Cross-department collaboration enhances student experiences at CFCC
Wilmington, NC – Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) students from Dr. John Hrebik’s Honors English 111 class had an unforgettable experience, thanks to a unique collaboration between the college’s English department and the Wilson Center. The partnership created a special opportunity for students to attend a Melissa Ethridge concert and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the artist’s preparations.
Hosted at the Wilson Center, students participated in a private soundcheck and an intimate question-and-answer (Q&A) session with the Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter. This rare opportunity complemented the classroom curriculum, providing an immersive learning experience that connects literary study with live performance.
Zach Pluer, Executive Director of the Wilson Center, emphasized the value of such collaborations in enhancing student learning.
“The Wilson Center is dedicated to enriching the student experience through opportunities like this. Partnering with the English department allowed us to blend education with the arts in an engaging and meaningful way.”
For the students, the soundcheck offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the technical and creative elements of a professional concert. Etheridge also shared insights during a candid Q&A session, discussing her songwriting process and the themes of self-expression, resilience, and authenticity that shape her music. This experience provided students with a direct connection to the writing concepts explored in class, such as voice, narrative, and the power of personal storytelling.
“This collaboration brought our classroom discussions to life,” said Dr. Hrebik. “Melissa Etheridge’s music echoes many of the themes we study, such as writing with meaning and exploring the significance of everyday experience. Meeting her in person and hearing about her creative process was an invaluable experience for the students.”
This collaboration between Cape Fear Community College’s English department and the Wilson Center exemplifies the power of cross-department partnerships in enriching the student experience.
