Staff Spotlight: Jeannie Jordan

If you’ve ever walked around CFCC during the first week of classes, you’ll undeniably run in to Jeannie Jordan as she welcomes new Sea Devils with a warm smile and friendly “good morning, how can we help you?” This charitable gesture emulates the attitude Jeannie Jordan brings into work each day as she seeks to help students and staff.

A CFCC alumna herself, Jeannie has been making an impact on CFCC students for 13 years.

She started at CFCC working in Student Services. While working, she enrolled in the college transfer program at CFCC. After graduation, the Wilmington native and full-time employee transferred to NC Wesleyan, where she double majored in business administration and organizational management. Not only did Jeannie complete her bachelor’s degree within a year of earning her associate degree, but she also did so while raising her daughter with her husband, John.

No wonder her colleague, Jessica Mays, athletics and student engagement communications coordinator, had this to say about her.

“Jeannie is the driving force behind the success of our Student Services team across the college. She is always here to lend a helping hand, answer questions outside her wheelhouse, and get every job done with a smile. Jeannie spearheads efforts across Student Services to take care of all our amazing students and our valued staff. There is no Cape Fear CC without Jeannie!”

We were able to catch up with Jeannie and learn more about her and her time at CFCC.

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING AT CFCC AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?

I first started at CFCC in Admissions thirteen years ago. I started at the front counter of Admissions, and I worked there for five years. Then, I went to financial aid before transitioning into my current role as the Senior Executive Assistant to the VP of Student Services. Before CFCC, I was in the mortgage industry until the housing bubble burst. Cape Fear was a saving grace to my family and me. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I enjoy working with students and people. I’m a people person. I don’t think I could do a remote job full-time. I need staff, and I need students because that’s me. I can’t be locked in a box.

Sabrina lets me be involved with many aspects of our department, and I love working with the kids. Graduation is a big part of my role. I love working with the graduates and seeing them cross the stage. Many of them come in here with heartbreak, so it’s nice to see them take that final journey.

During the first week of classes, we work in the lobby, helping students get to where they need to go. It’s a chance to show them that we’re here for them no matter what.

I enjoy being able to help somebody, whether it’s a staff member or a student. My whole goal is to make an impact on someone.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, WHAT DO YOU DO?

Besides spending time with my family, I love making items with my Cricut. I do a lot of vinyl designs and make t-shirts. My goal now is to get an embroidery machine, so if my husband is reading this…..

WHO HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR EDUCATION AND/OR CAREER PATH?

My mom was a principal here in New Hanover County. She is retired now. I just remember growing up watching her go back and get her master’s degree while we were in school and watching her work so hard. Seeing her do it made me believe that I can do it. She’s always been the one that’s pushed me and been my cheerleader.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

Never give up. No matter how bad it is, you know there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. You can do it. There’s always a way to get through it. It may not be the easiest path you have to take, but you gotta find out the path that works for you.