Program Faculty
David Hughes
Program Director

Professional Background
David Hughes has been the Director of the Respiratory Therapy Program since 2008. Prior to that, he served as Clinical Coordinator, starting in 1999. During his career as a respiratory therapist, he has held a number of positions as a clinician and educator. In addition to his position at Rockingham Community College, David's professional background includes:
Respiratory Therapist / Johnston-Willis Hospital / Richmond, Virginia
Respiratory Therapist / University of Virginia Medical Center / Charlottesville, Virginia
Respiratory Therapist / Vencare / Richmond, Virginia
Respiratory Therapist / Morehead Memorial Hospital / Eden, North Carolina
Clinical Instructor-Distance Learning Instructor / J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College / Richmond, Virginia
David received an associate in applied science degree in respiratory therapy from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond, Virginia. Additionally, he holds a bachelor of arts degree in religion from Averett College, and a master's in divinity from Southeastern Seminary.
He is an active member of the American Association for Respiratory Care, North Carolina Society for Respiratory Care, and North Carolina Association of Respiratory Educators.
Credentials
RRT / Registered Respiratory Therapist / #55774
Instructor / Basic Life Support / American Heart Association
RCP / Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner / North Carolina / #2065
Dr. Ed Hawkins
Medical Director

Professional Background
Dr. Ed Hawkins has served as the Medical Director since the program started in 1998. He received his bachelor of science degree from Auburn University, and his doctoral degree in medicine from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Hawkins completed his residency in internal medicine at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. He is board certified in internal medicine as well as pulmonary medicine, and is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Hawkins maintains a private practice in Reidsville, North Carolina. He is associated with Annie Penn Hospital in Reidsville, which is part of the Moses Cone Health System. Dr. Hawkins serves on the board of directors of the Moses Cone Health System and the Annie Penn Community Trust.

Vickie Chitwood
Clinical Coordinator

Professional Background
Vickie Chitwood served as an instructor with the Respiratory Therapy Program since 2003. In 2008, she was appointed Clinical Coordinator of the program. She possesses 25 years of experience as a respiratory therapist, and has worked in a variety of professional positions.
She received her associate degree in applied science in respiratory therapy from the Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke, Virginia, a bachelor of science degree in healthcare services from the California College of Health Sciences, and is currently pursuing her master's degree from Old Dominion University.
Vickie is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and maintaining clinical instruction and professional experiences at our affiliate healthcare organizations. Additionally, she offers her professional expertise in the laboratory and lecture components of the respiratory therapy courses.
Credentials
RRT / Registered Respiratory Therapist / #41076
Instructor / BLS / American Heart Association
RCP / Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner / Virginia and North Carolina
Tom Harding
Dean of Health Sciences

Professional Background
Tom Harding served as Director of the Respiratory Therapy Program since it started in 1998 until 2008. He possesses 37 years experience in the field of respiratory therapy, and has held positions as a clinician, manager, and educator during that time period. In addition to his positions at Rockingham Community College, Tom's professional background includes:
Respiratory Therapist / Albert Einstein Medical Center / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Supervisor / Respiratory Therapy Department / Tampa General Hospital / Tampa, Florida
Director of Clinical Education / Respiratory Therapy Program / Pitt Community College / Greenville, North Carolina
Director / Respiratory Therapy Program / Norwalk Hospital-Norwalk Community College / Norwalk, Connecticut
Director of Cardiopulmonary Services / Annie Penn Hospital / Reidsville, North Carolina
He received his formal respiratory therapy education at the Community College of Philadelphia. Additionally, Tom holds a bachelor of arts degree in healthcare administration from Ottawa University and a master of science degree in organizational management from Pfeiffer University, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Tom is a member of the American Association for Respiratory Care, North Carolina Society for Respiratory Care, North Carolina Association of Respiratory Educators, and North Carolina Community College Faculty Association. He also serves as an accreditation site visitor for the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. In addition to his duties as divisional dean, Tom is responsible for teaching two courses each year to respiratory therapy students, and maintains an active role in the program.
Credentials
Our Faculty
