Sandhills Community College Notable Alumni are recognized for their contributions to their profession, discipline, or community leadership roles; public service; creative endeavors; or other major accomplishments since graduation. SCC and the Alumni Association extend our congratulations and gratitude to these exceptional individuals.
Summer 2010
Cindy Luttrell Ellison, class of 1994
Co-Owner, Pinehurst Patio & Casual Furnishings
West End, NC
Cindy Ellison graduated from Terry Sanford High School in 1984, but did not start college until 1992, following the birth of her third child. She enrolled in the Computer Engineering Applications Technology program at Sandhills Community College and attended classes during the day while working as a waitress on nights and weekends to support her family. Cindy graduated in 1994, and during her two years as a student, worked as a tutor, computer lab assistant and taught an evening curriculum computer course. Following graduation, Ellison continued to teach part-time in the computer programs in both curriculum and continuing education.
In September of 1995, Ellison became the Coordinator of Computer Programs for SCC’s Division of Continuing Education. In addition to teaching, she was also responsible for creating new course materials, scheduling classes for main and off campus sites, developing specialized classes for businesses, and hiring and supervising instructors. In 1996, she added Co-Director of Community Enrichment Programs to her duties. In this role, she worked with developing courses and supervising part-time instructors in general interest areas such as Art, History, Crafts, Religion, etc. The planning and supervision of the summer College for Kids programs was an additional part of this position.
In 2000, Ellison began online coursework at Franklin University, and graduated in 2002 with a B.S. in Computer Science. She became the Director of Computer Programs and Center for Creative Retirement in 2003. As part of her career in these departments, Ellison established a private Prometric Testing Center for computer certification exams, founded the SCC Computer Club, transformed the focus of the Center for Creative Retirement into a peer-led program, offered the first Summer Academy and formed a partnership with several agencies to offer a comprehensive expo called Access Moore for Boomers and Beyond.
Ellison was an active member of the college’s Technology Committee, the Moore County Chamber’s Newcomer’s Committee and the Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills. In addition, she organized and advised a Circle K chapter at SCC in 2004.
In 2006, Ellison became the Director of Program Development for Continuing Education and remained in this position until she left the college in 2007 to work full-time at Pinehurst Patio, the business she and her husband purchased in 2004.
Cindy and her husband, Dwight, have experienced double growth at Pinehurst Patio by adding more furniture and accessory choices, as well as a comprehensive holiday store, Santa’s Closet, which operates from November through January each year. Although the business operates seven days a week, they try take at least one day per week for leisure and to catch up with their five adult children.
Ellison attributes her current business success to the foundation she received at SCC as both a student and employee. She adds, "When I first stepped foot onto the campus at Sandhills, I knew this was the place for me. I was terrified at the thought of going back to school, but everyone I met made me feel welcome. I love this place!”
Spring 2010
Sherrill Boyte Matthews, class of 1984, 1989, 1990
Director of Foundation Operations
Sandhills Community College
Sherrill Boyte Matthews graduated from Pinecrest High School in 1972 before taking her first job as a Note Teller at The Carolina Bank in Aberdeen, N.C. in September 1974. After a five-year stint in the Loan Department of the bank, she began her illustrious 30 year career at Sandhills Community College. She began as Faculty Secretary where she supported twenty-nine instructors by typing tests, reports, memos, letters and purchase orders. Throughout the 1980’s she held the positions of Student Development Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to the Office of the President. All the while, Matthews earned three Associate Degrees from the College between 1984-1990. Her Associate Degree majors included Applied Science in Administrative Office Management (1984), General Education (1989), and Arts (1990).
In July of 1991, Matthews became the Associate Director of Development in the Sandhills Community College Foundation office and never looked back. As the current Director of Foundation Operations (since 2006) she assists in friend-raising and fund-raising by keeping track of all donations made to the College, managing the Foundation’s spending budget, generating various reports on the status of the fund-raising, and orchestrating the College’s scholarship program (currently valued at $4 million), which she basically built from scratch.
Matthews is active in the local Sandhills community and at the state level as she holds several key leadership positions as President of the Kiwanis Club of Pinehurst and President of the North Carolina Council on Resource Development (NCCORD). She will be retiring from Sandhills Community College in December of 2010 in order to spend countless hours with her two children, four grandchildren, husband Don, and all of their extended family at her favorite place, the beach!
Matthews added, "My education at SCC gave me the foundation and the confidence I needed to expand my horizons. Sandhills has touched my life in countless ways. From having received my education from the best community college in the country to celebrating a 30-year career, Sandhills will always have a special place in my heart. As I looked back at the previous Notable Alumni, I am extremely proud to be among such a superb group. Being recognized as the Spring 2010 Notable Alumni is indeed an honor I will always cherish!”
