dogs, horses and other animals. He is pursuing a General Studies degree to prepare to enter the college’s Radiography program.

“When I was looking for schools, I could have chosen any college up and down the Eastern seaboard. I selected TCC because of the high pass rates for radiography grads,” he said.

Campbell’s transition to college life was eased by support from TCC’s Center for Military and Veterans Education where staff helped him navigate veterans’ services and apply for the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Campbell checking the vitals of a military working dog during a field exercise in Texas.

His decade-long work in the Army began at Lackland Air Force in Texas where all military working dogs are trained. He continued at Fort Carson in Colorado caring for more dogs, horses and even some Falcons that are mascots of the Air Force Academy.

“I loved my career in the Army and enjoyed patient care with our animals. From critical care work to surgery, there was always something new to learn,” he said.

Campbell’s last mission was a joint humanitarian tour with the U.S. Navy, followed by an assignment as the senior vet tech on the veterinary surgical team in Seoul, South Korea.

When he returned to the states, he left the military and was working as a vet tech at Tufts University. He got moved to diagnostic imaging and was supervising radiography techs when he discovered that his skill set could lead him to a new career.

“From the start, I found a passion for imaging and with the competitive pay, it was a no-brainer to make the switch,” he said.

While at TCC Campbell has maintained a 3.87 GPA and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year schools. He is also involved with the Student Veterans of America chapter at TCC. “There is very much a culture shock coming out of the military and being a civilian again. Having a network of people to talk with and support you has made a big difference for me,” he said.

Campbell added that returning to the classroom in his 30s has gone more smoothly than he imagined. “I’ve been well supported on my journey,” Campbell said. “My professors put out a lot of information each class and prepare us well for exams.”

Fen has traveled with Campbell for most of his military career

In his free time Campbell spends time with his girlfriend Lexi and their rescue animals including a Belgian Malinois, a military working dog reject turned family pet, as well as four cats, a couple of snakes and a parrot.

Students receive support to stay on track at TCC

Tidewater Community College’s recent advertising campaign features the tagline, “We’re Here to Help.” And it’s true! TCC has helped thousands of students with internet access, free laptops, tuition assistance and emergency financial help.

By the numbers

Help came in many forms including:

A total of 1,029 students received internet access support.
More than 1,400 first-time college students and others received a free laptop.
A total of 3,589 students were helped with tuition assistance.
Emergency financial assistance was given to 115 students, providing help with critical needs.

Here’s what students are saying

Roschone Anderson-Felton was homeless and in need of food. TCC helped her with rent, utilities and connected her with the Community Feed at TCC for needed meals, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. She also received a free laptop and internet access through a program with Cox Cable.

“I went from having my own apartment to sleeping in my car or at other people’s homes. I washed up in McDonald’s. If I had not had TCC in my corner, I would not be anywhere near where I am. I have grown tremendously through the blessing of TCC. TCC is not just a school. It’s my family. I have a support network here – everyone from Dean Chestnut to the people of Open Door and the financial aid team.”

Anderson-Felton is well on her way to earning a human services degree. She has a job at the City of Chesapeake Department of Human Services. She also has a new apartment.

Christopher Petrice is at work on his Information Systems Technology degree thanks to a scholarship from TCC. He also received a free laptop.

“The people in Open Door Project have put me on the road to a better future. They’ve been there to lend support every step of the way. If I’m stressed, they listen and provide strategies to help me balance school and work,” he said. “Also, the free laptop has been a lifesaver as I can plan out my studies better not having to go to the computer lab during the limited hours I’m not at work.”

Susan Brown-Clukey is a bus driver for a local school district. When her husband faced medical challenges that put him out of work, Brown-Clukey went back to school to pursue a higher-paying career. The mom of six is now at work on her associate degree in cyber security. She is using the G-3 scholarship which means, “Get a skill. Get a job. Get ahead.”

