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STUDENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT - March 2006

CRAIG WILKES

Liberal Arts/College Transfer

Craig Wilkes of Danville is a father of four college students and is a student himself at Danville Community College. Now in his last semester, Wilkes is completing his Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree in Liberal Arts/College Transfer. He says DCC has given him what he needs to transfer to Averett University next fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in history and political science.

For 35 years prior to enrolling at DCC, Wilkes was a guru in aircraft mechanics. Responsible for overseeing detailed inspections of intricate airliners, Wilkes’ job was to ensure the quality completion of all repairs and alterations necessary to guarantee each winged vessel’s safe return to flight.

“The job was physically demanding,” Wilkes said. “Due to health problems, I was no longer able to do the job and wound up on disability. I enjoyed (the job) a lot,” he said. “But the industry is changing as most industries do. The job market was shrinking and many of the positions were outsourced overseas.”

His DCC professors say that his colorful personality and great sense of humor are what they remember most. “I enjoy having Craig in my classes. He enlivens classroom discussions with his interesting and unique perspectives,” said Kristin Von Karowsky-Nelson, Assistant Professor of English.

A recent inductee of the Upsilon Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) -- the international honor society for the two year colleges -- Wilkes has excelled academically. With a 3.3 cumulative grade point average, his name occupies a spot on the Vice President’s Honors list.

According to Vickie Taylor, Assistant Professor of Sociology and a PTK co-sponsor, Wilkes will be an asset to the organization.

“Craig is a well-read student who has also experienced life through traveling with his job in aviation; this enables him to be a vital part of class discussions. He will be an asset to Phi Theta Kappa with this same experience,” said Taylor.

At 53, Wilkes believes his age will not be a hindrance in his employment search, but a benefit, especially considering his future career choices -- education and politics.

“Age can be an asset when you have the experience and exposure that the young folks might not have,” he said. “The most practical career tracks would either be teaching at a college or working as a political advisor. There is a well-documented need for college professors.”

Wilkes added that the best thing about DCC is the personal attention students get from instructors.

“I would recommend DCC to others because the college helps with the transition to a fast paced four-year environment,” he said. “The faculty and staff care about you.”

The Associate in Arts and Science Degree program in Liberal Arts is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year university to complete a baccalaureate degree program in any of the liberal arts. This associate degree may also be appropriate for students who plan to complete a baccalaureate program with certification to teach elementary or secondary English, humanities or social sciences.

For more information about the Liberal Arts/College Transfer program, please contact the Division of Arts & Sciences at (434)797-8402, or toll free at (800) 560-4291 or click here.