Erin Marie Souther has been selected as Durham Technical Community College’s Academic Excellence Award recipient for 2013. Souther is planning to graduate in May 2013 with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Laboratory Technology. She was the unanimous choice for the award, with her nomination letter submitted by all four faculty members in the Dental Laboratory Technology program, each of whom is a Certified Dental Technician (CDT). These faculty members are Alberto Camacho; Ricky Glasgow; Michael Patrick; and Greg Walton, program director. 

Souther currently has a perfect 4.0 grade point average at Durham Technical Community College (DTCC). She represents Tau Eta Sigma, the dental laboratory fraternity, in the Student Senate and has organized numerous activities for the group, creating a much-needed sense of community and spirit that has revitalized the organization. The fraternity bestowed the 2012 Outstanding Student Leadership Award upon her in appreciation for her hard work and dedication. Souther also received the 2012 Campus Fund Drive Scholarship from DTCC and the 2012 William Rogers Award from the NC Dental Laboratory Association (NCDLA). She volunteers regularly with Missions of Mercy, a partnership between the NCDLA and the NC Dental Society, providing free dental services for people in need. In her free time, Souther is an avid softball player and participates in co-recreational leagues in Durham.

A native of Wilkesboro, NC, Souther earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art, graduating cum laude from Appalachian State University (ASU) in Boone prior to attending DTCC. While at ASU, she participated in many art exhibitions, including curated group, invitational, individual, and juried displays.  Souther believes her artistic skills, eye for detail, and desire to work with her hands led her to choose the Dental Laboratory Technology field of study. “With my background in sculpting and experience in working with human anatomy, I feel confident that this is a field in which I can excel,” Souther says. “I also get a lot of satisfaction from creating something that improves the quality of life for my patients.”

She states that her plan after graduation is to work in a dental laboratory for several years until she has the skills to open her own lab, saying, “Ultimately, I would like to own a dental lab AND an art studio. I think I can do it!”

 Those who know her have little doubt that she will accomplish both goals.