Employee Spotlight: Alvin Coleman

Alvin Coleman, a Geology instructor at CFCC for 16 years, is a first-generation college graduate who grew up in northern Georgia, not far from the Tennessee state line. Initially aiming for a career in research, Alvin discovered his passion for teaching during graduate school while working as a teaching assistant.

This newfound love for education led him to earn a master’s degree in education. His strong family ties and positive experiences at a community college inspired him to pursue a career in teaching at the community college level, where he continues to make a significant impact on his students.

Reflecting on his career choice, Alvin shared,

“I wanted to teach at a community college because I like to connect with students on a much smaller scale and not in large lecture halls. I prefer smaller class sizes where I can interact, walk around, and help the students more.”

While he misses the mountains near his home in Georgia, Alvin finds plenty to explore and study in his new environment. He encourages students to look in the parking deck at CFCC. Constructed from limestone, the parking deck contains fossils and seashells, providing a unique and fascinating opportunity for geological study right on campus.

His dedication to his work is evident to those around him. Donna Uguccioni remarked, “He cares about his students, his co-workers, and this school. He comes to work in a good mood and always makes his students and co-workers feel happy and at ease. He gives 110% of himself to teaching and to his students.”

In between rock exploration and classroom discussions, Alvin found a moment to share insights about himself.

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

I started working at Cape Fear Community College back in 2008. I had just graduated from the University of Tennessee and started applying for teaching jobs. I applied for several jobs and was selected to interview here and I accepted the job.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I enjoy helping students realize their potential and guiding them through their early college career. As a first generation college student, I can relate to my students and empathize with what they are going through. My teaching approach is to make geology as relatable as possible and to try to connect the subject to my students every day lives.

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

I enjoy working on house projects, gardening, expanding my vinyl collection, hanging out with my dogs, and watching college football…GO VOLS!

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

My parents had the greatest influence on my education. I’m a first-generation college student and my parents pushed me to love education and enjoy learning. They exposed me to educational opportunities whenever they could and were always present at school events and concerts. Every summer my mom would take me to the library to check out books.

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

Don’t stress out about situations/things you can’t control. My graduate advisor told me this to help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with graduate school. Once you focus on aspects you can control you would be surprised how much your stress and anxiety drops or fades away.

WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?

In my junior year of college, I had a devastating car accident that forced me to withdraw from school for a year. During that time, I had extensive physical therapy and seven surgeries. With help from family, friends, college professors, and my medical team I was able to recover and in my senior year of college was able to hike all over the Alps for a month collecting rocks and fossils for my senior project.

DEGREES & CERTIFICATES

B.S. Geology, University of West Georgia
M.S. Science Education, University of Tennessee

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Geological Society of America