As the spring semester at Paul D. Camp Community College gets well under way, various activities are also in full swing.

Now that the General Assembly is in session, for example, representatives from each of the community colleges in the Virginia Community College System visit with their jurisdiction’s legislators in their offices in Richmond as part of “Every Day is Community College Day,” initiated by Dr. Glen DuBois, VCCS Chancellor. This week, PDCCC representatives, including students and local business persons, visited with Delegate William Barlow and Sens. Louise Lucas and Fred Quayle — and were introduced in the Senate Gallery by Lucas. In February, another group will visit with Delegates Chris Jones, Roslyn Tyler and Lionell Spruill — and college and business representatives will attend the Virginia Community College System Legislative Reception at the Library of Virginia.

February Author Event

On Feb. 9, the college is proud to host local author and farmer Rex Alphin in the Technology Theater at PDCCC’s Regional Workforce Development Center, beginning at 7 p.m. At that time, he will read excerpts from his recently published book of essays, titled “The Nature of Things: Stories from the Land” and talk about his writing. He will also entertain audience questions and be available afterwards for book signings. Books can be purchased at the event.

Alphin has been a weekly columnist for The Tidewater News since 2006 — contributing richly worded essays about the land that are now collectively featured in his new book.

He works 1,000 acres of peanuts, corn, cotton and soybeans on Sunset View Farm in Isle of Wight, which his grandfather purchased in the ’30s.

Excellence in Education Award

A vehicle for celebration of individual achievement, PDCCC’s Excellence in Education Award annually recognizes a college employee who has made significant contributions over the past 12 months and shown commitment to the philosophy of the comprehensive community college, to Paul D. Camp and to the communities it serves. All faculty, staff, and administrators are eligible for consideration, with the exception of the president, who appoints a selection committee that represents faculty, staff and administration from both college campuses.

2009 Recipient

The recipient of PDCCC’s 2009 Excellence in Education Award is Renee Felts, professor of information systems technology. She will be recognized during graduation exercises this spring and at a national conference that celebrates teaching and leadership excellence.

A faculty member since 2001, Felts has donated many hours to the college at both the state and local levels and served as a mentor to many students in her online and face-to-face classes. She is an expert in her field and is willing to share that knowledge with others. Following are descriptions of why she was chosen:

Local and State Involvement

Serving as president of the PDCCC Faculty Association since 2008, Felts has initiated professional development opportunities during the association’s meetings and provided networking opportunities for the faculty in her home. During the college’s reaccreditation process, she served on the Quality Enhancement Plan Committee, affecting all college employees and students as she shared her expertise and distance learning experience, and helped faculty align their Blackboard courses with “Quality Matters” standards.

This past year, Felts also provided technology workshops for two Adjunct Academy meetings and mentored adjuncts. She attends Information Systems Technology state peer group meetings twice a year and the Virginia Community College System’s New Horizon’s annually. She serves as the IST lead for the college at state meetings and is in the second half of the PhD program in higher education leadership at North Central University.

Professor Felts currently serves on three committees for the Virginia Community College System: the Professional Development Committee, the Technology Council Committee and the Chancellor’s Faculty Advisory Committee.

According to the Selection Committee, “Professor Felts is an energetic and caring person, who is involved in her church and community. She represents the college well and is deserving of this award.”

For information on the options available at Paul D. Camp Community College, call 569-6700, or visit our Web site at www.pdc.edu.