She also received a laptop and a hotspot and encouragement from the Student Resource and Empowerment Center (SREC). “I can now do school in between my runs, right on the bus. I don’t have to worry about a Zoom being dropped or losing what I’m working on when the internet goes out. I really appreciate the people at the SREC that helped keep me going. My son is also a TCC student and together we are going to finish TCC and from here go anywhere!”

More information about The Community Feed at TCC is available at www.FoodbankOnline.org/TheCommunityFeed. Additional information about the Student Resource and Empowerment Center is available by emailing Melvilyn Scott at mlscott@tcc.edu.

Respiratory therapy student lands full-time position with generous signing bonus

Paulette Chevalier spent two decades in the insurance business before pursuing a medical career as a respiratory therapist.

“I wanted to get out of the cubicle and into patient care. I felt like this was my higher calling,” Chevalier said.

Chevalier started with an anatomy and physiology class at Tidewater Community College and is now close to completing an associate degree in Respiratory Therapy. She says the college had an array of resources that made it easy to succeed. “As a seasoned student, I appreciated the library staff, tutoring and the support of my professors,” she said.

Chevalier was recently offered a full-time position at Riverside Hospital with a $20,000 signing bonus. Once she earns her associate degree in May 2022, she will be working in a field she loves. “I walked away from a great career because I knew this was my passion,” she said.

Chevalier at the Regional Health Professions Center.

Chevalier began taking classes before the pandemic and had to adjust to learning online. She is grateful to be back in the high-simulation lab for hands-on training. “Being able to put my hands on the equipment and work with simulated patients has been so beneficial. It’s been the key to learning lifesaving treatments.”

The Respiratory Therapy program includes clinical rotations in area hospitals interspersed with classroom and lab work. “We do a lot of critical thinking in class, and seeing the work done in the field really helps solidify the concepts,” she said.

Chevalier is working on her required clinical rotation hours at Lake Taylor hospital and has also done clinicals at Sentara, Bon Secours and Riverside hospitals.

Chevalier says that she chose TCC because her husband, Akil Chevalier, is an alum of the college. He earned an information technology associate degree before moving on for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in IT.

“I really never considered going anywhere else. I knew TCC was affordable and I’d get a quality education,” the mom of two added.

She continued by adding, “I can’t say enough good things about respiratory therapy as a career. We’re trained to make independent decisions about patient care while working as part of the critical care team. If you are looking to provide patient care, but want to master a speciality, respiratory therapy is the way to go.”

To learn more about the Respiratory Therapy program, prospective students are invited to Open House, which is held on the third Thursday of each month (except December) at 3 p.m. in the Regional Health Professions building on the Virginia Beach Campus. Email Program Director Denise Bieszczad at dbieszczad@email.vccs.edu for more information.

TCC Theatre presents ShakesFeare in the Grave “The Tragedy of Macbeth”

Tidewater Community College Theatre department presents ShakesFeare in the Grave “The Tragedy of Macbeth” on Friday, Nov. 5 and Saturday, November 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road.

The play is a condensed, one-hour, production and will take place on the Black Box Theater patio, outside the Chesapeake Academic Building, weather permitting.

The play begins with a Scottish lord, Macbeth, becoming convinced by a trio of witches that he will become the next king of Scotland. His ambitious wife supports his plans of seizing power. Macbeth kills the king and becomes the new king and kills more people out of paranoia. The result is a civil war erupting to overthrow Macbeth.

Guests are invited to enjoy open seating on a first-come, first-serve basis. The show is “pay what you can” and everyone is welcome. For more information, email Matt Gorris, assistant professor of Theatre at mgorris@tcc.edu.

Ten things to know about TCC’s Respiratory Therapy program

Tidewater Community College is on the front lines of training today’s respiratory therapists. TCC students learn in a state-of-the-art high-fidelity simulation laboratory enabling them to develop problem-solving skills with immediate feedback from faculty. Here are ten reasons why this may be the career for you.

