HCC FACULTY CHOSEN AS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Halifax Community College History Instructor Shaun A. Stokes, right, has been named the 2007 National Council on Black American Affairs’ North Carolina State Chapter Teacher of the Year. Pictured with Stokes is HCC President, Dr. Ervin V. Griffin, Sr.

Halifax Community College (HCC) History Instructor/Department Chair Shaun A. Stokes has been named the 2007 National Council on Black American Affairs’ North Carolina State Chapter Teacher of the Year recently. Stokes has taught on the collegiate level for the past seven years.

A graduate of Norfolk State University, Stokes holds a bachelor’s degree in history. He earned a master’s in history from North Carolina Central University.

HCC President, Dr. Ervin V. Griffin, Sr. nominated Stokes for the honor. Griffin said, “Professor Stokes is a young and dynamic professor of history, who by his very presence serves as a role model for all students… He is a successful African American male who thrives in the academy and contributes mightily to the teaching and learning process at HCC.”

Stokes has served as a father figure, friend, counselor, advisor and a positive role model for many students. “I feel that it is my passion to reach students, and proverbially stretch their minds to think beyond their past and present limitations. My passion for teaching and learning leads me to continually encourage students to go a step further and maximize their fullest potential while maintaining a down-to-earth personality,” said Stokes.

Involved in mentoring African American students, Stokes has participated in the “Go To High School, Go to College” program, which steers young African American males from the streets to scholarship. He currently serves as president and board member of the Men of Distinction male mentoring group at HCC and has served as host for student activities such as Constitution Day and the Black History Month Celebration. He also serves as faculty advisor for Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.