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Sampson Community College associate degree nursing instructor Veronica Stevens has been selected to participate in the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Faculty Fellowship Program.

The program, which is sponsored by the N.C. State University Institute for Emerging Issues, was implemented in order to provide college faculty around the state diverse opportunities and resources to meet the ever-changing challenges in education.

Only six educators were awarded this honor, and three of the six came from the North Carolina Community College System. The other three recipients comprised of faculty from the University of North Carolina system and private universities. Stevens, who has taught at SCC for 16 years, is truly deserving of this honor, says Wanda Capps, division chair of health programs at SCC. “She is truly a vital asset to our students, and being chosen to participate in such a prestigious program on the state level is evidence of her effective role in education.”

The applicants were judged on four criteria that comprised of creativity, virtual community building, K-12 education curriculum and delivery, and healthcare expertise. Stevens, who is said to excel in all areas, says she feels privileged to be part of such a prestigious group and says she's also prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

“The program will teach us to play valuable roles in informed decision-making that will help us train graduates that will be viable in today's workforce and also furnish our industries with graduates that have cutting edge skills,” Stevens said.

As part of the fellowship program, Stevens will undertake a variety of activities that range from speaking engagements, media/communications training, participation in Emerging Issues Forums and activities designed to enhance the impact of her work. However, Stevens, says despite the hard work she is excited that she will remain close to home throughout her fellowship. “While travel will be required at times, the fellowship allows us to remain at our home institutions.”

The 12-month fellowship will begin Jan. 1, 2010, and Stevens says she is eager to represent SCC because of the support and encouragement she has already received.

“Dr. Bill Aiken, SCC president, Mrs. Miller, vice president of Academic Affairs and Wanda Capps, were instrumental in the application process and their ongoing support of my professional development is key to this endeavor,” Stevens attested.