NTCC honors retirees, service milestones at annual Christmas celebration

2025 retirees

Pictured: Retirees honored at the event are pictured with Dr. Kevin Rose (from left) Shemetric Williams, Sally Knight and Russell Taylor. Not pictured is Tim Wilson. 

Northeast Texas Community College celebrated the holiday season with its annual Christmas Party and Employee Awards Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 5. Faculty and staff gathered to enjoy food, fellowship and to recognize colleagues who reached significant career milestones or retired during the past year.

NTCC President Dr. Kevin Rose welcomed attendees and shared remarks highlighting the college’s accomplishments over the past year and what Christmas means to the Eagles family. Members of the NTCC Board of Trustees Kerry Wootten and Chad Elledge were also in attendance to help honor employees for their dedication and service.

The event is a long-standing NTCC tradition that highlights the commitment of employees who help advance the college’s mission. Service awards were presented to employees marking 5 to 40 years of service, and four retirees were recognized for their contributions to the campus community. Click here to view/download photos from the event.

2025 Retirees

NTCC also recognized the following retiring employees (pictured at the top of article):

  • Russell Taylor – Police Officer

  • Sally Knight – Adult Education TEAMS Coordinator

  • Shemetric Williams – Executive Assistant to the President

  • Tim Wilson – Director of SBDC

2025 Service Award Honorees

5 year awards

5 Years of Service

  • Lillia Birdsong – Professor of Biology (not pictured)

  • Karen Duck – Associate Professor of Medical Assistant Faculty

  • Elaine Holdridge – College Store Purchaser

  • Amber Keith – SBDC Business Advisor

  • Gary Short – Instructor of EMS

  • Carmen Shurtleff – Assistant Professor of Sociology/Social Work (not pictured)

  • Savannah Toews – Instructor of Funeral Services (not pictured)

10 years

10 Years of Service

  • Melissa Dickeson – Senior Human Resources Generalist

15 year awards

15 Years of Service

  • Margarette Clifton – Head Cashier/Accounts Receivable Specialist II

  • Nita May – Director of Development

  • William McWhorter – Professor of Computer Science

  • Karyn Skaar – Professor of Psychology (not pictured) 

  • Naomi Stanford – Director of College Bookstore

  • Mayra Torres – CIS Coordinator (not pictured)

  • Timothy Wilson – Director of SBDC (not pictured)

20 years

20 Years of Service

  • JoAnn Rodriguez – Secretary to Math and Science

25 years

25 Years of Service

  • Nicole Walker – Secretary to Dean and Allied Health

35 Years of Service

  • Fredia Thomas – Director of Adult Education (not pictured)

40 years

40 Years of Service

  • Alan Carter – Professor of Accounting

  • James Richey – Professor of Mathematics

NTCC extends its sincerest appreciation to all honorees for their commitment and service. Their dedication continues to strengthen the college and support student success across the region.

NTCC also extends a special thank-you to the Human Resources team for organizing the event and to NTCC Food Services for catering the holiday meal.