Elevating Instruction Across North Carolina Community Colleges: 37 Faculty Graduate from Master Instructor Program

Now in its second year, the North Carolina Community College Master Instructor (NC3MI) Program is continuing to raise the standard for faculty excellence across the state. This spring, 37 dedicated educators—including one adjunct instructor—successfully completed the intensive professional development experience. These graduates represent 21 community colleges and a wide range of academic and technical disciplines, from the arts to the skilled trades. 

Grounded in the belief that exceptional teaching transforms lives, NC3MI helps faculty strengthen instructional practices that support student success in the classroom and beyond. 

Participants engaged with ten research-based learning modules covering topics such as:

● Building relational capacity
● High-engagement instruction
● Collaboration 
● Student motivation 
● Lesson structure 
● Metacognition 
● Academic reading 
● Critical thinking 
● Collective educator agency 
● Student agency 

But NC3MI goes beyond theory. Participants implemented these strategies in their classrooms, tracked outcomes, reflected on what worked, and refined their approach throughout the semester. The program culminated in capstone presentations on each graduate’s home campus, where faculty modeled effective practices and shared their learning with colleagues. 

Feedback from participants reflected the program’s powerful impact on teaching practice and professional growth. 

One attendee shared, “This was the most engaging presentation I’ve attended in years—I walked away with tools I can use tomorrow.” Another reflected, “I didn’t know my teaching style had a name. Now I feel more confident and supported.” A third participant noted, “I’ve already asked the presenter to share these strategies with our entire department—this is exactly what we’ve been needing.” 

NC3MI has quickly become a powerful driver of professional growth, peer collaboration, and instructional innovation. By investing in teaching excellence, the North Carolina Community College System is investing in student success—and shaping a more dynamic future for learners across the state. 

A full list of 2025 NC3MI graduates and their colleges is included below.  

• Eddy Van Hunnik, Alamance Community College
• Justin Rose, Beaufort County Community College
• Hope Carroll, Catawba Valley Community College
• Kim Ray, Catawba Valley Community College
• Brooke Elder, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
• Martin Hubner, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
• Jessica Brown, Central Carolina Community College
• Kari Case, Central Piedmont Community College
• Nathan Godsey, Central Piedmont Community College
• Danielle Hensley, Central Piedmont Community College
• Patty Hill-Miller, Central Piedmont Community College
• Jennifer Brown, Cleveland Community College
• Benjamin Burgess, Cleveland Community College
• Susan Randall, Cleveland Community College
• Laura Price, Durham Technical Community College
• Adam Culbertson, Edgecombe Community College
• Kerri Donohue, Fayetteville Technical Community College
• Jennifer Osborn, Fayetteville Technical Community College
• Melody Gibson, Gaston College
• Sam Grubbs, Gaston College
• Angie Rudd, Gaston College
• Marlena Thomas, Gaston College
• Juan Bobadilla, Johnston Community College
• Christy Culbreth, Lenoir Community College
• Elizabeth Dellinger, Mayland Community College
• Terri Fesmire, Pamlico Community College
• Stacey Russell, Pamlico Community College
• Britt Honeycutt, Sampson Community College
• Marissa Cominotti, South Piedmont Community College
• Stephanie Slade, South Piedmont Community College
• Marian Dillahunt, Vance Granville Community College
• Hollie Garrett, Vance Granville Community College
• Meghan McIntyre, Wake Technical Community College
• Mary Staton, Wake Technical Community College
• Tammy Griffin-Garcia, Wilkes Community College
• Victoria Johnson, Wilkes Community College
• Courtney Calhoun, Wilson Community College