In the heart of Central Carolina, a new legacy is being built – one rooted in service, education, and the spirit of giving back.

Phyllis Poe, a longtime nurse and community advocate, has established two scholarship endowments with the Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) Foundation: The Wayne Poe Scholarship for aspiring law enforcement officers and the Phyllis Poe Scholarship for future nurses.

For Phyllis, the decision to create these scholarships was deeply personal, reflecting her own journey and the values that have shaped her life. She recalls the wave of goodwill that emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic – stories of people coming together to help others, underscoring the powerful impact of kindness and generosity. Inspired by this, Phyllis knew it was time to give back in a meaningful way.

“Over the years, my family and I have been the recipients of many good deeds,” Phyllis explains. “Now, I wanted to be a giver in a tangible way, creating opportunities for others to succeed just as we did. Scholarships change lives, and I know that firsthand.”

Phyllis benefited from a full merit scholarship from the Sanford Women of the Moose, which helped her pay for her education. She spent over 34 years as the nursing manager of the Intensive Care Unit at Central Carolina Hospital, where she worked tirelessly to care for her community. She understands the transformative power of scholarships, not only for students but for the families and communities they impact. Her daughter, Kim, also earned full merit scholarships from both the State of North Carolina and the U.S. Department of Education, which helped her complete both her undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Through her career, Phyllis has seen firsthand the difference that CCCC has made in the lives of local residents. “CCCC has had such a positive impact on the lives of citizens in Lee and the surrounding counties,” Phyllis says. “Graduates leave well-prepared to enter or reenter the workforce, which helps strengthen our tax base and provides companies with qualified candidates. It’s an institution that truly serves the community.”

Phyllis’s husband, Wayne Poe, was also deeply connected to CCCC. A Sanford native, Wayne earned an associate degree from the college, as well as completed continuing education courses. These educational experiences helped him rise through the ranks of the Sanford Police Department, from patrolman to assistant chief during his 50+ years of service.

“Wayne’s education at CCCC was instrumental in his career. It gave him the skills and knowledge that allowed him to serve our community with dedication and integrity,” Phyllis reflects.

Phyllis encourages others to follow her lead and invest in the future of students by supporting scholarships at CCCC. She draws inspiration from her faith, quoting Luke 12:48: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

“God has entrusted us with many blessings, and this is one way I can be a good steward of what I have. I hope others will consider investing in the education of future generations,” she says.

Phyllis and Wayne, who were married for 50 years, led lives full of service and love for their community. Wayne, who passed away in 2021, was passionate about auto racing, Tar Heels basketball, and beach music concerts, while Phyllis enjoys gardening, time spent at the beach, and being with family. Their daughter, Kim, now married with children of her own, carries on the family’s legacy of education, service, and giving back.

By establishing these two scholarships – one to support aspiring law enforcement officers and the other to aid nursing students – Phyllis Poe is ensuring that Wayne’s and her own legacy of service, hard work, and dedication to the community will live on for generations to come. It’s an investment not only in education but in the future of a community that has shaped their lives. Through these scholarships, Phyllis hopes to empower others to follow their dreams, just as she did, and to continue the cycle of giving that has meant so much to her family.

“It’s about helping others get the chance to fulfill their potential,” Phyllis says. “And I hope this scholarship will inspire others to do the same.”

CCCC Foundation Executive Director Dr. Emily C. Hare notes that the generosity of Phyllis and Wayne Poe in establishing these scholarship endowments for nursing and law enforcement will have a lasting impact on our students and the communities they will go on to serve. “Their support not only eases the financial burden for aspiring nurses and law enforcement professionals but also reinforces the importance of these vital careers. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to education and their belief in the future of our students,” said Dr. Hare.

Donors create incredible opportunities for CCCC students. From scholarships to program support to event sponsorships, you can make a difference. Contact Dr. Hare at [email protected] or (919) 718-7230 to inquire about these unique opportunities.

Feature photo: Phyllis and Wayne Poe have a history of longtime service to the Central Carolina area – Phyllis as a nurse and Wayne in law enforcement.

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Contributed article and photo.