Vol. 9, Issue No. 13
September 15, 2021
From the Hawk's Nest, New River CTC's employee newsletter, is distributed twice a month, and we need your input! Have story ideas or photos for From the Hawk's Nest? Send them to the Office of Communications for the next edition.
Additional resources can be found online at www.actionforhappiness.org.
Joseph Connard, M.S.
Instructional Specialist/Educational Counselor
Joseph Connard has over 12 years of professional experience in higher education including academic advising, student success initiatives, teaching, recruiting and enrollment management, career services, financial aid, and disability services. During this time, he has worked with thousands of students from many different backgrounds to assist them in achieving their academic, career, and life goals. Joe was previously with New River CTC for nearly 7 years and is excited to return. He enjoys helping students and looks forward to working with them to achieve success.
Charles Gore
Instructional Specialist – HVAC
My career began in June 1974 and continued for 40 years with Sears Roebuck Co. At Sears, I began working in the warehouse. This position made it possible for me to become familiar with most home improvement products including HVAC equipment. Since then, I have enjoyed several promotions into the positions of Installation Department Manager, Service Technician, Lead Technician, and District Trainer.

After retiring from Sears, I was hired as the HVAC Program Head and Tier 3 Instructor at Valley College. After three years, the program ended and I was hired as a National Appliance Trainer with Dish Network. My duties included cross-training satellite technicians into appliance, television, and refrigeration technicians.

My personal achievements include Mechanical and Architectural Drafting, Electricians license, business owner, and the Pastor of a local church.

The HVAC industry, like many others, is constantly evolving. Today, it barely resembles the industry I started in 40 years ago. These changes are essential when we consider the environmental impact our world is experiencing. It is imperative that every industry is prepared to do their part, to preserve and protect our planet.

Therefore, it is of outmost importance that we have a viable workforce that can meet the challenges of what can be an exciting and productive future. Hopefully, the introduction of the new HVAC program will be our contribution to this extremely important cause.
Celebrating Constitution Day
Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution by the delegates of the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787. The day was established by Congress in 2004. 

Join New River Community and Technical College History Instructor Dr. Stacy Reikowsky for a Constitution Day webinar this Friday, September 17 at 10 a.m. You can join the webinar at https://newriver.zoom.us/j/96008992186. The webinar will also be streamed LIVE on Facebook.
WV higher education office awards grants that support student mental health programs across state campuses
West Virginia’s Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System are awarding nearly $60,000 in grants to improve student mental health at colleges and universities across the state. And, to further support institutions and students studying in health and human services fields, the agencies are planning a Mental Health Summit on Nov. 2 for students pursuing degrees in healthcare and behavioral health.
 
“We know that student wellness is a core component of student achievement,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “Through these grants and this training, we hope to better support our campuses and their students in treating mental health care as fundamental to personal and academic success.” 
 
This year’s Campus Mental Health Grants will fund projects including a virtual peer support app, suicide prevention and crisis intervention training for faculty and students, increased availability of mental health and wellness presentations for students, and the creation of wellness and meditation spaces on campuses. 
 
The following institutions received grants ranging from $4,000 to $5,000 for their projects: 
  • Concord University - CU Go On
  • Eastern Community and Technical College - Human Wellbeing 
  • Fairmont State University - The Falcon Mental Health Awareness Program
  • Glenville State College - Glenville State College Counseling Center 2021-2022 Initiative
  • New River Community and Technical College - Motivational Interviewing Training and QPR Gatekeeper Trainer Certification
  • West Virginia Northern Community College - Stress & Mental Health Awareness via WellConnect
  • Pierpont Community & Technical College - Campus-Wide Mental Health Initiative
  • Shepherd University - Material Support for Campus Mental Health
  • West Virginia State University Research and Development Corp. - Behavior Intervention Team Development and Training
  • West Virginia University School of Social Work - Mental Health First Aid Training Project
  • West Virginia University/Potomac State College - Catamount Creative Expressions Initiative
  • West Virginia University - Institute of Technology - WVU Tech University Hall Affinity Space
 
Grantees are encouraged to partner with campus and community-based resources including health centers, counseling centers, counseling, psychology, social work or other human services academic departments, regional prevention lead organizations, recovery support, and community mental health agencies to increase the reach of their projects. 
 
There is no cost for health sciences and human services students to attend the upcoming Mental Health Summit. Registration is now open at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-summit-for-health-sciences-and-human-services-students-tickets-164995440805. 
SEPTEMBER 17
Constitution Day Webinar
Zoom Webinar, 10 a.m.

SEPTEMBER 27
Rolling Start Options begin

SEPTEMBER 24
College-Wide Meeting
Zoom, 1:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 24
Fall Graduation Applications Due
OCTOBER 2
Chili Night
Downtown Beckley, WV 5–10 p.m.

OCTOBER 16
Bridge Day
Fayetteville, WV 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
New River Community and Technical College | www.newriver.edu
New River CTC does not discriminate in its educational programs or in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, veteran or military status, disability, or genetic information or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal or state laws. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s non-discrimination policies relating to disabilities, sex, Title IX or other forms of discrimination: Peter Hoeman, Dean of Student Affairs and Title IX Coordinator, 304-929-5027, phoeman@newriver.edu, 280 University Drive, Beaver, WV 25801. Additional information can be found on the College’s website at www.newriver.edu/nondiscrimination.