SCC recognizes Staff, Faculty of the Year

Published 3:59 pm Friday, October 26, 2018

Stanly Community College has announced Luke Essex and Tanya Nicks as the 2018 Staff and Faculty of the Year.

Essex is a counselor for the Schools of Business & Technology and Advanced Manufacturing, Industry, Technology, and Trades (AMITT).

He has been with SCC for six years.

As a school counselor, Essex is responsible for all aspects of counseling students and coordinating individual and group counseling services that support current and prospective community college students in meeting their career, personal, educational and academic goals.

Essex has been involved with numerous community projects, such as the Stanly County Suicide Prevention Task Force and the S.A.G.E. (Stanly Albemarle Gang Eradication) initiative.

Additionally, Essex received, with the assistance of SCC, the board certified TeleMental Health Provider credential.

Essex holds a B.A. from UNC Wilmington and a Master in Education from Winthrop University.

Nicks is a psychology instructor and has been with SCC for 10 years.

During her time at SCC, Nicks has served on the Learning Evidence Committee, Faculty Senate and the Nominating Committee for New Scholar scholarships.

Over the past few years, she has donated her time to lead the Stanly County Quiz Bowl. This event partners with community members and organizations to host a high school quiz bowl on the SCC campus.

Nicks holds a B.A. from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master in Arts from Western Carolina University.

“Luke and Tanya represent the very best that exemplifies Stanly Community College” SCC President John Enamait said. “They both have a zeal for a student-centric mindset. They avail themselves to go above and beyond to help our students succeed and are a great asset to this college and our community.”

They have been nominated by Enamait as candidates for the respective North Carolina State Board of Community College, 2019 Staff of the Year and Excellence in Teaching awards.