Staff Spotlight Archives - 91�첥

Honoring a Legacy of Kindness, Service and Support

Paula Vess — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 02:08:26 +0000

Honoring a Legacy of Kindness, Service and Support

Spotlights

June 24, 2026

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When Fran Musolino moved to Cleveland County in 2014, she brought with her 27 years of professional experience from IBM, a strong work ethic and a willingness to embrace a new chapter. What she did not have at the time was a college degree, and finding a job in a new community proved more difficult than expected.

So, Fran did what lifelong learners do: she invested in herself.

In 2016, she enrolled at 91�첥 to complete the Associate in Applied Science in Office Administration. It did not take long for Fran to make an impression. Shortly after enrolling, she was hired as a part-time receptionist and assistant in the Advising Center, where her professionalism, warmth and commitment to helping others quickly stood out.

Fran graduated in 2018, and soon after accepted a full-time position as the Law Enforcement Training Specialist. The full-time position was new at the time, giving Fran the opportunity to help shape the role from the ground up.

For the past seven years, Fran has worked closely with Basic Law Enforcement Training Program Coordinator Aaron Vassey, supporting students as they move through a challenging and important training program.

“I have really enjoyed the job,” Fran said. “I love challenges and assisting students achieve their goals, starting from the application process to cheering them on at graduation and beyond.”

That encouragement and support have become hallmarks of Fran’s work. Whether assisting students, helping coordinate training needs or offering a steady presence behind the scenes, Fran has played an important role in the success of 91�첥’s law enforcement training efforts.

Fran’s decision to retire at the end of June was not an easy one. Her husband recently retired, and with grandchildren in two states, along with other family she wants to visit more often, Fran is looking forward to having more flexibility to travel and spend time with loved ones.

Still, retirement does not mean stepping away from purpose. Fran knows she will continue giving back to the community in some way.

CCC congratulates Fran Musolino on her upcoming retirement and thanks her for her dedication, kindness and service to the College, our students and the law enforcement training community. Her impact will be felt long after her final day on campus.

We wish her well in her next chapter. It is sure to be filled with the same energy, heart and connection she brought to 91�첥.

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Honoring a Legacy of Kindness, Service and Support

Paula Vess — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:47:17 +0000

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Honoring a Legacy of Kindness, Service and Support

Spotlights

June 24, 2026

Paula Vess

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So, Fran did what lifelong learners do: she invested in herself.

“I have really enjoyed the job,” Fran said. “I love challenges and assisting students achieve their goals, starting from the application process to cheering them on at graduation and beyond.”

Still, retirement does not mean stepping away from purpose. Fran knows she will continue giving back to the community in some way.

We wish her well in her next chapter. It is sure to be filled with the same energy, heart and connection she brought to 91�첥.

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Celebrating A Career of Care

Paula Vess — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:45:46 +0000

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Celebrating A Career of Care

Spotlights

December 17, 2025

Paula Vess

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As the end of December approaches, another valued teammate prepares to retire. Chris Osborne, whose career has been defined by service and compassion, will retire after 16 years of dedicated service to 91�첥’s students.

Chris’s journey into higher education wasn’t a straight line. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from Gardner-Webb University, he spent about eight years in banking and at Carolina Federal Credit Union. But, even then, his work centered on people and service.

Eventually, a desire for change led him to Gaston College, where he discovered a love for working with students. He spent nearly eight years at Gaston, beginning in financial aid before moving into admissions.

When he decided once again that he was ready for a change, he spotted a job opening at 91�첥 for a Student Government Association director. He joined the Student Affairs Department and found his place. He’s held many positions over the years. In fact, he jokes that there are only two jobs in the department that he never had, registrar and records.

All those different experiences have paid off over the years because he says they helped him understand how things are interconnected. For example, understanding how financial aid works is helpful when he’s advising a student. It has also allowed him to “step in and do things to help out other positions.”

Looking back, all those experiences were preparing Chris for the work he finds most meaningful. He currently serves as the director of advising and retention. “It gives me greater satisfaction to know that what I do helped change someone’s life,” he says. “I’ve had more of a rewarding experience since being in advising than anything I’ve ever done.”

That reward often came in deeply human moments. Chris has laughed and cried with students and has carried many of their stories with him long after the advising appointments ended. “I’ve had students on my mind for days after meeting with them,” he says.

Chris’s own educational journey reflects the students he serves. A proud product of community college, Chris earned his associate degree from Gaston College. After a brief stint at UNC Charlotte, which felt a little too big, he found his footing at Gardner-Webb. Eventually, after his arrival at 91�첥 and with some encouragement from Dr. Andy Gardner, Chris completed his master’s degree at Lenoir-Rhyne. “Without him persuading me, I probably wouldn’t have done it.” Becoming a student again was an experience, as the program was online and Chris had never taken an online class before. But it was yet another experience that helped him relate to many of the students he advised.

