People attending this year’s Hire Ed conference took time to honor colleagues who have made outstanding contributions to the world of workforce and career education. Setting the tone for this year’s Awards Banquet, VCCS Chancellor David Doré said, “In my view, this awards event is more than just a highlight of the Hire Education Conference. I believe it is essential to recognize the extraordinary work that our colleagues are doing and the partnerships they have formed…all in the service to the people and employers of Virginia.”
Pence
Individuals and organizations who have gone “the extra mile” were recognized through a series of awards on the evening of December 6. In addition to trophies, for the recipients, the awards meant prize money for their colleges.
For his pioneering work developing systems that have connected students and multiple programs statewide, Laurel Ridge Operations Director Bill Pence received the evening’s highest honor, the Expanding Opportunities Award. Pence was praised for having “an exceptional heart for serving our customers, the students, and removing all barriers and obstacles impeding prospective students from engaging with the community colleges.”
Carlens Jean
Carlens Jean moved to the U.S. in 2018 after a devastating earthquake in his native Haiti and applied himself to learning English. He graduated from Eastern Shore Community College with a 3.8 GPA. Today, Jean is on the way to becoming a medical doctor and was recognized at Hire Ed as this year’s Outstanding Student Success Story.
Short and Chancellor Doré
Honored for her unwavering support for students and her tireless work ethic, Central Virginia Community College FastForward Program Manager Debra Short received the Outstanding Achievement by a College Faculty or Staff Member award.
Paris, Hanson, and Chancellor Doré
The banquet also honored the dynamic partnership between Tidewater Community College’s Workforce Solutions and the Norfolk Economic Development Office with its award for Outstanding Achievement through a Collaboration or Consortia of Partners. Accepting the award from Chancellor Doré were TCC’s Interim VP for workforce Laura Hanson and Mike Paris from the Norfolk EDA.
Jefferson with Chancellor Doré
William Jefferson, who has helped generate unprecedented growth in program participation since he assumed the role of HVAC Program Head at Central Virginia Community College in 2022, was spotlighted as the winner of Hire Education’s award for Outstanding Achievement for a Rising Star.
Harkins, Arnold, and Chancellor Doré
Microsoft’s enduring partnership with Southside Virginia Community College was honored as this year’s Outstanding Business Partner Success Story. The company was praised for its longstanding and generous support for SVCC programs and scholarships. Chancellor Doré presented the award to Kelly Arnold from Microsoft and SVCC Workforce VP Keith Harkins.
Congratulations to this year’s award winners and to a talented and hard-working group of nominees. You can view and download images from this year’s Hire Education Conference.
