Staff Spotlight – Bernadette Farrar

We’re excited to spotlight Bernadette, a dedicated member of Washington County Community College who has been supporting students with compassion, expertise, and heart for nearly a decade. Since joining WCCC in August 2016, Bernadette has played a vital role in connecting students to the resources they need to succeed — academically, personally, and professionally.

 

A Day in Bernadette’s Role

Bernadette coordinates the Student Advocacy and Resource Center and oversees the on-site food pantry, The Caring Cupboard. Her day-to-day work centers on knowing — and navigating — both on-campus and community resources to support student success.

She coordinates health and wellness programming, administers the SOS Emergency Fund, and creates the college’s monthly campus newsletter. Bernadette also serves as the dedicated advisor for Justice-Involved Students, supporting learners who attend WCCC online from four Department of Corrections residences across the state. In addition, she advises other special student populations as needed, always with care and intention.

 

What She Loves Most About WCCC

Without hesitation, Bernadette says it’s the people. From the moment she joined WCCC, she was inspired by the faculty and staff’s deep commitment to students and to one another — a sense of community that continues to be the most rewarding part of her work.

Three Words to Describe Bernadette

Caring, Helpful, and Enthusiastic.

Outside of Work

Bernadette is a voracious reader who loves gardening, the ocean, animals of all kinds (she’s a self-described recovering chicken lady), and spending time with her family and dogs.

She is incredibly proud of her two children — her daughter, a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, and her son, a foreman for a powerline construction crew. This year also marks a special milestone as Bernadette celebrates her 40th wedding anniversary with her spouse, a military veteran of 26 years.

Looking Toward the Future

Bernadette’s goals today are the same as when she first arrived at WCCC: to use her talents, skills, and knowledge to help others reach their personal, academic, and career goals. A lifelong learner with nearly twenty years of experience helping individuals transition to college, she brings specialized training in career development, recovery coaching, and mental health first aid — all in service of student success.

Thank You, Bernadette! 

Thank you, Bernadette, we appreciate you!