Roanoke-Chowan Community College welcomes new faculty members

September 28, 2022

(AHOSKIE) Roanoke-Chowan Community College has announced the addition of several key faculty members at the college.

De’Shon Whitaker, Program Coordinator, Early Childhood Education, Dwayne Ponton, Program Coordinator, Criminal Justice Technology, and John Cann, Program Coordinator/Instructor, Business Administration, joined the faculty for the fall semester.

“These outstanding professionals strengthen our excellent faculty at R-CCC,” states Dr. Jami Woods, Vice President of Instruction & Student Instruction. “They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their new roles on campus and serve as vital members of the faculty team. Our students will benefit from their expertise and experience.”

Whitaker, from Como, earned a bachelor’s degree in science, family and community services at East Carolina University and a master’s degree in education from Strayer University. He completed a graduate certificate, B-K, at the University of North Carolina – Charlotte. He previously served as program specialist/coordinator at Hertford County Public Schools and as an early childhood educator for Pitt County Schools. He coordinates the early childhood education curricula for the college.

“I chose this field of study because it gives me the opportunity to lay the foundation for young children,” states Whitaker. “The formative years are so impactful as children are like sponges and parents and educators have the opportunity shift the trajectory of a child’s life during that time.”

Ponton coordinates the criminal justice technology program of study and has a background and degrees in criminal justice. He received the bachelor’s degree of science in criminal justice from Elizabeth City State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston University.

From Seaboard, he served as a lecturer and professor of criminal justice at Elizabeth City State University and previously was a probation/parole officer for the NC Department of Public Safety. He is currently enrolled in the doctoral program at Walden University in criminal justice with a concentration in homeland security policy and implementation.

“I have always found the fields of criminal justice and cybercrime/cybersecurity to be intriguing,” states the professor. “My objectives with students are to increase fluency and interest in criminal justice, homeland security, cybercrime/cybersecurity, and to build practical skills applicable to work or advanced studies. I wish to help students become well-rounded citizens capable of making informed decisions for their families and for the community.”

Cann coordinates the business administration curricula for the college. He earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Old Dominion University, Virginia, where he also received a master’s degree in human science. He is obtaining a master’s degree in business administration at the University of North Carolina – Pembroke. Cann has served as the CEO and finance officer for Virginia Events; is the founder of Cann Farms; and coordinated business development for Lancaster Farms.

Originally from Severn, he is also the founder of Virginia Food Trust, which is a non-profit organization working on food security, local food systems, and food justice initiatives.

“My interest in business is based on my curiosity of economics, markets and how they impact the lives of people sociologically,” says the entrepreneur. “This semester, our students will be developing a short ‘elevator pitch’ for their business idea and presenting to the class. Think ‘Shark Tank’ in the class.”

R-CCC offers associate degrees in early childhood education (B-K licensure), criminal justice technology, and business administration.

For more information about associate degrees at R-CCC, call 252.862.1200 or visit www.roanokechowan.edu. R-CCC Where Community and Careers Connect #DiscoverRCCC