Page 22 - Harnett Life Fall 2020

CCCC graduate Joseph Price shows

dedication in school and in working world

Joseph Price, a graduate of the Central Carolina Community College Laser and Photonics Technology program, is finding
success at Wasatch Photonics.

Though more than a decade has passed, Central Carolina Com- tual relationship with Beasley, along with a fascination for the
munity College photonics lead instructor Gary Beasley vividly capability of lasers and science of light. When it came time to
remembers the day he met Joseph Price. It was on a Saturday graduate from Triton High School in Erwin, Price had options,
morning in Lillington. Beasley was hosting a group of middle but not much of a decision to make. He was headed to CCCC
school students and their parents for a laser workshop, a sort of for an associate degree in applied science
hands-on educational activity combined with a soft recruiting .
pitch for the college. Beasley has a long list of accomplishments on his resume.
Winner of this year’s CCCC’s Excellence in Teaching Award,
One sixth-grader stood out. he came to the college in 2001 with experience as a senior tech-
nician for GTE Sylvania, manufacturing engineering manager
“I can’t remember what exactly we were doing at the time, but for Data General and quality engineering manager for Ericsson
you just wouldn’t believe his capability, his understanding of Inc. That’s just part of a longer resume that includes a bach-
computers and software,” Beasley says looking back. “I told elor’s degree from N.C. State and master’s from East Carolina.
my wife, who was helping me at the time, that this kid is a little But what he saw in his young student was almost unlimited
genius. He knew more about some topics than I did, and I was potential. “He taught me as much as I taught him,” Beasley
taking master’s-level courses at the time.” says. “He would do a lab in an hour or so and then quietly walk
around and help other students. He was never concerned about
That initial encounter apparently left a huge impression on the leaving early. He would just walk around and do teaching. Ev-
little genius, too, because it wasn’t the last time Price got a erybody just loved him.”
chance to tinker with lasers at the college. He returned to laser
camp a few more times, developing a personal and intellec- Quiet Genius

Page 22 Harnett Life ~ Fall 2020