Gaston College recently honored three employees, all of whom have put in 25 years each.

And each received a certificate of appreciation and a $150 gift card, according to college spokeswoman Stephanie Michael Pickett. Those recognized were Donna English, Gail Hoyle and Ed Stroup. 

Donna English
English is the chairman of Gaston College’s industrial systems technology program.

Prior to joining the college, she worked for 13 years in industry and taught part-time as an adjunct instructor at Isothermal Community College for about six years. She then continued her education at Western Carolina University, earning a bachelor of science degree in education and a master’s in technology. She also earned an education specialist degree at Appalachian State University.

In her program of study at WCU, English met some teachers from Gaston College, who told her about an opening for an instructor. She applied and was hired. Her first position was as an instructor for mechanical drafting and design technology. After about six years, she moved to the position of instructor for industrial maintenance.

At the college, English has served on the faculty senate, multiple hiring committees and the curriculum committee. She served as the industrial division’s student success coach, 2014-15, and she attends yearly career fairs at local middle schools to promote the college’s trade and industrial programs. Those activities contributed to her being named the 2006 Instructor of the Year for the Engineering and Industrial division––one of her proudest accomplishments.

She also takes pride in being active with the college’s Apprenticeship 321 program and, through that activity, “seeing students succeed and knowing (she) was a part of that success.”

English has seen Gaston College evolve much in her 25 years there, and she has been a big supporter of her students and colleagues.

“I have seen many changes in technology in the classroom setting,” she said. “On-line and hybrid classes are a big part of my program now. I have seen many accomplishments, new programs, expanding the Dallas Campus and apprenticeship programs.

“The best part of being a teacher is the interaction with the students,” she added. “So often, they do not see their talent or do not know how to direct it. It takes just a few suggestions to see your students bloom into professionals. I really enjoy the mentorial aspect of teaching. It is very rewarding at the college level. I also enjoy working with the great people here at the college. I love my job, because ev