Employees Receive Awards at Fall Semester Kickoff

Francine Long, math instructor at Edgecombe Community College, has received the 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award.

An Edgecombe Community College instructor and staff member received special awards from the ECC Foundation at the college’s fall semester kickoff held virtually on August 16.

Francine Long, math instructor, received the 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award.

“When the college transitioned to a virtual environment in March 2020, she set the standard by embracing web-based learning and using all available tools to create engaging and effective lessons, such as creating supplementary videos for online classes,” said Lynwood Roberson, executive director of the ECC Foundation, in announcing the award.

“She continues to create new and innovative ways to deliver coursework so that her students have the most current course delivery methods.”

In addition to her role in instruction, Long is an advisor to the college’s Student Veterans Association. She also has participated on the ECC team in the local Tackle the Tar obstacle course race.

Long has been an instructor at ECC since 2005. She holds a bachelor’s degree from State University of New York at Oswego and a master’s degree from East Carolina University.

Shawna Jones, online content manager, has received the 2021 Staff Award.

Shawna Jones, online content manager, received the 2021 Staff Award.

In her role at ECC, Jones is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining ECC’s website and social media presence. “Since joining the college in 2015, she has significantly increased engagement on the college website and social media channels, and continues to strengthen brand awareness among college stakeholders,” Roberson said.

She also serves the college on several committees, including the COVID-19 Task Force, Enrollment Committee, Retention Committee, and Institutional Effectiveness Committee.

“In March 2020, the college website became the primary communication tool for employees, students, and others. She was critical to the college’s ability to respond to questions and concerns promptly and appropriately,” according to Roberson.

Jones holds two bachelor’s degrees from North Carolina Wesleyan College and a certificate in social media management from North Carolina State University.

The ECC Foundation honored Long and Jones with a $250 check and a plaque.