For those considering a career in advising, Chris keeps it simple and honest: “You’ve got to care. You’ve got to want to make a difference. You’ve got to want to help someone. And you need lots of patience.” Anyone who has worked alongside him would agree he embodies all of that and then some.

As retirement became real, Chris admits it came with mixed emotions. “I’ve been excited to talk about it, but when it came time to sign the papers, it was tough.”

In the early days of retirement, Chris plans to spend time with family in the Wilmington area, enjoy a more flexible schedule, and ease into a life without alarms and meetings. Travel might be on the horizon, with Ireland and Scotland destinations he would like to visit. Closer to home, he looks forward to yardwork, tending flower beds, staying active, maybe even joining a pickleball league, and focusing on his health.

Most of all, Chris leaves 91�첥 with gratitude and no regrets. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time here,” he says. “I’ll never regret the career I chose. It’s wonderful to see people graduate.” In talking about his co-workers, Chris adds, “I think some people are called to help and serve others, and I think most of the people here are.”

As Chris embarks on this new chapter, his legacy of care and commitment will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. The lives he touched and the example he set will remain a part of 91�첥’s fabric for years to come. We wish Chris all the best in his well-deserved retirement, confident that his next adventures will be as meaningful as the career he devoted so passionately to others.

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A Lifelong Learner and Leader: Celebrating Steve Padgett’s Journey at 91�첥

Paula Vess — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:01:29 +0000

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A Lifelong Learner and Leader: Celebrating Steve Padgett’s Journey at 91�첥

Spotlights

November 3, 2025

Paula Vess

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When you meet Steve Padgett, for the first or fiftieth time, you are always greeted with a big smile and a firm handshake. You immediately recognize an energy and passion in him. You can’t help but think to yourself that this guy never stops.

Now, after more than 60 years of working and two distinct careers, Steve has finally decided that it’s time to slow down. At least he’s going to try. His first attempt at retirement lasted only two years, which was fortunate for 91�첥, as he ended up here, first as a part-time instructor and then as director of the Small Business Center.

Before discovering his second career at the College, Steve had already built an impressive one in the world of technology.

Steve’s first career began when he was 19 years old, working with computers that looked nothing like what we use today. Over the decades, working for several different companies, he witnessed and worked through the incredible evolution of computer technology, eventually retiring from Bridgestone Firestone in 2007.

After two years of retirement, Steve realized he needed more to do. He knew the College offered classes that might help him find a new hobby, so he decided to check it out. “I came to 91�첥 looking for a purpose,” he said. “I thought maybe I’d take up a craft hobby—pottery or woodworking, something like that. That’s about all I knew about the College at the time.”

However, an encounter with Dr. John Lattimore, then the dean of Business Technologies, redirected Steve from becoming a student to teaching. Lattimore knew that Steve had an MBA and years of industry experience. He invited Steve to help launch a new entrepreneurship program as a part-time instructor. “I looked at the material and told him, absolutely. I’d love to,” he recalled.

In 2015, when the Small Business Center director retired, Steve was asked to consider stepping into that role, and he did. “I didn’t think I’d be here this long,” he said with a laugh. “But I fell in love with it.”

As director, Steve has guided countless aspiring and established small business owners across Cleveland County. His approach has always been rooted in humility and collaboration. “I tell every client who comes in, ‘I don’t have all the answers, but I’ll help you find them,’” he said. Through the Center’s network of specialists in marketing, accounting, law, and more, Steve ensured that clients received expert, personalized guidance at no cost to them.

Additionally, Steve aimed to attract small businesses to Cleveland County and its small towns. He chaired the committee that brought the Certified Entrepreneurial Community designation to Cleveland County, working closely with municipalities across the area to foster a supportive environment for small businesses. He continues to attend town and county meetings, staying connected with local leaders and helping strengthen the bridge between 91�첥 and the broader community.

A lifelong learner at heart, Steve says one of the most rewarding parts of his work has been continuing to learn alongside his clients. “I’ve been learning ever since I got here 10 years ago,” he said. “That’s what has kept me energized.”

As for what comes next, Steve says he’s not rushing into any big plans. “For the first six months or so, I just plan to sleep late on Monday mornings.”

Steve’s remarkable career and his many contributions to the College, the Small Business Center, and the entrepreneurs of Cleveland County will leave a lasting legacy.

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Meet Nikki Hudson: Shaping the Future of EMS Education

Paula Vess — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000

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Meet Nikki Hudson: Shaping the Future of EMS Education

Program News

January 14, 2025

Paula Vess

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The energy level on campus jumped a notch with the arrival of Nikki Hudson, the new EMS Program Coordinator. Nikki officially joined the team on October 1 and brings over a decade of experience in emergency medical services and education. Her vision and passion are already setting the stage for an exciting future for the program.

A Journey Rooted in EMS

After being laid off from a doctor’s office job, Nikki wanted to stay in healthcare, so she looked for a career that would fit her passion for people and her dynamic personality. Paramedic school was the perfect fit, and she fell in love with the profession. In 2010, she started working as a part-time EMT. Since then, she has earned an associate degree in EMS, worked as a paramedic, and advanced into mid-level management and administration.

She transitioned into EMS education in 2015, first as an instructor and later as a director in 2017. Along the way, she served as a training officer for Burke County. She also worked part-time at Western Piedmont Community College, overseeing its paramedic program.

Her wealth of experience and past leadership roles prepared her for this new challenge. Nikki is deeply committed to her work and views the community college as an ideal place to nurture the next generation of EMS professionals. “This program has an incredible history of being the one to attend in this area,” Nikki explains, “but we need to attract more students because the demand is so great industry wide. Our goal is to meet the community’s needs and ensure patients receive the care they deserve.”

Vision for EMS Education

Under Nikki’s leadership, the EMS program is poised to maintain and enhance its legacy of producing highly qualified paramedics.

A key initiative to help achieve that goal is an accelerated program that allows students to earn their paramedic credentials within a calendar year. This rigorous program offers a pathway for students with no prior experience or training to become entry-level, field-competent paramedics. “The year-long program takes students from zero credentials to being hirable,” Nikki says. “Then, they can continue their education while earning a living wage. When everything aligns, the students are ready to work, and the agencies are excited to have them.”

Meeting Industry Challenges Head-On

The EMS field is facing significant staffing shortages, and Nikki understands the importance of making the profession appealing and accessible. “These are hard classes, so we need to make them feel fun,” she says. “The learning process should be enjoyable, even while being challenging.”

Thanks to endowments created by the former Kings Mountain and Shelby Rescue Squads, the program ensures students train with tools identical to what they’ll use in the field. 91�첥 even has its own ambulance.

“EMS is healthcare and public safety combined,” Nikki says. “We must be a jack-of-all-trades, which means thinking outside the box in education. It’s not just about teaching IV insertion—it’s also about teaching them how to drive and handle all the job responsibilities.”

A Bright Future Ahead

With Nikki Hudson at the helm, the EMS program is set to continue its tradition of excellence while evolving to meet the demands of the industry. Her leadership, vision, and dedication to education are sure to inspire current and future students. “The thing about working in emergency services is you get to help someone, and even if it’s only a little bit, it’s life-changing,” she says—a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates her passion for EMS and the impact she hopes to make on students.

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From Juggling Jobs to Achieving Dreams

Kendra Haneline — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 18:51:23 +0000

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From Juggling Jobs to Achieving Dreams

Spotlights

August 23, 2024

Kendra Haneline

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Joedonnas Bennett was juggling two jobs, trying to provide for her children, and dreaming of a better, more secure future for all of them. She realized that if things were going to change, she had to take action. She was smart enough to know that “life doesn’t have to be what you’re used to.” In other words, she knew that she had the power to change the future for herself and her children.

Deciding that education would help move her forward, Joedonnas enrolled at 91�첥. Once she took that first step, she was committed. She embraced every opportunity, joining TRIO-Student Support Services and participating in the Work-Based Learning program. “I chose to put my children, my education and myself first,” she said.

TRIO-SSS helps first-generation students like Joedonnas navigate college by providing academic support, help with understanding financial aid and more. Through the Work-Based Learning program, she obtained a job in 91�첥’s Spirit Shop. These experiences, along with the encouragement and support of faculty and staff, empowered Joedonnas to pursue her dreams despite the obstacles.

In May 2024, Joedonnas graduated with an Associate in Applied Science in Medical Office Administration. In the meantime, a full-time job opportunity at 91�첥 became available. Joedonnas applied, was interviewed and ultimately hired. “I walked across the stage at graduation and straight into a job on Monday,” she said with a laugh. In her position as Enrollment Specialist she uses her experiences as a first-generation college student to help and encourage other students.

Even though she now has a full-time job and sees a more secure and brighter future for herself and her children, she is still learning–on the job and in the classroom. She is now working toward a second associate degree, this one in Business Administration.

Joedonnas’ journey thus far has not been easy, but she chooses to think of it as experience and gained wisdom she can share with her children and the students she meets in the Student Enrollment Center. One thing she has learned along the way is, “If you put your heart into it, if you desire it, you can do it.” She will also tell those students to ignore the people who do not support them or try to tell them they can’t succeed in college. Instead, “listen to the people who are pouring into you.”

