Wilson Named Vice President; Nelson, Jones Become Deans
Robert A. Miller, VGCC president, has announced the following administrative changes, which went into effect Feb. 1:
- Fred Wilson, vice president
- Marsha Nelson, dean of curriculum and
- Vanessa Jones, dean of student development and advancement services
“These appointments will position us for a smooth transition and help guarantee the success of our efforts,” Miller said in a memo to the staff.
Fred Wilson began his career at VGCC in 1974 after earning his bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University and serving three years with the U.S. Army. He served as the program head and an instructor for the Recreation program until 1982.
Wilson was named chairman of the Public Service and Vocational Education departments in 1982. By that time he had completed a master of science degree at North Carolina Central University.
In 1988 Wilson became dean of instruction for the college. He has served in that capacity until his recent appointment to vice president.
“I look forward to serving the college in my new role,” Wilson said. He cites the record spring semester curriculum enrollment (2,829) and the recent 20 percent increase in occupational extension and literacy program enrollment as an indication of VGCC’s continued importance and commitment to the community it serves.
“The challenges facing us, such as continuing to find the necessary resources to meet our ever increasing demands for courses, are positive ones that I welcome,” Wilson said.
Marsha Nelson has been an integral part of VGCC since 1972 when she accepted a position as an instructor in the Secretarial Sciences program. In 1979 she was named program head.
At that time, Nelson made the statement: “Anyone with the desire to learn, I have the desire to help. Anyone without the desire to learn, I will try to motivate to reach higher educational levels.” After 27 years with the college, she is still doing that.
Nelson’s support for the total community college educational mission is exemplified by her participation in numerous programs and activities that strengthen instructional programs, as well as her tireless efforts to provide leadership incentives for peers and students alike. Her selection as instructor of the year in 1989 is but one example.
Nelson received her bachelor of science degree from East Carolina University and master of education degree from North Carolina State University. An active member of the North Carolina Community College Association of Business Chairmen and Department Heads for many years, she has helped plan program sessions for state community colleges’ conferences and been a featured speaker at a number of them.
According to Nelson, “In order to meet the diverse needs of our students, it is essential that we be innovative in our instructional delivery systems. I feel with innovation we must also have efficiency, quality and effectiveness.”
Vanessa Jones is no stranger to assisting VGCC students in meeting their goals. She has been with the college since 1988.
Jones earned a bachelor of arts degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a master of arts degree from North Carolina Central University. She worked in the Vance County School System for five years before joining the VGCC staff in 1988 as assistant coordinator/advisor at the Warren County campus.
In 1996 Jones became a counselor at the VGCC Main Campus. She has recently passed the National Board Certification Exam in Counseling.
“I am very excited about the opportunities afforded to me in my new position,” Jones said. “Motivating students and encouraging them to focus on their goals at VGCC has always been a priority of mine.”
Jones emphasized the importance of being available for all VGCC students and the challenges facing her department in the upcoming years.
