WCC’s White Receives Highest Honor from National Organization

White was named as a recipient of the NC3 Founders Award during the organization’s annual leadership summit held in Wisconsin this summer.

The Founders Award is given to a leader who has made a lasting impact on Career and Technical Education (CTE) at a national level. Recipients are celebrated for their dedication to building meaningful industry-education partnerships, expanding access to certification opportunities, and advocating for workforce development initiatives that empower students and communities.

“I was humbled, honored, and surprised,” White said about receiving the award.

NC3 Director of Development Craig Foucht, a former WCC employee, recognized White’s impact on NC3 and the College.

“Dr. Ernie White’s vision helped create the Festo Industry Certification program’s lasting impact on schools and students in the NC3 network nationwide,” Foucht said. “When I was a faculty member at WCC, he showed me what true leadership looks like.”

White began his career in the electrical industry before becoming an instructor at Lenoir Community College. He then came to WCC and serves as dean of the Applied Technologies division.

“Dr. White’s receipt of the prestigious Founders Award reflects his exceptional commitment to workforce development, student success, and strong industry partnerships,” said Dr. Patty Pfeiffer, WCC president. “Wayne Community College is proud to celebrate this well-deserved national recognition.”

White said building partnerships for workforce development is important to him because he sees the value they add to the training WCC offers students and community members.

He considers events like NC3’s instructor professional development program, Train-the-Trainer, which is held annually at WCC, to be beneficial. The program offers hands-on learning from master instructors and provides a wide range of industry-recognized certifications, experience with the latest industry technologies, and practical skills to expand technical expertise.

WCC’s Applied Technologies faculty members participate in the training each year, and White said their professional development is essential for continuing the success of their programs.

“Our faculty are continuously getting trained on up-to-date equipment, concepts, and ideas, and that’s probably equally as important as what we do for the students,” White said.