Employees Receive Awards at Graduation

Edgecombe Community College employees Renee Pearson and Billy Arp received awards from the ECC Foundation during the college’s graduation exercises in May.

An Edgecombe Community College instructor and staff member received special awards from the ECC Foundation at the college’s graduation exercises in May.

Renee Pearson, program chair of Human Services Technology, received the 2017 Excellence in Teaching Award.

“She is an advocate, leader, program chair, counselor, and teacher who finds meaning in providing resources and assistance to help others achieve their goals,” said Karen Andrus, executive director of the ECC Foundation, in making the presentation.

“Her education and career have always focused on her passion for working with children, women, and families, and she is an educator who teaches with dedication and enthusiasm.”

In addition to chairing the Human Services Technology program, Pearson has led the Human Services Technology Club to serve the Edgecombe community in multiple projects.

An ECC faculty member since 2012, Pearson holds bachelors’ degrees in psychology and social work and a master of science in social work from East Carolina University. She is dually licensed by the State of North Carolina as a clinical social worker and licensed clinical addiction specialist.

Billy Arp, director of evening programs on the Rocky Mount campus, received the 2017 Staff Award.

“His proactive nature is greatly appreciated by fellow co-workers. He is all over campus, constantly monitoring rooms, assisting evening faculty, and ensuring safety measures are in place,” according to Andrus.

In his position as evening director, which began in 2015, he is serving a supporting role in the college’s Student Success Center. He also is an advisor for both the student minority mentoring organization and the Student Government Association.

Arp was a Rocky Mount police officer when he began working as a part-time ECC security guard in 1995. He also taught at ECC as a part-time instructor in the Department of College and Career Readiness.

In 2007, he joined the college as a full-time security officer and head of security.

Arp holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from N.C. Central University.

The ECC Foundation honored Pearson and Arp with a $250 check and a plaque.