Employee Spotlight: Caroline Greenough
Meet Caroline Greenough, the Department Chair of Math and Engineering at Cape Fear Community College. With strong ties to Wilmington and a deep-rooted passion for mathematics, Caroline has been shaping the academic journey of students since 2010. Her inspiring career path, from teaching in high schools to leading the department at CFCC, is a testament to her dedication and love for education.
In this Q&A, Caroline shares her experiences, what drives her in the classroom, and a few personal interests that might surprise you!
Q: What year did you start working at CFCC, and what brought you here?
Caroline: Born and raised in Wilmington, I began working at CFCC as a Math Instructor in Fall 2010.
Q: Can you tell us about your academic background and what inspired you to pursue a career in mathematics and education?
Caroline: I graduated from UNCW in Fall 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. While trying to find a career job, I took a temporary job as a 2nd Grade teacher at a private school in Wilmington. When that job ended, I went to work for a home health company in their office. After 6 months of working in home health, I decided to teach high school math. My mom, a middle school math teacher, gave me some good advice: “If you think you want to teach, you need to be a substitute teacher first.” Without hesitation, I agreed and got my name on the list. The local high schools kept me busy for 3 months while waiting for classes to start. After graduating with my secondary education degree in May 1997, I began working in August 1997, teaching high school math.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?
Caroline: Students! I love getting to know my students and making that connection with them. When you see a student have that “Ah ha” moment because of something you said and/or demonstrated in your lesson – it means a lot. I love to hear from previous students about how they are doing and what impact, if any, I had on them to get them where they are now. I have had numerous students that I taught in high school come to CFCC and take my class. They always make a point of reintroducing themselves, just in case I forgot who they were. Most of the time, I remember them and something about their high school days. Love to see them smile!!!
Q: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
Caroline: Putting puzzles together, driving the golf cart around neighborhood areas, and hanging out with friends and family.
Q: Who had the most significant influence on your education or career path?
Caroline: My mom. My mom retired in May 1997 with 30 years of service teaching math. Growing up I got to hear stories from her previous students about how my mom was the best math teacher they ever had. They would tell me that she explained the concepts in a way that made sense to them. She attended sporting events and other school activities so students would see her beyond the math classroom. In the 8th grade, it was my turn to see how wonderful my mom was as a math teacher. I had her for 2 years, and I can honestly say – she was the BEST!!!
Q: What is something not many people know about you?
Caroline: I had a chalkboard in my room (4ft long), so I could work out complex math problems before putting them on my paper.
Q: Degrees, certificates, or professional organizations?
Caroline: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Master of Science in Mathematics, National Board Certified Secondary Education (2003 – 2013), NCMATYC, Jazzercise instructor
