News

BRCC honors top teachers, employees

By Bill Moss, Published: January 11, 2015

The Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation honored four employees for their service to the community, BRCC and its students.

Elaine Hamrick Thompson received the Dr. and Mrs. William D. Killian Outstanding Teacher Award for her commitment to teaching excellence. Thompson has served in various roles at the college since 1992 and currently serves as Criminal Justice Technology Instructor. Nominated and chosen by her peers, she was cited for her student-focused approach to teaching and her long-time commitment to encouraging and motivating all students to do their very best.
Gary Heisey received the Dr. Molly A. Parkhill Staff Person of the Year Award for his individual achievement and exceptional contributions to Blue Ridge Community College. As Small Business Center Director, Heisey works with area small business throughout Henderson and Transylvania counties. Through his leadership, the Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College held 175 entrepreneurship events last year, as well as counseling and other one-on-one support activities for business owners. These activities and other performance-based measures have ranked the College's Small Business Center fifth in the state out of 58 community colleges.
Dr. Vicki H. Audia received the Dr. Eliza B. Graue Extra Mile Award. The Graue Award commends an instructor who has in some special way touched the lives of students at Blue Ridge Community College. A chemistry teacher, Audia was nominated by her students for her no-nonsense approach coupled with a compassion and strong desire to see Blue Ridge students succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Maggie S. Faulkner received the Dr. David W. Sink Jr. Community Service Award. Faulkner was recognized for her countless hours of volunteer work with Four Seasons Compassion for Life. In addition to her duties as Director of Disability Services, Faulkner volunteers with various agency boards and is a strong advocate for persons with disabilities, mental health diseases and substance abuse needs.
Recipients were honored with a framed award and a monetary gift from Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation.