Employees Receive Awards at Fall Semester Kickoff

An Edgecombe Community College instructor and staff member received special awards from the ECC Foundation at the College’s fall semester kickoff held August 17.

The virtual kickoff for faculty and staff was held via Google Meet. The theme of the event was “Navigating the New Normal in Education.”

Laura Otrimski, psychology instructor, received the 2020 Excellence in Teaching Award.

Laura Otrimski, psychology instructor, has received the 2020 Excellence in Teaching Award at Edgecombe Community College.

“She has a passion for teaching, learning, and caring for her students,” said Lynwood Roberson, executive director of the ECC Foundation, in announcing the award. “She fosters a learning environment of open dialogue and uses a variety of teaching methods to instruct and inspire her students.”

Otrimski joined the ECC faculty as an adjunct instructor in 2010 and was named a full-time instructor in 2012. In addition to her role as an instructor, she is a resource for faculty who need assistance with Moodle, the College’s learning management system.

She developed and continues to oversee ECC’s online orientation to help prepare students for online learning. Also, she serves as a special credit advisor, serves on the Distance Education Committee and ADA Accessibility Committee, and was a writer for the SACSCOC reaffirmation report.

Otrimski holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from East Carolina University and a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix.

Jimmie Williams, maintenance coordinator, received the 2020 Staff Award.

Jimmie Williams, maintenance coordinator, has received the 2020 Staff Award at Edgecombe Community College.

“He creates a positive atmosphere no matter what he’s doing or where he is working. He is always quick to offer an encouraging word or a song to lift the spirits of those around him,” Roberson said in announcing the award.

Williams began his career at ECC in 2010 as a porter/groundskeeper on the Rocky Mount campus. After seven years, he was promoted to maintenance technician, where he was responsible for maintaining college facilities.

Just two years later, Williams received a second promotion to his current position as maintenance coordinator.

“He is always willing to go that extra mile, working beyond his regular schedule to ensure the campus is ready to reopen following storms and to ensure that our facilities are properly set up for events, for example. He has a real passion for our students and employees,” according to Roberson.

The ECC Foundation honored Otrimski and Williams with a $250 check and a plaque.