Richard Carroll, Fire Protection Technology instructor at Cleveland Community College, was named one of three finalists for the North Carolina Community College System’s Excellence in Teaching Award.
“I’m very humbled by the whole experience,” said Carroll. “I feel blessed that the lessons I have learned, being a student myself recently, have allowed me to make a greater impact on the students I come in contact with.”
He participated in two rounds of interviews in Raleigh. Although Carroll was not selected as the final winner, he represented CCC well. “It has been an exciting experience to represent our College. We have brilliant and dedicated faculty and staff that I have been able to glean from,” he said.
Carroll received the 2018 Excellence in Teaching Award from the CCC Foundation. That honor led to his name being submitted for consideration of the state-level award.
“We are so proud of Richard’s accomplishments and feel fortunate to have him as a member of the CCC family,” said Jason Hurst, CCC president. “He is a great example of the dedicated faculty and staff we are fortunate to have here.”
Carroll joined CCC’s full-time faculty in 2014, having taught part-time for 11 years. He holds an Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology, a bachelor’s degree in Fire & Emergency Services Administration and is currently working on his master’s degree in Public Safety and Homeland Security Administration. In addition, he is a volunteer for Cherryville Fire Department, serves as vice president of the NC Association of Fire Protection and Emergency Management Educators, and is a member of the NC Western Firefighters Association and the NC State Firefighters Association.
This is the second year in a row a faculty member from CCC advanced to the final selection round for the state award. Last year, Aaron Vassey, Law Enforcement Training coordinator, was a finalist.