Employee Spotlight: Melissa Watson
Information Technology Instructor Melissa Watson has deep roots in Wilmington, where she was born and raised. After the birth of her son, Melissa pursued flexible part-time work as a radio DJ and voiceover actress for local TV ads. Her passion for education led her to return to college, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Now an educator at CFCC, Melissa is known for her dedication to her students. Fellow faculty member Terri Andress notes,
“She truly cares about her students and goes above and beyond to assist them.”
Melissa recently shared insights about her teaching experience at CFCC during a class break.
WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING AT CFCC AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?
I’ve been teaching business and information technology at CFCC since 1999. Before coming to teach at CFCC, I worked in an administrative role at a university. I have always had a huge passion to teach and help others and this career fits me perfectly.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?
I enjoy my students most of all. I have met and worked with so many diverse individuals over the last 25 years and that has really enriched my life. Not only do they learn from me, but I also learn from them. That type of growth and interaction is priceless.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, WHAT DO YOU DO?
I love crafting, building furniture, and volunteering in the community. I’ve been working a lot with adults who have intellectual disabilities and the engagement I have with them is extremely rewarding.
WHO HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR EDUCATION AND/OR CAREER PATH?
I have had lots of mentors over the years who have helped guide me in my career path, so I can’t really say that one person had the greatest influence. I do know that the faculty within the Business Technologies Department at CFCC have always shown me how to be a great team member and professional.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
The best advice I ever received was from my mother. She told me to get my education and then work really hard so that I never have to depend on anyone but myself in this life. It was almost like her mantra that she shared with me throughout my childhood and into my adulthood. The mantra worked.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?
In the 1990s, I worked part-time as a radio disk jockey and part-time as a butcher. I know all the cuts of meat and how to break down a side of beef into steaks, roast, etc. J
DEGREES & CERTIFICATES
I have a BS degree in business management and organizational development, a master’s in business administration and a graduate certificate in web design and development. I also have a certificate in project management.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
I am a member of the North Carolina Computer Instructors Association and the North Carolina Community College Association of Distance Learning, as well as the Faculty Association at CFCC.
