Skip navigation

All Stories

Hannah and children.
From TCC to the mission field in Romania

Hannah Căldăraru found her “anywhere” at Tidewater Community College. She got her start on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus in 2014 and earned a social sciences degree three years later. She also jumped into student life and was part of the Breakaway Bible Club, serving as president for a year. In that role, she helped lead weekly […]

Penny Chase on Norfolk Campus.
“I enjoy working on this team, as everyone works together to get the job done.” — Penny Chase

Penny Chase is TCC’s Wage Employee of the Year. As a trade technician on the Virginia Beach Campus, Chase is known for going the extra mile in her position. “Penny comes in every day and gets in her golf cart and does what is asked of her, plus more,” said Regina Simmons, custodial supervisor at […]

Thomas Armstrong, Classified Employee of the Year.
“One thing I always try to do is treat people fairly and work hard.” — Tommy Armstrong

Thomas “Tommy” Armstrong was recognized by the college’s Classified Association for his innovative leadership as facilities manager for Trades Services on the Virginia Beach Campus. Armstrong’s department covers the physical maintenance of the campus, which includes 126 acres of land and 13 buildings. Armstrong and his team oversee the electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other system […]

Alison Napier, Outstanding Adjunct Faculty.
“I love showing students that art is all around us.” — Alison Napier

Alison Napier is the recipient of the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award. She is an art historian recognized for her significant contributions to course development and her focus on student success.  Her passion for Art History comes from her curious nature and investigative spirit. “Art History is fascinating because you look at history, what’s happening in the […]

Judy Gill, Faculty Special Achievement.
“It’s wonderful to see students grow in their knowledge of this emerging field.” — Judy Gill

Judy Gill, director of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations and associate professor of mathematics, was honored by the Faculty Senate with the Faculty Special Achievement award for her development of the Drone Pilot Program at TCC. Gill, who joined the college full-time in 2004 teaches UAS and developmental and college-level math. “I am honored to be recognized by my peers […]

Heather Boone, Professor of the Year.
“TCC is more than a college. It’s a place that changes lives.” — Heather Boone

Heather Boone is the Professor of the Year, chosen by the Faculty Senate. Professor Boone has taught Graphic Design at the college since 2008 and is being honored for her dedication to student success and engagement. Boone, a Virginia Beach resident, teaches typography, publication design, interaction design and systems design in online, in-person and hybrid formats. […]

TCC celebrates annual award winners

Tidewater Community College recognizes five faculty and staff members from across the college with annual special awards on Aug. 17, 2023. Selected by their peers, the honorees received their awards at TCC’s 2023 Fall Convocation held at the college’s Chesapeake Campus. Professor of the YearHeather Boone – Professor of Graphic Design Heather Boone is the […]

Kyle Epperly at TCC's Norfolk Campus.
TCC alum lands dream job at NASA

Kyle Epperly is a Tidewater Community College alum twice over. He earned his first associate degree in Automotive Technology in 2006. For the last 12 years, he worked at Hall Automotive as a master technician. Kyle came to TCC once again looking for a new career. He wanted work that was less physically demanding, more […]

TCC alumnus Tony Lankford at Tony's Unisex Salon.
TCC alums pay it forward

Tidewater Community College alum, Tony Lankford, is passionate about giving back to the community that has always supported him. Tony received his Associate of Science in Social Sciences from TCC before following in his family’s footsteps as a third-generation barber. He is hard at work and owns Tony’s Unisex Salon in Norfolk. Tony credits TCC […]

TCC faculty Steve Capaldo at the wind turbines for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project.
TCC faculty get an up-close look at offshore wind project

New jobs are on the horizon for offshore wind turbine technicians, welders, electricians and more to support Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) facility, which will include 176 wind turbines. Tidewater Community College is gearing up to offer additional industry training. With help from the city of Virginia Beach, it’s investing in $300,000 worth of wind […]