Wilkes Community College Honors Outstanding Faculty and Staff with Abby and Gordon Burns Distinguished Service Awards

Wilkes Community College Honors Outstanding Faculty and Staff with Abby and Gordon Burns Distinguished Service Awards

Wilkesboro, N.C. – Wilkes Community College proudly recognized two outstanding employees at the 2025 Faculty/Staff Christmas Luncheon. This year’s Abby and Gordon Burns Distinguished Staff Award was presented to Cody Wingler, and the Abby and Gordon Burns Distinguished Faculty Award was awarded to Bryan Hartzog. Each honoree received $500, presented by WCC President Dr. Mike Rodgers, in recognition of their dedication, excellence, and service to the College.

The Abby and Gordon Burns Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards are designed to recognize, honor, and celebrate faculty and staff members who make significant contributions in and out of the classroom. Sponsored by Dr. Gordon and Abby Burns, these annual awards will continue in perpetuity. Dr. Burns served as president of Wilkes Community College for 18 years, from 1996 to 2014.

Distinguished Faculty Award

Bryan Hartzog, Lead Instructor of Industrial Engineering, is a passionate and innovative educator and exemplifies Wilkes Community College’s commitment to student success, excellence in teaching, and community engagement. His instruction emphasizes real-world application through hands-on learning and advanced technologies such as CNC simulation, robotics, and 3D printing. A standout example of his impact is a student-led project to design and create a 3D-printed prosthetic leg for Millie, a rescued local goat, an experience that highlighted compassion, innovation, and applied engineering while earning widespread community and media attention.

Beyond the classroom, Hartzog is deeply invested in student growth and workforce development. He mentors students for SkillsUSA competitions, earning regional, state, and national recognition, including a Gold Medal in Additive Manufacturing, while building confidence and career-ready skills. His service extends across campus and into the community through equipment support, collaboration with colleagues, and assistance to local emergency responders as an FAA-certified drone pilot. He also plays a key role in professional development initiatives and the college’s Quality Enhancement Plan and has helped advance the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) Program through the Learn & Earn initiative, partnering with local industry to provide paid, hands-on training that strengthens the region’s workforce pipeline.

Distinguished Staff Award

Cody Wingler, IT Infrastructure Administrator, exemplifies the values of service, excellence, and dedication that define Wilkes Community College. A trusted member of the IT department, Cody consistently puts students and colleagues first through his dependable support, innovative problem-solving, and readiness to step in wherever needed. His professionalism and positive attitude have made him a cornerstone of reliability across the College.

Wingler’s outstanding technical expertise has been instrumental in maintaining the strength and security of WCC’s IT infrastructure. Known for his ability to troubleshoot complex systems, implement new technologies, and manage networks with exceptional attention to detail, he ensures smooth daily operations campus-wide. Colleagues also value his approachable nature and his talent for translating complex technical concepts into practical guidance, along with his willingness to mentor others and lead process improvements—qualities that truly set him apart as a Distinguished Staff award recipient.

Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC has a proud history of meeting the educational, cultural, and workforce needs of our community. As we look to the future, Wilkes Community College provides programs, resources, and services that create quality educational, economic development, and cultural opportunities. WCC aspires to be an effective, learner-centered institution and a dynamic learning organization, preparing students for success in a changing world.