Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Minority Male Success Initiative recently hosted two former standout high school athletes for a motivational workshop. Jamie Jenkins and Mike Setzer, both graduates of West Caldwell High School, talked with students about setting goals, taking advantage of opportunities and being successful.
Jamie Jenkins is a 1994 graduate of West Caldwell High School and went on to become captain of the men’s basketball team at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1998. He earned Master of Science in Leadership and Master of Business Administration degrees in 2015 at Pfeiffer University. Jenkins is a Senior Medical Sales Consultant with Dendreon Pharmaceuticals in Charlotte, N.C.
Jenkins urged students to make the most of the opportunities afforded them by their athletic skill and talent and focus on furthering their education. Jenkins also spoke to students about setting and reaching goals and having a plan for success.
Mike Setzer is also a 1994 graduate of West Caldwell High School. He earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Therapeutic Recreation and Rehabilitation Studies at East Carolina University and earned his Masters degree at Pembroke University. Setzer has 16 years experience as a coach and educator and is currently serving in the Robeson County Public School System. He and his family reside in Lumberton, NC.
Setzer talked with students about personal accountability and urged them to take pride in being both students and athletes. “Mr. Setzer talked to us about being a part of an elite group. He said that only 1.2 percent of high school athletes make it to college,” said CCC&TI student and Cobra Men’s Basketball player Michael Pfifer. “He said we should do everything with pride and to the best of our ability.”
The Minority Male Success Initiative was established by the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) in 2003 and is designed as a goal-oriented program to support the educational, professional and civic aspirations of minority males at all 58 community colleges throughout the state. The program works to increase student success and maximize student and campus participation.
For more information about CCC&TI’s Minority Male Success Initiative, contact program specialist Elaine Setzer-Maxwell at 828.759.4687 or email esetzer-maxwell@cccti.edu.
