Wilson Community College currently has 31 curriculum degree programs. And each of these programs has an Advisory Committee that helps ensure the programs we offer meet the needs of our local and regional workforce. Not only do advisory committees support our workforce, but they also support students who are seeking to transfer to a four-year college or university.
Advisory Committees provide information, advice, and assistance with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs. Members serve based on their skills and expertise as they relate to our programs. Providing counsel and advice, these members enable the College to meet business and industry needs and maintain relevant programming.
Preparing a qualified workforce through training and education is our mission and advisory committee work is crucial to the success of our programs and our students. Advisory Committees consist of faculty, graduates, business and industry members, and workforce stakeholders and are selected based on their qualifications, knowledge, expertise, and experience in the program area in which they serve.
Louis Sparks Jr, a member of the Paralegal Technology Advisory Committee and recent WCC graduate, said, “I feel it is an honor to serve on the Advisory Committee to Paralegal Technology in a sense that I am able not only listen to issues being discussed but have a voice that is heard in the development of the program from Wilson Community College. Being a former student and now working as a paralegal in Wilson, I believe it is one of many ways of giving back to the Paralegal Technology program and the College.”
Advisory Committees advise the College on which curricula and courses to offer by assessing labor market needs and trends. From these assessments, the committees help identify the knowledge and skills graduates need to meet the job requirements. They also analyze course content and objectives to determine that each course contributes to the development of a competent graduate.
Alice Freeman, Adjunct Instructor, and retired educator, said, “It is a great pleasure to serve on the Early Childhood Advisory Board to offer recommendations and guidance to enhance the Early Childhood Program. The program improves the quality for all involved, students at WCC, children, parents, early childhood professionals, and the community. Early childhood education is dear to my heart.”
In addition to assessing program needs, committees assist the College in our program review and evaluation process. Feedback is provided by members on the quality of graduates as employees; changes in job requirements that impact curriculum; new types of equipment being used in industry; new processes, all of which may necessitate changes in instructional programs to meet changing employment requirements. Given their business perspective, Advisory Committee members can provide valuable assistance in designing or remodeling instructional or training facilities.
Jill Hilliard, Associate Director of Transfer Admissions at Barton College, said, “As a member of the WCC College Transfer Advisory Committee, we share and collaborate information together as a group to ensure all efforts are being put forth to assist our students on all levels. Our goal is to make sure that our students are getting the preparation, skills, and resources they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond. We are members who work together for the greater good of our students’ success and our community.”
Advisory Committee members also play an active role in the training of students by serving as guest lecturers, substituting or working as part-time instructors, and providing tours of their facilities. And we work with committee members to establish internships or apprenticeships for students in our programs. Even more, Advisory Committee members often employ our graduates in their businesses or industries.
Sara Juarez, Program Director, Translation and Interpretation Programs at Durham Technical Community College, shared, “I bring 19 years of experience in the North Carolina Community College System. My involvement in national and state-level interpreting organizations enables me to share updates on professional trends and anticipate the instructional and workplace needs of our Community Spanish Interpreting students. I strive to support my colleagues to the best of my ability so that we can better serve all of our students in acquiring the skills necessary to achieve a livable wage and experience economic and social mobility.”
Want to get involved in your community college? We are always looking for community stakeholders to participate and serve on our Advisory Committees. If you’re interested, contact Lois McNeal at lmcneal@wilsoncc.edu. And for more information about any of our programs, visit the Academics page. #WilsonCC We make Wilson work.
What’s Happening
- January 27 – Allied Health Career Fair
- February 8 – New Student Orientation and Nursing Information Session
- February 10 – SGA Black History Month Event