HCTC honors Jama Griffie for excellence

HCTC has honored Jama Griffie with the 2010 New Horizon Outstanding Professional Staff award for her work in admissions and recruiting of new students.

Jama Griffie is often seen at schools in the region, talking to students about enrolling. Besides attending their awards nights, college fairs, career fairs and classroom presentations, she provides campus tours. It s important for students to gain a better understanding of how HCTC can transform their lives, Mrs. Griffie said. I want students to know of all that we can offer them.

HCTC President/CEO Dr. Allen Goben said Mrs. Griffie is a natural encourager with students. He praised her work with Road Shows where students have the chance to talk to faculty and program coordinators, as well as other college personnel, so they can design their future. A major priority for HCTC is our involvement with school students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and Jama has done a tremendous job in connecting with the schools, Dr. Goben said.

HCTC Vice President of Student Services Doug Fraley commended Mrs. Griffie s work on a Road Show video which she created. The video was a very unique and creative way to recruit and engage students, Fraley said, adding that he appreciated her work at keeping in touch with students who attended Road Shows. Scott Gross, Director of Admissions, noted, Jama s enthusiasm and attention to detail is evidence that she is dedicated to helping others achieve their goals, dreams, and aspirations. Jama is well respected by her colleagues and continues to work toward bettering our college and herself on a daily basis.

Mrs. Griffie is working on her master s degree in Computer Information Systems at Morehead State University. In December 2007, she completed her bachelor s degree there. She holds an associate degree from HCTC.

Her community service include serving 13 years as the color guard flag instructor with the award-winning Hazard High School Band of Gold. She teaches new recruits and choreographs the routine for their yearly marching band show. She has worked with two state champion groups and ten state finalists groups. Through this association I live my dream of working with students and helping them accomplish their goals, Mrs. Griffie said.

As part of the award, Jama will attend a national conference in Austin, Texas and be honored by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System at a state meeting.

Jama and her husband Renis Griffie, Jr. live in Hazard with their two children.