VGCC Women’s “Her”story Month – Willie Mae Foster-Hill

In honor of March, Women’s History Month, Vance-Granville Community College is recognizing a few of the many strong and talented women that are a part of the VGCC community in a special feature series called “Her”story.

Today in the fifth installment of the series, we would like to highlight our switchboard operator and Main Campus receptionist Willie Mae Foster-Hill.

She was nominated by Vice-President of Workforce and Community Engagement Dr. Jerry Edmonds.

“The VGCC Main Campus receptionist is often the first point of contact for students, parents and the community at-large,” said Edmonds. “As such, addressing campus visitors and telephone callers in a knowledgeable and welcoming manner leads to the success of our college.”

Foster-Hill has been a part of the VGCC community since 1998, when she worked in the Job Training Partnership Act (JPTA) Department, now known as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Department, as an administrative assistant.

WIOA Director Blondelle Edgerton said her outgoing personality always made everyone feel welcome.

“Her professionalism and attention to detail was a tremendous asset to the department,” said Edgerton. “She was always willing to assist students who were enrolled in the JTPA and WIOA program.”

In 2013, Foster-Hill accepted a position as the switchboard operator, making her to first face many people see when they come onto Main Campus. Those who know her well say she looked at her new position as an opportunity to do what she did best, connect with people.

“As switchboard operator, Willie-Mae goes above and beyond to make sure visitors, students, faculty, and staff have a pleasant experience when they enter Building 1,” said administrative assistant Gabby Norfleet. “She is definitely the face of VGCC.”

Foster-Hill also loves flowers and she has brought that love to the lobby of Building 1 with the many plants and flowers that she is growing.

“She wants everyone that walks in the door to have a positive and uplifting experience,” Norfleet said.

Foster-Hill’s dedication to VGCC extends beyond just Building 1. She has also served on several committees like the Faculty/Staff Council and acted as co-chair for the Endowment Fund Drive.

Dr. Edmonds said he believes she is an unsung “shero” at VGCC.

“While difficult to quantify, I am convinced that Mrs. Foster-Hill has contributed to VGCC student enrollment and student engagement due to her pleasant, yet firm, personality and professionalism,” Edmonds said.