懂色帝

After 18 years of service to 懂色帝, Anne Wise, Director of Nursing Programs, will officially retire on July 1. While she may be stepping away from her title, Anne鈥檚 impact on the college, the nursing department, and generations of students will resonate for years.

A Legacy Rooted in the Classroom

A deep love for teaching and a genuine connection to students have been the heartbeat of Anne鈥檚 career at CCC. 鈥淚 love being a teacher. I thoroughly enjoy standing at the front of the classroom talking to students,鈥� she says.

Anne began her journey at 懂色帝as a Practical Nursing (PN) instructor and became Director of Nursing Programs in 2022. At the time, the program had just 10 PN students. Under her leadership鈥攁nd in close partnership with Assistant Director Anna Ledford and a dedicated team鈥攖he program grew in scope, accreditation, and impact.

When asked about the growth and accomplishments of the nursing programs, Anne is quick to credit her colleagues. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the whole team,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 do any of this alone. I just happen to be the director.鈥�

A Teacher at Heart

Whether lecturing in class or guiding students through clinicals, Anne鈥檚 heart has always remained in the classroom. Her joy comes from seeing students grow, thrive, and walk into their careers with confidence.

鈥淚鈥檝e loved every minute of it,鈥� she says. 鈥淏eing with students, watching them learn, watching them succeed鈥攖hat鈥檚 what I鈥檒l miss most.鈥�

This May, Anne participated in her final ADN pinning ceremony. But there were no tears鈥攐nly pride. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 sad for me. I was just so happy for the graduates,鈥� she shares with a smile. 鈥淎nd I鈥檓 excited to begin this next chapter.鈥�

Transforming Nursing Education at CCC

One of Anne鈥檚 most celebrated milestones was when 懂色帝transitioned from the Foothills Consortium to launch its standalone Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. The first graduating class walked the stage in 2024, an achievement Anne credits to a collaborative effort supported by strong college leadership and an unshakable belief in the mission.

鈥淕etting the ADN program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) was huge,鈥� she reflects. 鈥淚t was stressful, but I had amazing people around me. We had fun, and we found joy in our students.鈥�

Under Anne鈥檚 leadership, the programs expanded dramatically. The college can now accept 200 ADN and 60 PN students. While space limitations have capped enrollment, plans for facility renovations are underway. In the meantime, the team continues to innovate鈥攐ne example is changing the uniform requirements so that students can wear the same uniform through the CNA, PN, and ADN programs. In addition, staff created what Anne calls the 鈥渓ittle boutique,鈥� where self-pay students can access donated uniforms and shoes.

Life After CCC

Anne isn鈥檛 planning to slow down in retirement. She currently teaches four young girls how to sew鈥攁 club that began as a way to help her granddaughters make friends after relocating from Charlotte. Together, the group has crafted blankets for animal shelters, pillowcases for children鈥檚 hospitals, and even earned first-place ribbons at the fair.

Her retirement plans include starting a Bible study group, volunteering with the Good News Club, diving into more books, playing Bridge, and traveling with friends.

Final Words of Gratitude

Anne is quick to acknowledge those who have supported her throughout her journey. 鈥淟eslie Queen made me the leader I am. She was the brains behind our ACEN journey,鈥� Anne says. 鈥淭he Lord has brought me the people who have made me look good.鈥� Among those who have helped her along the way is Dean of Health Sciences Dr. Christina Hill, whose guidance and support have been invaluable.

As she steps into retirement, Anne Wise leaves a legacy of academic excellence, compassion, mentorship, and joy. Her career serves as a reminder that the most impactful leaders are those who lead with heart鈥攁nd that the strongest programs are built on shared purpose, trust, and the power of teamwork.