COLLEGE OF THE ALBEMARLE
College of The Albemarle (COA) recently celebrated 37 Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) students for completing the program, comprising 21 from the Fall 2024 cohort and 16 from the Spring 2025 cohort. The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Michael Palkovics, Chief of the Kitty Hawk Police Department. COA President Dr. Jack Bagwell and COA Interim BLET Director Brad Eilert also gave remarks.
During the 16-week training, the students completed over 680 contact hours, including instruction and multiple practical exams. The training included firearms, driving, traffic crashes, patrol techniques, domestic violence, criminal investigation, CPR/first responders, rapid deployment, explosive/hazardous materials emergencies, and subject control arrest techniques. Students also successfully completed the Police Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT).
Interim Director Eilet shared, “This year’s graduates have demonstrated steadfast commitment and discipline throughout their training. We ask a lot of our cadets, from long hours to intense physical and academic challenges. Each one met the course’s demands with grit and tenacity. I’m confident that they’re prepared to lead with professionalism and purpose as they begin their law enforcement careers.”
Fall 2024 Students:
- Xavier Lamar Berry-Foreman, Dare County
- Skyler Omar Bradley, Dare County
- Francisco Alonso Cardenas, Pasquotank
- Zechariah James Dobson, Pasquotank County
- Benjamin Matthew Elko, Maryland
- John-Michael Allen Hammer II, Dare County
- Dustin Tex Hanna, Currituck County
- Kayla Aronda Hunter, Hertford County
- Austin Isaiah Jones, Camden County
- Derek Jeremiah Russell Lane, Dare County
- Cole Tully Langley, Perquimans County
- John Andrew Luciano, Currituck County
- Steven Edward Mann, Currituck County
- Micheal David Ohse, Currituck County
- Andres Ramirez, Dare County
- Reid Tyler Robeson, Pasquotank County
- Craigdric Larnett Singletary, Pasquotank County
- Zachary Alexander Smirlock, Perquimans County
- Brandyn Alexander Snyder, Perquimans County
- Jacob Ian Teeter, Dare County
- Zachary Mark Vannoy, Gates County
Spring 2025 Students:
- Sheryl Elise Anderson, Perquimans County
- Samuel Chaz Arnn, Currituck County
- Charles Wyatt Bailey, Pasquotank County
- Payton Renee Conner, Pasquotank County
- Cody Daniel Daley, Mecklenburg County
- Jack Anthony Frisoli, Virginia
- Brandon Michael Miller, Pasquotank County
- Matthew Ryan Nephew, Pasquotank County
- Christopher Lee Patsel, Currituck County
- Jesus Uribe Reyes, Dare County
- Aaron Eugene Salton, Currituck County
- Bryce Peyton Sheets, Pasquotank County
- Chana Ruth Varon, Dare County
- Amanda Dawn White, Currituck County
- Brittney Morgen White, Pasquotank County
- Jamell Alonzo Williams, Pasquotank County
Special awards are presented during the ceremony to recognize outstanding training and academic performance. The “Top Gun” award was given to the student who demonstrated the highest proficiency during firearms training. The “Iron Man” award was presented to the student who performed best in the physical training assessments. The “Driver Supreme” award was presented to the student with the best overall driving course score. The “Academic Honors” award was given to the student with the highest grade, based on a percentage of the class. The “Law Enforcement Excellence” award was presented to the student whom BLET staff determined had the best overall performance in the class.
Fall 2024 Class Awards:
- “Academic Honors” – Brandyn Snyder and Zachary Smirlock
- “Driver Supreme” – Dustin Hanna and Benjamin Elko
- “Iron Man”- John Luciano, Steven Mann and Francisco Cardenas
- “Law Enforcement Excellence” – Francisco Cardenas
- “Top Gun” – John Luciano
Spring 2025 Class Awards:
- “Academic Honors” and “Iron Man” – Christopher Patsel and Matthew Nephew
- “Driver Supreme” – Christopher Patsel and Charles Bailey
- “Law Enforcement Excellence” – Bryce Sheets
- “Top Gun” – Christopher Patsel and Jack Frisoli
Students receive SECU Foundation scholarship
College of The Albemarle (COA) announced that all 30 scholarships available through the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation’s Bridge to Career Scholarship Program have been awarded to students pursuing workforce training in high-demand fields across northeastern North Carolina.
These $500 scholarships are helping students earn credentials in Truck Driver Training, Nurse Aide I, Pharmacy Technician, EKG Technician, EMT, Phlebotomy and Paramedic.
“This program opens doors for students who are ready to take the next step but need that extra help to get there,” said Robin Zinsmeister, COA’s Dean of Workforce Development, Public Services and Career Readiness; Campus Administrator, COA – Edenton-Chowan. “Whether they’re starting fresh, changing careers, or building on their experience, these scholarships help them move forward — and transform their tomorrow.”
The SECU Bridge to Career Program is designed to reduce financial barriers for North Carolina residents working toward state-regulated or industry-recognized credentials. Students may use the funds for registration, books, credentialing exams, supplies, transportation, childcare, and more. Priority is given to individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, military veterans or spouses, members of the North Carolina National Guard, and others from underserved communities.
“The SECU Foundation’s commitment to ‘People Helping People’ directly aligns with the mission of College of The Albemarle,” said Dr. Jack Bagwell, President of COA. “Together, we’re helping people gain better skills and create better futures for themselves, their families, and our region.”
“This scholarship program is an essential piece of SECU Foundation’s support for education and workforce development,” said Jama Campbell, SECU Foundation Executive Director. “We’re proud to stand alongside North Carolina’s outstanding community colleges to help students gain the tools they need for strong, successful futures.”