Winter 2009
AlexSandra Lett, class of 1973
Southern Books & Talks, President & Founder
Author, Journalist, and Speaker
Sanford, NC
AlexSandra Lett, who served as the first female president of the Student Government Association (SGA) in 1972-73 and received the most outstanding student award at the Sandhills Community College’s 1973 graduation, has been selected the Notable Alumni for Winter 2010 for the college. Lett attended Broadway School near Sanford for 12 years and worked as a reporter for The Sanford Herald before starting classes at Sandhills in fall 1971. She received a distinguished journalism scholarship to attend UNC-Chapel Hill, and after graduating in 1976 she experienced a successful career in newspapers, magazines, and television. She authored several published books, several of which have won awards. In addition to inspiring readers Lett shares humorous anecdotes and interesting reflections with appreciative audiences. Through her company Southern Books & Talks AlexSandra offers programs.
Fall 2009
Neill Calvin Childress, class of 1976Honda Automotive Master Technician
Southern Pines, NC
Neill Calvin Childress studied Automotive Technology at Sandhills from 1974 through 1976. Prior to SCC, Childress attended Union Pines High School. He and his wife, Kathy, have lived in Southern Pines for the past 32 years and their two girls also graduated from SCC.
After graduating from SCC, Childress started his Honda training in July of 1978, so he has always been "the Honda guy" in the Sandhills region. He has received numerous awards and trips in recognition of his efforts in continued training and customer satisfaction. As an ASE certified Master Technician since 1979, and more recently an L1 engine performance specialist, Childress is able to assist SCC's Automotive Technology Program and the Moore County School System in achieving certifications that assist in attracting funding for the programs. A majority of the technicians at the local Honda dealership are SCC grads, so it is clear that Childress works closely with SCC on job placement.
Childress added, "One thing I'm most proud of is being born and raised in Moore County, a true product of the system! I had the opportunity to be educated through our school system and at the best community college in the state! But, it's great that I'm able to stay here, to do what I love to do, and give back to this community in my own way!"
Spring 2009
Barbara Danley, class of 1985
Professor of Developmental English
Sandhills Community College
Barbara Danley earned a double major in Business Administration and Accounting from Sandhills in 1985. She furthered her education in the NCUniversity system, earning a bachelors and a masters degree. She has worked at SCC since 1992 in the Department of Languages, the Academic Support Department, and now in the Developmental Education Department.
Barbara worked very hard to be a successful student, mother, wife, business owner and teacher. She says she relates well to her students becuase she has had very similar experiences as they have. "When I was finishing my master's degree, I was attending classes in Chapel Hill, doing homework, commuting 100 miles a day, working, helping out with the family business, and caring formy children. It was a struggle but a goal I was determined to reach." Congratulations Barbara!
Winter 2008
Michael "Gary" Phillips, class of 1993NC Dept. of Transportation, Resident Engineer
Moore County, NC
Gary Phillips enrolled at Sandhills Community College in the fall of 1990 with a major in Civil Engineering Technology. "Sandhills Community College was instrumental in helping me to develop my professional skills that carried me forward into the job market. I was most impressed by the knowledgeable Engineering Technology faculty at SCC including Professors Reynold Davenport, John O'Brien, and Tim Howle." After graduating from Sandhills in 1993 with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Gary continued his education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte through a 2+2 transfer option, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology in 1995.
Gary began his career with the North Carolina Department of Transportation as a Transportation Technician, performing both construction surveying and inspection duties on various highway construction projects. Gary remembers the help that his Sandhills professors provided in helping him to find a professional position, "the professors at SCC offered me numerous employment leads thanks to the vast network of companies familiar with the quality of their graduates." In 2008 Gary was promoted to the position of Resident Engineer in the Division 8 Construction Unit office serving Moore, Richmond, Scotland and Hoke counties. Gary says that "working at NCDOT has been both challenging and rewarding, knowing that you are providing a service to the citizens of North Carolina."
Gary has given back to Sandhills Community College in several ways including serving on an advisory committee for the Civil Engineering Technology program. When not working, Gary enjoys spending time with his wife Karen and their daughter Whitney as well as sports and other outdoor activities.
Fall 2008
Mr. Ricky Hodges, class of 1989Director of Financial Aid
Forsythe Community College
Winston Salem, NC
Ricky Hodges graduated form SCC in 1989 with an Associate degree in Business. He served as the SGA President and a member of the SCC Board of Trustees. He continued his education at Appalachian State where he received a Bachelor of Technology degree. He has spent his career serving the educational needs of North Carolinians through the community college system. Ricky spent 13 years at Sandhills where he worked tirelessly to support students and enrich their experience here, serving as the Director of Recruitment and then the Director of Financial Aid.
His fondest memories of his time at Sandhills are his instructors - Mary Dixon, Sharon Ashburn, Cynthia McDonald, and Pat Toney and being a part of the hiring team for Dr. Dempsey.
