Cari Drew is JCC’s Outstanding Staff Person for 2019
Published: December 18, 2019
Director of student success and advising enjoys serving students.
Cari Drew, the director of student success and advising at Johnston Community College, is the recipient of the 2019 Rudolph Howell Staff Person of the Year.
Drew started at JCC in 2009 as an admissions counselor and became the director of the Center for Academic Planning in 2013. In 2019, she was named the director of student success and advising with the opening of the college’s new Student Success Center.
Drew was chosen by her colleagues for the award because of her hard work and dedication to the development and opening of the new center. She stepped into the leadership role and spear-headed countless meetings with staff and faculty to make sure the college was prepared for the opening. She has refined and developed processes, researched new and innovative methods to use in the center, and cross-trained with all departments that have functions in the center.
Drew said she loves serving students at JCC.
“I enjoy interacting with students, meeting students where they are, and helping them maximize and reach their goals,” she said. “I work with faculty and staff and interact with colleagues across campus and enjoy those relationships as well.”
Since the center opened two months ago, Drew said faculty and staff are working more hand-in-hand to serve students.
“With us being located in the same area, it’s provided us a great opportunity to collaborate and work with students,” she said. “Students are enjoying the space, and for us as colleagues it’s helping us to get answers quicker for students. I look forward to us to continue to grow and learn in the center.”
A JCC alum, Drew said JCC holds a special place in her heart.
“I came here straight out of high school undecided about my future,” she said. “During my two years here, I really got to witness what JCC does for students. I was one of them. I knew back then that I wanted to work here. It had such an impact on my life and helped lay the groundwork for me.”
At JCC, Drew was an associate in arts student and a student ambassador. She transferred to N.C. State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in human resources in 2005. She earned her master’s degree in counseling from Campbell University in 2007.
A native of Four Oaks, Drew lives in Clayton with her husband, David, and their nanday conure, Ralphie. She enjoys riding roller coasters and hiking in her spare time.
Cut line: Cari Drew, director of student success and advising at Johnston Community College, is the 2019 Rudolph Howell Staff Person of the Year.