Jason Fair, Director of A-B Tech South, is the winner of the BB&T Staff Member of the Year Award for the North Carolina Community College System from the State Board of Community Colleges.
He was recognized for his student-centered approach to delivering instruction and services at A-B Tech South.
Under Fair's direction, the number of course offerings, students and support programs has grown since the site opened in 2013. He found ways to expand operating hours without additional staffing and advocated for the use of technology to deliver instruction.
Fair also works with Mars Hill, A-B Tech's facility partner, to maximize use of classroom space and to increase engagement and outreach with the community.
In a letter supporting the award nomination, Dr. Gene Loflin, associate vice president for instructional services at A-B Tech, said Fair's background in both student services and academics makes him uniquely qualified to help students be successful. "Jason has created an atmosphere where students, faculty and staff feel welcomed and supported," Loflin wrote.
Fair had experience in academic affairs and financial aid at other colleges before coming to A-B Tech in 2012. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Carolina University and recently completed his doctorate in higher education leadership from Clemson University.
With financial support from BB&T, the State Board established the Staff Member of the Year Award in 2001 to recognize excellent performance and commitment to the community college mission by the non‑teaching staff of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System and the System Office.