Alum, staff member helps students succeed

Doris Garner is the Associate Bookstore Manager. Completing her Associate in Applied Science Degree in Office Systems Technology as a part-time student in 2007, she came to the college as a student and enjoyed it so much that she wanted to work here. She was offered a part-time job, which eventually turned into a full-time position. She has been the manager in the bookstore for a few years now and plans to work in that capacity in the future. She would also like to open a desktop publishing business.

She received the Part-time Employee of the Year in 1995 at the Faculty and Staff Awards Banquet, and has been a member of Phi Beta Lambda and Phi Theta Kappa. “I always wanted to go back to school and get my degree after graduating from high school. After my children reached adulthood, I just decided to go back,” said Garner.

Although it was sometimes difficult, she feels that going back to school was worth it. “I love the challenge. I would do it over again and right here at HCC,” she said. Garner encouraged anyone who is thinking about going back to school to try it. “Once you try it, you’ll get hooked.”
 

“Having that support was a great help to me. It wasn’t easy, but it could have been much harder.”

Sherry Agee, the full-time Administrative Assistant for the HCC Foundation, Inc. and Institutional Advancement, attended HCC full-time and graduated with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Business Administration in 2007. She plans to complete her bachelor’s degree and is currently enrolled at East Carolina University.

A member of Grace Baptist Church, Agee came to the area when her husband accepted the pastorate at the church. Since she had office experience, she applied to work and was offered a position. Agee had always dreamed of finishing her degree and with much support, she enrolled. “Having that support was a great help to me. It wasn’t easy, but it could have been much harder,” she said. Agee credits her faith in God and the support of her family and friends in helping her accomplish this goal.

Agee has received several awards and honors as a student and employee at HCC. This year, she was selected as the Staff Person of the Year. Among other honors, she was the Alpha Eta Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa president for 2007-08, and was selected to attend the Student Leadership Institute, also in 2007.