College of The Albemarle remains committed to supporting learners of all ages as they pursue better skills, better jobs, and a better future in our communities.
Students participate in CCURE
College of The Albemarle (COA) students participated in the Community College
Undergraduate Research Experience (CCURE) this spring. This opportunity,
made possible by the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), enables community college students to explore areas of research and discovery in greater depth before transferring to a four-year institution.
At the UNCW Showcase of Student Research and Creativity, several COA students presented their research poster, shared their findings and demonstrated their curiosity and commitment to learning.
CCURE is designed to open doors for community college students by pairing them with supportive instructors at their college and faculty mentors at UNCW.
Students gain hands-on experience with research, learn how to ask important
questions and discover how to share their results with others. They also earn
university honors credit through UNCW for their efforts at no cost.
This year, COA students explored topics ranging from environmental science to
biology, working together to design experiments, analyze data and present their
discoveries. The skills they developed, such as teamwork, problem-solving and
public speaking, will serve them well in their future academic and career paths.
Beth Egbert, who teaches the CCURE course for UNCW at COA, said she is
proud of the students’ growth and dedication.
“Watching our students grow as researchers has been the best part of this experience,” Egbert said. “They have taken on challenges, learned a lot and shown what COA students can do.”
COA was honored to host UNCW’s 2024 CCURE program and looks forward to
seeing even more students take part in the future. Congratulations to all
participants for representing COA with hard work and enthusiasm.
Induction Ceremony Spring 2025.
Phi Theta Kappa chapter inducts new members
The Nu Nu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at College of The Albemarle held its annual induction ceremony this spring, welcoming 21 new members and celebrating a year of distinguished achievement. The event highlighted the chapter’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership and service on campus and across the region.
The newly inducted members are Kafia Almuzerawi, Katerine Bellamy, Heather Ballance, Ani DeSmidt, Josefin Engner, Emily Gray, Akaia Hancock, Andrew Heath, Shiniquek “Shy” Hunter, Charles Lancaster, Caitlin Milam, Jennifer Pena-Munoz, Mary Shepard, Brynlee Stevens, Tammy Staten, Hayley Tisdale, Crystal Turner, Charles White, Carolee “Pixie” Wescott, Lakota Smith and Madilyn Young.
Chapter officers, supported by advisor Leah Allen Jones, conducted the ceremony and
shared reflections on the chapter’s many accomplishments. This year, Nu Nu achieved Five Star Chapter status, the highest level of recognition in Phi Theta Kappa, and was awarded the 2025 Carolinas Region Website Award, which includes a $75 scholarship to support regional engagement. The chapter also earned honorable mention for the Carolinas Regional Distinguished Community Service Award for its donation to the American Red Cross in support of disaster relief efforts in western North Carolina.
Several members received individual honors. Aimee Marsh, Tammy Staten and Bailey Joyner completed six PTK Edge courses. Joyner also earned honorable mention for the 2024 Distinguished Chapter Member Award and was inducted into the Carolinas Region Hall of Honor. Hayley Tisdale was recognized as a recipient of the PTK Golden Opportunity Scholarship. Advisor Leah Allen Jones was recognized as a 2024 Five Star Chapter Advisor. Jones, along with Andrew Heath, Joshua Hughes and Aimee Marsh, was inducted into the Alpha Omega Carolinas Regional Alumni Association.
The chapter presented the Evonne Carter Champion of Excellence Award, named in honor of former COA Vice President Evonne Carter, to Joshua Hughes for outstanding service and leadership. Hughes led the chapter to Five Star status, directed the Honors in Action project “Preserving Community College Graduate Voices,” organized campus events and consistently supported member engagement. He has been accepted to Howard University, where he will continue his studies this fall.
During the ceremony, the chapter formally recognized Jennifer Lopes, COA Vice President of Learning, who has joined the Nu Nu chapter as a chapter advisor. In appreciation of her encouragement, leadership and continued support of the society, Lopes was honored with a Stole of Gratitude, a Phi Theta Kappa tradition that symbolizes the chapter’s deep appreciation for those who have made a significant impact.
Lopes also delivered the keynote address, offering guidance and encouragement to the inductees.
“You are the future leaders, thinkers and changemakers of our community, and as members of Phi Theta Kappa, you have access to tools that can help you unlock your full potential,” Lopes said. “Use your talents to uplift others—your peers, your college community and society at large. May this membership be a source of inspiration and opportunity as you continue on your journey toward excellence.”
The Nu Nu chapter thanks its members, advisors and supporters for a successful year and looks ahead to continued excellence in scholarship, service, leadership and fellowship.
Phi Theta Kappa participates in charity walk
Members of the Nu Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at College of The Albemarle demonstrated their commitment to community service by participating in the Northeast North Carolina SPCA’s annual Cause for Paws Charity Walk in May.
Chapter representatives included President Joshua Hughes, Vice Presidents of Service Emily Gray and Kafia Almuzerawi, Public Relations and Recording Officer Aimee Marsh, member Kameron Green, and Faculty Advisor Leah Allen Jones. The group joined community members to raise awareness and support for homeless and abandoned animals in the region.
“Service is at the heart of Phi Theta Kappa’s mission,” said Leah Allen Jones. “Our students were proud to walk in support of such a meaningful cause and to represent College of The Albemarle in the community.”
Proceeds from the Cause for Paws event benefit the Northeast North Carolina SPCA, funding essential services such as shelter, medical care and adoption programs for animals in need.
For more information about the Nu Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and its community involvement, please contact Leah Allen Jones at leah_jones@albemarle.edu.
