Fulbright program sends BCCC alumna to Germany

 

 

Maurita Harris, who received her Associate of Arts degree from BCCC as a member of the first graduating class of Hyde County Early College High School (now Mattamuskeet Early College High School), is now conducting research at the Technische Universität Berlin in Germany under a Fulbright Fellowship.

Harris credits three courses at BCCC — Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Abnormal Psychology — with helping her choose a field of study.

“Like many high school students, I had no idea exactly what I wanted to do upon graduating and going to college. I was interested in so many different things at the time that I could have ended up in almost any field,” she says. “Each course included topics that I have always wondered about and made me interested in knowing more about the world of psychology.”

After graduating from BCCC, she enrolled at North Carolina State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, taking extra courses in German and Spanish to extend her time as an undergrad student to three years.

“I wanted to slow down and enjoy my time as a college student,” she says.

Harris then earned a Fulbright Fellowship, under which she is now conducting research and studying in Berlin. The Fulbright Program is a prestigious, merit-based grant that sends students, teachers and professionals from the U.S. to study abroad, and vice versa. Harris’s research is focused on creating a video game to teach German Sign Language, and her courses are in human factors psychology. When she returns to the U.S., she will be attending Georgia Tech to pursue a Ph.D. in that field, also known as engineering psychology.

“From there, I hope to become a professor and have my own research lab where I can make an impact on students,” she says.

For Harris, who grew up in Fairfield, N.C., located in Hyde County, BCCC and the Early College High School gave her an opportunity to get a head start on her educational career, and by all accounts, she has established a track record as an exceptional student. She is one of many remarkable representatives of eastern North Carolina and Beaufort County Community College.

“Maurita had all the qualities of a scholar from her first days at BCCC,” says social sciences lead instructor Judith Luna Meyer. “She is inquisitive, motivated, persistent, diligent and inspired. Maurita has never feared a challenge, as her outstanding academic career so clearly exhibits! … I’m quite sure she will be an outstanding psychologist who will make significant contributions to the field.”

For more information about psychology and other social and behavioral sciences at BCCC, contact Meyer at 252-940-6256 or Judith.Meyer@BeaufortCCC.edu.

 

Students cited as “BCCC’s Best” for October

Eight students at Beaufort County Community College were recognized as BCCC’s Best in a ceremony on the college campus on Oct. 29. The students were recognized for the character trait “dependable” and were nominated by members of the faculty and staff.

Those honored were Yalissa Dominicak, Sam Hardison, Victoria Rowley, Zachary Bell, Christy Jones, Jeffrey Egerton, Kristen Griffin and Craig Ward. Jones and Egerton each received two separate nominations.

The students were recognized during a ceremony held in conjunction with the Student Government Association’s Halloween party and costume contest. Vice President of Student Services Rick Anderson and the nominating faculty or staff member presented each student with a certificate and outlined the reasons for the nomination.

Among the factors that contributed to their nominations were showing up for class regularly and on time, and consistently producing high-quality schoolwork — traits that are important in the job market. They also have helped other students and held down responsibilities for clubs and organizations on campus.

Each month, BCCC’s Best highlights a character trait found in students, such as motivation, respect, hard work, commitment and involvement in the college.

 

BCCC police officer recognized

Congratulations to BCCC police officer Natalie Voliva, who has been recognized by the Beaufort County Police Activities League for her service to the community and humanitarian gestures. The recipients of BCPAL’s First Responder Awards were nominated by members of the community and were recognized during the organization’s dinner-dance on Saturday, Nov. 7.

BCANS Officers

The Beaufort County Association of Nursing Students has announced its officers for the 2015-2016 school year. They are Wendy Sales, president; Richard English II, vice president; Melinda Wilson, secretary; Suzanne Hamilton, treasurer; Hayley Tinker and Matt Anderson, historians; and Summer Baker and Whitney Castelloe, social event coordinators. BCANS will be holding a blood drive from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 30 in Building 12 and will be ringing bells with the Salvation Army on Dec. 4-5.

 

Gamma Beta Phi Officers

Gamma Beta Phi has also announced its officers for 2015-2016. They are Courtney Coltrain, president; Jacob Sadler, vice president; and TyQuisha Davis, secretary. Gamma Beta Phi’s food drive in October collected more than 350 items for the Food Bank of the Albemarle; they will be distributed locally through the Harvest Church.