Jennifer Briggs, Director of Clinical Education, with students Kia Stankowski and Krystal Hartman.
Kimberly Spear and Corey Minnick manually breathe for a “patient.”
Students Randy Kelton, Kia Stankowski and Justine Moutchou intubate a “patient” during a lab.

Tidewater Community College’s Respiratory Therapy program is a recipient of the 2021 Registered Respiratory Therapy Distinguished Credentialing Success Award. TCC’s program is one of eight in the nation to receive this distinction from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) for eight consecutive years.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of TCC’s graduates in Respiratory Therapy and other health care fields. The college continues to provide critical training for front line health care workers.
The pass rate for students taking the Respiratory Therapy credentialing exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is 100%.
Most TCC graduates have jobs before graduating with some even receiving lucrative sign-on bonuses.
The Respiratory Therapy program is offered at TCC’s Regional Health Professions building on the Virginia Beach Campus. The state-of-the-art facility offers a high-fidelity simulation laboratory that allows faculty to provide students with the most authentic educational experience.
The college even has its own ventilators to train students on how to provide lifesaving support when needed.
TCC offers the only Respiratory Therapy associate degree program in Hampton Roads.
The college also partners with all major area health care providers to offer clinical rotations for students. Because of this exposure, students work alongside respiratory care practitioners developing health care plans and evaluating therapies using critical thinking. They see firsthand the real-world benefits of working as a team to solve life-threatening clinical problems daily.
The main skills students learn are therapies to enhance ventilation and oxygenation of the body. Therapists can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and diagnostic laboratories.
Prospective students can learn more about the program at https://www.tcc.edu/programs/respiratory-therapy/ or by attending an open house, which is held on the third Thursday of each month (except December) at 3 p.m. in the Regional Health Professions building on the Virginia Beach Campus. Email Program Director Denise Bieszczad at dbieszczad@email.vccs.edu for more information.

Join TCC in honoring our front-line health care workers during Respiratory Care Week, Oct. 24-30. For more than 18 months, respiratory therapists have been on the front lines more than usual. COVID-19 has forced respiratory therapists into new territory like never before. So many have worked countless hours away from their loved ones, risked their personal health and the health of their families, traveled across the United States to assist in COVID-19 surge cities, and so much more.

TCC invites the community to Family Movie Night at Chesapeake Campus, Nov. 12

Tidewater Community College invites the community to Family Movie Night on Nov. 12 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road. All activities will be held at the outdoor Grove stage area behind the George C. Pass building.

This outdoor family fun night will feature carnival games, concessions, face painting, photo booth, music and more.

The family fun continues with an outdoor showing of the movie “Space Jam: A New Legacy” at 7:30 p.m. on the Grove stage. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Insect repellent is also recommended.

The event is free and everyone is welcome. For more information, email Sara Hair at shair@tcc.edu.

Respiratory therapy grad on the frontlines

“Bring it on!”

Taylor Moneypenny never imagined starting her career as a respiratory therapist during a pandemic caused by a virus that affects the respiratory system.

But after a circuitous route, the Chesapeake resident, who graduated from Tidewater Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy in May 2020, will start her job at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD) confident and prepared.

“I signed up to do this, and I’m ready,” said the honors graduate.

Taylor Moneypenny explains how a pig lung is similar to a human lung to Gov. Ralph Northam during his visit to the Regional Health Professions Center in February.

Respiratory therapists evaluate and monitor the heart and lung functions of patients, helping them breathe better. They often treat premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed, teens struggling with asthma or elderly patients battling lung diseases.

But right now, their primary focus is on helping people recover after contacting COVID-19.

It’s not a field that Moneypenny, a 2014 graduate of Hickory High, initially considered. She prepared for a career in therapeutic recreation by working toward a bachelor’s degree at Old Dominion University when a couple of factors converged.

