Former CCH Nurse Manager Creates Scholarship Fund

A former Central Carolina Hospital nurse manager has established a scholarship for nurses through the Central Carolina Community College Foundation.

Phyllis Poe, who spent more than 34 years as the nurse manager of the Intensive Care Unit at CCH, has established the Phyllis Poe Scholarship for future nurses at CCCC.

She describes the decision as a deeply personal one, reflecting her own journey and the values that shaped her life. Years ago, she benefited from a full merit scholarship from the Sanford Women of the Moose, which helped her pay for her own nursing education.

“Over the years, my family and I have been the recipients of many good deeds,” Phyllis said. “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 understands the transformative power of scholarships, not only for students but for the families and communities they impact. Her daughter, Kim, earned full merit scholarships from both the State of North Carolina and the U.S. Department of Education, which helped her complete her undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Her late 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.

Those educational experiences helped him rise through the ranks of the Sanford Police Department, from patrolman to assistant chief during his 50+ years of service. As a result, the Poe family has also created the Wayne Poe Scholarship for aspiring law enforcement officers at CCCC.

The Poes’ generosity in establishing these scholarship endowments for nursing and law enforcement will have a lasting impact on CCCC students and the communities they go on to serve, said CCCC Foundation Executive Director Dr. Emily C. Hare.

 “Their support not only eases the financial burden for aspiring nurses and law enforcement professionals but also reinforces the importance of these vital careers,” Dr. Hare said. “We are deeply grateful for their commitment to education and their belief in the future of our students.”

By establishing these two scholarships – one to support aspiring law enforcement officers and the other to aid nursing students – Phyllis 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 about helping others get the chance to fulfill their potential,” Phyllis said. “And I hope this scholarship will inspire others to do the same.”

Credit: Central Carolina Community College, 2025