VGCC Medical Assisting Student Completes Leadership Program

VGCC Medical Assisting student Terrie Evans spent the week of July 18-23 attending the prestigious Student Leadership Institute (SLI) held at Peace College in Raleigh.

Evans, an active member of the VGCC Student Association of Medical Assistants (SAMA) and currently serving as club treasurer, was selected for the honor based on her outstanding academic achievements and proven leadership abilities.

According to Glenn Grady, program head and instructor for the VGCC Medical Assisting Technology program, Evans’ selection in the spring to attend the institute was a source of great pride for the Medical Assisting program and VGCC. “Terrie was one of only 29 students chosen to attend from our 59 community college institutions across the state,” said Grady.

The SLI is funded by a Reserve Fund Grant from the N.C Community College System Office. The week-long SLI provided intensive study into leadership skills. In addition to creating group campus projects that will be offered to all colleges in the system, students produce a leadership newspaper (The Lead Story). They also participate in a variety of workshops including Dr. Ben Bissell’s “Dealing With Difficult People,” etiquette and professional dress, parliamentary procedures and communication skills.

The SLI is a pilot program that is committed to training N.C. community college students and potential leaders in the skills employers are demanding. The institution resulted from years of planning and preparation by Karen Yerby, director of student support services at Stanly Community College in Albemarle, N.C. and Joan McLendon, counselor at Johnston Community College in Smithfield. There are more than 750,000 students in the N.C. Community College system, and the founders are determined that such a presence in the workforce receive support and leadership training.

As a graduate of the Student Leadership Institute, Evans is now prepared to return to the VGCC Franklin County Campus and provide training outlets for the entire VGCC student body.