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Meet Jaime Henderson, Work-Based Learning Coordinator

Kendra Haneline — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:56:06 +0000

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Meet Jaime Henderson, Work-Based Learning Coordinator

Spotlights

October 10, 2023

Kendra Haneline

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Meet Jaime Henderson, Work-Based Learning Coordinator at 91�첥. Enjoy her story of resilience, determination, and the life-changing impact of community college education.

Once lost in the maze of life without a high school diploma, I found my way back, thanks to the transformative power of education and the unwavering support of 91�첥 (91�첥). My story isn’t one of overnight success but of resilience, determination, and the life-changing impact of community college education.

My journey began with a difficult decision: to return to education after dropping out of high school. 91�첥 provided the guiding light I needed. With their supportive environment and dedicated educators, I not only earned my high school diploma but also discovered my passion for learning. The community college experience taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, laying the foundation for my future success.

Armed with my diploma, I embarked on my next challenge: pursuing higher education. 91�첥, my educational launchpad, offered a seamless transition into higher studies. I enrolled in the Associate in Arts program, where I honed my academic skills and expanded my horizons. The nurturing environment at 91�첥 fostered my love for learning and instilled in me the confidence to dream big.

With my associate degree in hand, I set my sights on a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Limestone University. The solid foundation I gained at 91�첥 proved invaluable as I tackled the complexities of higher education. I immersed myself in my studies, fueled by the knowledge that education was the key to breaking free from my past limitations.

Upon earning my bachelor’s degree, I realized that my educational journey was far from over. Driven by ambition and the desire to make a difference, I pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA). This decision was both a personal triumph and a testament to the opportunities that education, particularly community college education, can provide. The skills and knowledge I gained during my MBA studies opened doors to new career prospects and empowered me to contribute meaningfully to the business world.

Looking back, I am profoundly grateful for the role community college played in shaping my future. 91�첥 not only gave me a second chance but also equipped me with the tools I needed to succeed in the competitive world of academia and beyond. The support, encouragement, and quality education I received at 91�첥 were the catalysts that propelled me from being a high school dropout to an MBA graduate.

My story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the vital role community colleges play in empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Today, I stand tall, not as a high school dropout, but as a proud holder of an MBA, a symbol of my resilience, hard work, and the invaluable support I received from 91�첥.

Now, as I reflect on my journey, I find immense joy in giving back to the institution that changed my life. Today, I am not just a success story; I am a living testament to the transformative impact of education, especially through the community college system. I have come full circle, returning to 91�첥 as a staff member. Working here allows me to pay forward the support and encouragement I once received.

In my role, I am not just an employee; I am a mentor, a guide, and a source of inspiration for students who, like me, are searching for their path to success. I understand the challenges they face, and I am proof that with determination, hard work, and the right support, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Being part of the 91�첥 community, I am not only contributing to the institution’s growth but also shaping the future of students who, like me, once thought their dreams were out of reach. I love that education has the power to transform lives and that community colleges are beacons of hope, providing opportunities for individuals to rewrite their stories and pursue their passions.

My journey from a high school dropout to a successful professional and an advocate for education has come full circle. I owe my success to the education and support I received, and now, I am honored to be in a position where I can make a difference in the lives of others. My mission is not just a career; it’s a calling — a calling to inspire, empower, and uplift others, just as 91�첥 did for me.

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Staff Spotlight Archives - 91�첥

Honoring a Legacy of Kindness, Service and Support

Honoring a Legacy of Kindness, Service and Support

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Video Spotlight: May Ashe

A Second Chance, A New Future

Honoring a Legacy of Kindness, Service and Support

Honoring a Legacy of Kindness, Service and Support

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A Second Chance, A New Future

Celebrating A Career of Care

Celebrating A Career of Care

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A Lifelong Learner and Leader: Celebrating Steve Padgett’s Journey at 91�첥

A Lifelong Learner and Leader: Celebrating Steve Padgett’s Journey at 91�첥

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Video Spotlight: May Ashe

A Second Chance, A New Future

Meet Nikki Hudson: Shaping the Future of EMS Education

Meet Nikki Hudson: Shaping the Future of EMS Education

A Journey Rooted in EMS

Vision for EMS Education

Meeting Industry Challenges Head-On

A Bright Future Ahead

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A Second Chance, A New Future

From Juggling Jobs to Achieving Dreams

From Juggling Jobs to Achieving Dreams

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Meet Jaime Henderson, Work-Based Learning Coordinator

Meet Jaime Henderson, Work-Based Learning Coordinator

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