Amelia Wilkinson is MCC's 2020 Academic Excellence Award Winner

WILLIAMSTON--Amelia Wilkinson, was nominated and selected to be Martin Community College's (MCC) 2019-20 Academic Excellence Award recipient. She is a Martin County resident and full-time Medical Office Administration student with an impressive 4.0 grade point average (gpa).

Each year, one student from each of North Carolina's 58 community colleges receives an Academic Excellence Awards (AEA). AEA selection requirements are consistent with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society criteria. Students must be currently enrolled, must have completed at least 12 semester hours in an associate degree program, and must have a cumulative grade point average of no less than 3.25. Wilkinson was presented with a plaque and medallion in honor of her academic accomplishments on April 28.

Wilkinson launched her college education with an Associate in Arts (AA) degree from Beaufort County Community College. Upon reaching that goal, she began looking in earnest for a program of study in the realm of medical administration. She states, "I like helping people, so the healthcare industry seemed like a good fit for me." After doing some research, and hearing great comments from the program's alumni, she decided to enroll in MCC's Medical Office Administration program.

Marsha Manning Rogers, a faculty member of MCC's English Department, nominated Wilkinson for the award. In her nomination form Rogers stated, "Attending school as a single parent, Amelia is determined to achieve a mark of excellence in academics and to provide a better future for herself and her two-year old daughter."

Rogers also noted how hard Wilkinson works, "...she additionally provides care for her grandparents, is an active volunteer with Roanoke Rehabilitation Center, attends classes provided by Martin County's WorkFirst program, and works and tutors in the MCC Library as part of the College's Work Study program."

When asked about overall impression of MCC's Medical Office Administration program, Wilkinson states, "The program has been more challenging than I expected, especially the online classes, but I have no regrets. The classes, the Work-Study program, and the WorkFirst opportunities have all been great programs for a single mom. I have really felt supported throughout the entire experience"

Wilkinson anticipates graduating from MCC in May of 2021. Upon graduation, she is considering transferring her credits to a university or going right into the workforce. She states, "Surprisingly, I found that I am drawn to medical coding. I might pursue a career in that. I would really like to work for Vidant."

In her spare time, Wilkinson states, "I enjoy being a mom and do-it-yourself projects. My daughter and I are particularly fond of arts and crafts projects and planting flowers together."

Contact: Judy Jennette, Director of PR and Institutional Advancement
252-945-9307 (c) and 252-789-0310 (o)