Employee Spotlight: Holly Walters
We are excited to welcome Dr. Holly Walters as the new chair of the science department at Cape Fear Community College. Dr. Walters brings a wealth of experience and a passion for science education.
In this Q&A, Dr. Walters shares her journey to CFCC, her academic and professional experiences, and the influences that shaped her career in the sciences.
Q: What year did you start working at CFCC, and what brought you here?
Dr. Holly Walters: I started teaching part-time in the Science Department in 2002 and was fortunate to get a full-time position in 2003. My husband graduated from UNCW, and we loved the area, so we decided to look for jobs in Wilmington. I’m so glad we did!
Q: Can you tell us about your academic background and what inspired you to pursue a career in the sciences?
Dr. Holly Walters: I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Science Education and taught Chemistry and Physical Science at South Stokes High School in Walnut Cove, NC, for two years. I loved teaching, but I also loved being a student, and I loved my undergraduate Genetics class. So, I went back to school at Wake Forest University where I received my Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics.
Both of my grandfathers were science professors at Western Carolina University. One taught biology and the other geology. From a young age, they showed me how fun and fascinating science is.
Q. What do you enjoy most about your work?
Dr. Holly Walters: I enjoy helping our wonderful students accomplish their goals while getting to do fun science stuff! I also enjoy working with all of the fantastic science faculty and staff!
Q: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
Dr. Holly Walters: I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. I also enjoy going to concerts, biking, and going to the beach, as well as watching TV.
Q: Who had the most significant influence on your education or career path?
Dr. Holly Walters: I was fortunate to have many wonderful science teachers and professors who encouraged me to pursue science and teaching. I’ve tried to remember how much they enjoyed teaching science during my career.
Q: What is something not many people know about you?
Dr. Holly Walters: Bob’s Burgers is my favorite TV show.
Degrees, certificates, or professional organizations?
B.S. Science Education UNC-CH
Ph.D. Molecular Genetics WFU
Quality Matters Online Teaching Certificates
Association of Southeastern Biologists
North Carolina Community College Association of Biology Instructors