Ricky now serves as the Director of Financial Services at Forsythe Tech. He is very active in student and community organizations, including the Minority Male Mentoring and Stepping Stones programs at FTCC, a race car ministry through his church, the Winston Salem Housing Board, and a community rescue mission for homeless males.
In addition to his outstanding contributions to his profession and his community, Ricky and his wife Lori have three wonderful children - Caroline (10), RJ (13), and Felisha (22), who is also an alumnus of SCC.
Summer 2008
Cathy Ray Hinton, class of 1973
Director of Nursing
McCain Correctional Hospital
Raeford, NC
Mrs. Hinton is passionate about her community and she strives every day to make it a better place. She is active at the Midway Community Center in Aberdeen, founded a group for boys called REAL RAP, and serves as the treasurer in her church. Cathy's nursing career at correctional institutions began at the Sandhills Youth Center, where she worked for 26 years. She then became a regional nurse supervisor for the NC Department of Corrections. Her dedication to correctional nursing has culminated in her current position as Director of Nursing at McCain Correctional Hospital in Raeford, NC.
Spring 2008
Don McKenzie, class of 1977
Professional Photographer
McKenzie Photography
Southern Pines, NC
After serving in the Air Force as a Still Photographic Specialist, Don Mckenzie came to Sandhills Community College and graduated with a Business Administration degree in 1977. He attended classes mainly at night as he was building a photography business and raising a family at the same time. Don has run a successful photography business, McKenzie Photography, in the Sandhills ever since. He is now joined by his son, Matthew McKenzie, in the business. Don's wife, Debra G. McKenzie, also graduated from SCC. Don's daughter-in-law, Fiona McKenzie, is a culinary instructor at SCC. Don has been very involved in the community, primarily with the Boy Scouts. He is a member of the Professional Photographers of North Carolina and is also the President of the Clan MacKenzie Society in the Americas.
Winter 2007
Cindi Johnson, class of 1974Director of Resource Planning
Progress Energy
Pinehurst, NC
Cynthia (Cindi) Johnson graduated from Sandhills Community College in 1974 with an Associate of Arts degree. Cindi was very involved in SCC activities while on campus. She played on the girls' basketball team and was the Vice President of the Student Government Association as well. She still keeps in touch with many other students she met while attending SCC.
After graduating from Sandhills, she furthered her education at Gardner-Webb College and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Cindi has worked for Progress Energy for the past 25 years and directs the Resource Sharing Program for Progress Energy. She was the first woman to work on the team. If a nuclear or fossil plant goes into a refuel outage this program maximizes the use of company employees and reduces their dependence on outside contractors. Prior to working for Progress Energy Cindi worked for Brooks and Perkins, Inc and Pinehurst Airlines, Inc.
In Cindi's spare time she owns a convenience store in Emerald Isle and has rental homes in the Chapel Hill area. Cindi has one son, Jason who lives in Pinehurst.
Fall 2007
Pam Garty, class of 1974
Nursing Professor
Sandhills Community College
Pam started her nursing studies in the early years of the college, graduating in 1974. She likes to tell people she went to the three best schools in North Carolina, Sandhills, UNC Chapel Hill, and Duke. Pam received her BSN from Chapel Hill in 1985 and her MSN from Duke in 1994. She worked many years at Moore Regional Hospital before becoming the first alumni of SCC to teach full-time in the nursing program. She has been an instructor and advisor to hundreds of nursing students since 1988.
Five of Pam's siblings also attended SCC: Kathy Watts Ried, Roger Watts, Dickie Watts, Marianne Watts Nicholson, and Lizzy Watts. Pam's father, Eugene Watts, otherwise known as "Colonel”, was a business instructor and the SCC Business Manager before retiring in 1982.
Summer 2007
Gary Thompson, class of 1973
Director of the North Carolina Geodetic Survey
Clayton, NC
Gary started his education at Sandhills in 1973. He received his associate degree in Applied Science in Civil Engineering in 1975, followed by his bachelor's degree from UNC Charlotte in Engineering Technology. Today, he is the Director of the North Carolina Geodetic Survey and is the chief surveyor for the state of North Carolina. Gary has received many prestigious awards throughout his distinguished career, including Surveyor of the Year in 1991 and 2001 by the North Carolina Society of Surveyors. In April, Gary was the keynote speaker at the 2007 Scholarship Dinner at Sandhills Community College.
Spring 2007
Linda Reid Oldham, class of 1997Attorney at Law
Partner, Crockett and Oldham
Southern Pines, NC
Ms. Oldham came to Sandhills Community College in 1995. She was an older student with a family, but she was interested in starting a new career and her goal was to become a lawyer. She received her Associates degree, with honors, in 1997. She finished her bachelor's degree at St. Andrews Presbyterian College on the campus of SCC in 1999, also with honors. She accomplished her dream in 2002 when she received her law degree from Campbell University.
Linda is now a practicing attorney with Crockett and Oldham in Southern Pines, North Carolina.
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