State college educators named Eastern WV Community and Technical College’s Kimbra Chirchirillo a ‘2013 Outstanding Contributor to Community College Education’ at an annual conference October 24 in Bridgeport. Honored by the WV Community College Association (WVCCA) for her thoughtful, compassionate and personal involvement with students over many years, Chirchirillo “is the epitome of the ideal staff person in a small college,” noted Eleanor Berg, Eastern’s nursing program director.
“Helping anyone who asks, Kimbra will find the answer for you, or help you find the right person to ask,” Berg said.
Chirchirillo, who lives in Rada, started at Eastern in 2006 as an access advisor, providing students and faculty with information and technical support for video distance classes, and proctoring exams when necessary. She later managed Eastern’s front service desk as evening coordinator, serving as the senior administrative representative in the building after 4:00 pm, and tutoring students in mathematics.
Acknowledging her instructional skills and ability to reach students, the college soon after asked her to teach developmental English and developmental math classes. And when a fulltime administrative secretarial position opened at the college in 2011, Chirchirillo won the job.
Currently, in that post, she interacts with students in many roles, including math tutor, co-advisor for Eastern’s chapter Beta Nu Lambda chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) international honor society, and administrative secretary for both Student Support Services and Academics. She also organizes and participates in Eastern community projects, such as trash pick-up along local highways and blood drives.
Along the way, as a Dean’s List student, she earned both an Associate in Arts (AA) and an Associate in Science (AS) degree at the college, adding to her previous Bachelor of Science (BS) and earning membership in PTK.
“Kimbra shows initiative in everything she completes,” said Monica Wilson, Associate Director of Admissions. “She is caring and understanding of all situations, willing to help anyone with anything, and a great asset to Eastern.”
For more information about Eastern’s financial aid opportunities, programs of study, workforce training and community education and events, call 304-434-8000; or toll free: 877-982-2322; or check the College’s website: “www.easternwv.edu”.