Anderson Oconee Pickens

Sheila Harbin Honored with Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award

CONTACT: SHEILA HARBIN, 646-1439

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5/24/2004
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- It's well known that Sheila Harbin is accessible to students, both in and out of classes. Whether it's lending a hand with a class project or listening to a personal problem, she is there, ready to guide, advise and learn from the Radio and Television Broadcasting (RTV) students, whom she affectionately calls "my kids."

"I call them my kids, but some of them are older than I am," said Harbin, who puts her heart and soul -- and endless hours -- into preparing for and teaching RTV classes at her alma mater, Tri-County Technical College.

Recently, Harbin's expertise in her field and teaching style were acknowledged when she received the 2004 Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award at the College.

This award is given annually at the faculty/staff convocation to the adjunct faculty member who is recognized for excellence in teaching, who has consistently high student evaluations and who supports the philosophy and goals of the College.

"I was honored, shocked and thrilled," said Harbin who, for the past three years, has been teaching television broadcasting classes for the College while freelancing as a video producer.

"I love helping students to develop and grow and improve over the semester It's the best feeling to see that light bulb come on and know that they get it. It gives me a charge. I love my job," said Harbin.

The feeling is mutual, said John Woodson, who leads the department and who nominated Harbin for the award. "She is an outstanding professional whose heart is with the students. Personally, she has been invaluable in helping me to stay current with today's production techniques and trends. She has a sterling reputation in the Upstate media community, and we are lucky to have someone of her caliber."

Harbin spent most of last decade working at WYFF-TV, with duties that included directing newscasts and later serving as a writer and producer for the sales department. Today, in addition to teaching, she is a freelance producer for the Greenville Hospital System.

She credits an internship at WYFF with getting her foot in the door.

It's that real world experience gained through internships that gives you invaluable work experience and often leads to full-time employment following graduation, she tells her students.

"During my internship. I learned to do whatever needed to be done," she recalled. "And I learned the importance of accuracy and speed in production work," she added.

"I landed a job at WYFF six months before I graduated. That wouldn't have happened without the internship," she said.

After several years of just "floating around" after graduating from Daniel High School, Harbin says, "I really found myself when I got to Tri-County. I wanted to go to work because it was fun."

A career in television broadcasting never entered her mind until her father brought her a Tri-County catalog and asked her to take a look at the career options. "I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do. Dad told me if I wanted to go to college he would help me out. I didn't know what I wanted to do. Dad brought home that catalog and gave me an ultimatum. Enter college and work part-time and I'll help you -- or start paying rent."

"It was good advice," said Harbin who soon found her niche in the RTV Department then run by Charlie Jordan.

"I remember telling Charlie that I bore easily. Consequently, he gave me a lot of additional assignments to keep me busy. It was a wonderful experience. I had the freedom to create something out of nothing."
"
The 1994 graduate maintains a real affinity for the department and the College so she never hesitated when asked to teach one summer class several years ago. "Ten hours of teaching bloomed into 30," said Sheila. "And I love it."

One of the reasons is the camaraderie with Woodson. "John and I work well together. And we're friends. He treats me with the highest respect and regard. We have a partnership going on here. Students feel comfortable talking with either one of us about anything. I really enjoy this aspect of my career."

"Sheila teaches six sections currently, and many would be tempted to leave as soon as the last class ends, yet she stays until late afternoon every day. Our students value her frank talks about business and life in general. She remembers her days as a student, and I believe that is key to her easy rapport with her students. Our students trust her, and she extends that same trust back to them. A big reason I look forwed to coming to work each day is getting another opporitmity to work with Sheila Harbin."
-30-