Posted on the WLOS-13 website on March 26, 2026.
Asheville, N.C. (WLOS) — Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) was recognized with two state-level awards from the North Carolina Community College System.
The Staff Person of the Year Award was given to A-B Tech Director of Student Support Services Heather Pack. The college said the award recognizes non-teaching staff who “exemplify exceptional performance and dedication to the community college mission.”
The Business of the Year (more than 500 employees) award was given to Pratt & Whitney, which partners with A-B Tech for its NCEdge Customized Training program.
“We are honored that A-B Tech received special recognition from the North Carolina Community College System,” A-B Tech President John Gossett said in a written statement. “We are beyond proud of Heather Pack. I have never worked with a person who cares more about our students and employees — she is an outstanding example of who we are and what we do. I’m also grateful that our valued partnership with Pratt & Whitney has been recognized. It is a testament to the work our Advanced Manufacturing Center does with customized training for area manufacturers.”
A-B Tech said Pack has spent years closing mental health gaps on campus and beyond, and helped the college through the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of Helene.