An internship at Norfolk General gave her a window into respiratory therapy, as did watching her grandmother, diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, receive treatment from a respiratory therapist who graduated from TCC.

“I decided to pursue a career in respiratory therapy after seeing how much respiratory therapists impact their patients’ lives and wellbeing,” said Moneypenny, 23, who is also president of the college’s respiratory therapy club.

The classes were a grind in the competitive program, but a tireless work ethic and support of peers helped her balance the heavy load. She credits program head Denise Bieszczad with making the content relatable. The program boasts a 100 percent pass rate on the credentialing exam.

“When I take practice tests, I’m so well prepared,” Moneypenny said. “Without Denise, we wouldn’t be where we are.”

Clinical rotations at Riverside Regional, CHKD, Sentara Virginia Beach General, Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital, Sentara Leigh and Sentara Norfolk General provided real-world experience. Moneypenny spent this semester working as a student aide at CHKD, and she’ll be ready to start in the field initially in a shadowing role until she can take the national exam.

One day she plans to work toward a master’s, but for now, she looks forward to what she calls the best part of the job. Contributing to a patient turning the corner back toward a healthy life, she said, is gratifying.

“You have to have a heart for helping people,” she said. “It’s not an option to say no; you have to be able to help others. You have to be caring. If you don’t have that attitude, this field is not for you.”

Criminal Justice program changes coming soon

How do you influence needed change?

One person at a time.

That’s what inspired Tidewater Community College Professor Antonio Passaro, Ph.D., to suggest improvements to the Criminal Justice programs in Virginia’s Community Colleges, following the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.

“That incident sparked a passion in me to do something to change the curriculum. We’re training women and men for every police department in the Commonwealth and we have a civic and moral responsibility to reimagine how we train officers of the future,” Passaro said.

TCC Criminal Justice students with Professor Antonio Passaro. — Passaro with Criminal Justice students before the start of the pandemic.

As department chair of TCC’s Criminal Justice program with more than 16 years in law enforcement, Passaro was invited to participate in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Law Enforcement Review Panel that launched in June 2020.

“As we were looking at things happening around our nation, it was clear that the communities we serve had a broken relationship with law enforcement, and we could do something to change that,” he said.

Passaro’s idea included a three-prong approach that included adding two required, three-credit courses to the curriculum – one in Community Policing and the other a Multicultural class. He also suggested a universal name change to Criminal Justice for all related programs in the VCCS.

Passaro was named chair of the VCCS Law Enforcement Curriculum Committee in Jan 2021 and worked with colleagues to develop the new courses.

“Community policing is an art. The idea is to get more police officers out of their patrol cars and involved in the community. Having conversations with citizens. Showing it’s not us against them, but a united effort. Making way to better community engagement and transparency,” he said.

In addition, according to Passaro, the Multicultural class is designed to engage students in a way that sparks “compassionate curiosity about the lived experiences and perspectives of other people.”

“Every student in our programs will have increased cultural competency. We have to ensure we are doing the right thing by all people,” Passaro said. “Police need to treat every citizen with dignity and respect and citizens have to respect law enforcement officers.”

Passaro is now co-chair of the Criminal Justice Community Partnership (CJCP), launched in June 2021 by the VCCS.

The CJCP is bringing together community organizations, criminal justice training academies, law enforcement leaders, and Criminal Justice faculty to engage in meaningful conversations focused on the identification and examination of emerging trends, best practices and opportunities.

In addition, the CJCP is taking the final steps before the new courses and name change will be adopted by the VCCS. The group is collecting input from college advisory boards and committees. They are also ironing out the logistics of how the new courses will fit into certificate and degree programs.

The group hopes to have the changes in place by Fall Semester 2022.

“Moving forward we’re making sure the students who complete the Criminal Justice program have extra tools in the toolbox and are well equipped to protect and serve their communities,” Passaro said. “I’m very proud of the work we’ve done together to impact change in virtually every city in Virginia.”