LCC Grad Recognized

Lenoir Community College graduate Bettie Fisher knows the value of education. She was recently recognized as the Outstanding Adult at the Governor's Workforce Development Partnership Conference Banquet in Greensboro. Chosen from among many nominations across the state, she received an award from Secretary of Commerce Jim Fain.

She is described by those who nominated her for the recognition as a petite, unassuming woman with the determination of a Marine.

In 2003, Fisher was working as a production operator for a company that made small AC/DC motors for automobiles when the company announced its closure due to relocation of the plant to Mexico. Having lost a job she loved and performed for 20 years, she was devastated. This was not only a financial loss but an emotional one also. To Fisher her job was part of her identity, an extension of whom she was.

The 46 year-old wife, mother of two children and grandmother of four did not sit down and feel sorry for herself. Being from a small rural community in Jones County, she knew her opportunities were limited. She contacted the Lenoir County JobLink Center at Lenoir Community College and developed plans for her future.

She discovered she was eligible for retraining under the Workforce Investment Act. After completing her career assessments and speaking with a career counselor, she elected to enter the non-traditional field of Machining Technology "There were mainly only men in the tool and machine shops, but I decided there is nothing we women can’t do. Someone had to stand tall and lead the way for women," she said.

On Jan. 7, 2004, Fisher entered the LCC Machining Technology Program under the sponsorship of WIA. Having been out of school for 20 years, returning to an academic setting required a significant adjustment, and she entered college with apprehension and anxiety.

She quickly turned these emotions into determined motivation, taking classes day and night to catch up and remediate deficiencies, even during periods of family illness. During her two years of participation, Fisher cared for her ailing mother and lost a brother to cancer. She was also wife, mother, and “fulltime grandma” to her four grandchildren, ages 2 - 12. Despite these hardships and the emotional pull of her family’s needs, Fisher persevered.

Her fellow students quickly recognized her drive and determination, and she was elected president of the machining class. Even during difficult times, Fisher always maintained her optimism and her smile, which served as an inspiration to those around her.

President of WorkHorse Aviation Manufacturing Melanie McTaggart noticed this inspirational quality immediately when she met Fisher. She hired Fisher on the spot, providing she finished her degree.

Fisher started to work on Feb. 1, 2006, and became the company’s first employee to complete LCC’s Advanced Machinist Program, a new training program housed at the Global TransPark Education and Training Center. She is a machinist making structural parts for out-of-production as well as existing military and commercial aircraft.
“She is unstoppable,” McTaggert said.

Fisher said what she likes most about her work is to see a job from start to finish. She is eager to learn and is not a quitter. On May 12, 2006, Bettie graduated with her Associate in Applied Science degree in Machining Technology with a grade point average of 3.37 in her major.

She is currently enrolled in an aviation course at LCC sponsored by her employer. She hopes to continue to grow with WorkHorse Aviation and play a vital role in the company’s success. Her persistent determination and positive outlook have allowed Fisher to complete her degree and obtain employment. She now has her identity back and she did it all with a smile.



LCC GRAD RECOGNIZED
Lenoir Community College graduate Bettie Fisher knows the value of education. She was recently recognized as the Outstanding Adult at the Governor's Workforce Development Partnership Conference Banquet in Greensboro. Chosen from among many nominations across the state, she received an award from Secretary of Commerce Jim Fain. She is described by those who nominated her for the recognition as a petite, unassuming woman with the determination of a Marine. In 2003, Fisher was working as a production operator for a company that made small AC/DC motors for automobiles when the company announced its closure due to relocation of the plant to Mexico. Having lost a job she loved and performed for 20 years, she was devastated. This was not only a financial loss but an emotional one also. To Fisher her job was part of her identity, an extension of whom she was. Pictured left to right are LCC WIA Coordinator Diane Ivey, Bettie Fisher and LCC Director of JobLink and Special Programs Renee Sutton. The 46 year-old wife, mother of two children and grandmother of four did not sit down and feel sorry for herself. Being from a small rural community in Jones County, she knew her opportunities were limited. She contacted the Lenoir County JobLink Center at Lenoir Community College and developed plans for her future. She discovered she was eligible for retraining under the Workforce Investment Act. After completing her career assessments and speaking with a career counselor, she elected to enter the non-traditional field of Machining Technology "There were mainly only men in the tool and machine shops, but I decided there is nothing we women can’t do. Someone had to stand tall and lead the way for women," she said. On Jan. 7, 2004, Fisher entered the LCC Machining Technology Program under the sponsorship of WIA. Having been out of school for 20 years, returning to an academic setting required a significant adjustment, and she entered college with apprehension and anxiety. She quickly turned these emotions into determined motivation, taking classes day and night to catch up and remediate deficiencies, even during periods of family illness. During her two years of participation, Fisher cared for her ailing mother and lost a brother to cancer. She was also wife, mother, and “fulltime grandma” to her four grandchildren, ages 2 - 12. Despite these hardships and the emotional pull of her family’s needs, Fisher persevered. Her fellow students quickly recognized her drive and determination, and she was elected president of the machining class. Even during difficult times, Fisher always maintained her optimism and her smile, which served as an inspiration to those around her. President of WorkHorse Aviation Manufacturing Melanie McTaggart noticed this inspirational quality immediately when she met Fisher. She hired Fisher on the spot, providing she finished her degree. Fisher started to work on Feb. 1, 2006, and became the company’s first employee to complete LCC’s Advanced Machinist Program, a new training program housed at the Global TransPark Education and Training Center. She is a machinist making structural parts for out-of-production as well as existing military and commercial aircraft. “She is unstoppable,” McTaggert said. Fisher said what she likes most about her work is to see a job from start to finish. She is eager to learn and is not a quitter. On May 12, 2006, Bettie graduated with her Associate in Applied Science degree in Machining Technology with a grade point average of 3.37 in her major. She is currently enrolled in an aviation course at LCC sponsored by her employer. She hopes to continue to grow with WorkHorse Aviation and play a vital role in the company’s success. Her persistent determination and positive outlook have allowed Fisher to complete her degree and obtain employment. She now has her identity back and she did it all with a smile.

Page updated: November 22, 2006 Questions? Comments? Email the LCC Web Team