Keeping Carteret Connected
One Smile at a Time

Meet Teresa Biggers, the heart behind Health Sciences.

From helping students to streamlining processes, Teresa proves that one person’s kindness can make all the difference

As we continue celebrating the amazing people who make Carteret Community College shine, today’s spotlight features someone whose warmth, dedication, and kindness ripple through every hallway in Health Sciences. Meet Teresa Biggers, the Administrative Assistant for Health Sciences who not only keeps the department running seamlessly but also touches hearts with her compassion and care.

For Teresa, the most rewarding part of her role is the people she works with—both colleagues and students. “I work with a great group of hard-working people in the Health Sciences department,” she shared. “I am the organizational glue that keeps things running smoothly and the trusted go-to person in the department, but the most rewarding part of my day is interacting with the Adult Basic Education students.” From cheerful greetings in the lobby to sweet handwritten notes and handmade gifts, Teresa’s days are filled with meaningful connections. Whether she’s volunteering on field trips, helping students practice Bocce for the Special Olympics, or surprising them with Christmas treats, her care and encouragement leave a lasting impact. “They are a fun-loving group of students, and they hold a special place in my heart.”  

One accomplishment Teresa takes great pride in is improving the adjunct contract process. When she started in 2019, contracts were mailed out for signatures, a process that could take weeks. “In the Fall of 2024, I received approval from my Dean and the VP of ISS to save the contracts as PDFs and send them electronically for signature,” she explained. “The new process worked so well, we’ve continued using it today.” Her innovative thinking has made operations more efficient for everyone involved.

When asked what advice she would give students, Teresa said she encourages them to “attend a community college to develop a skill they are passionate about, which could provide a practical path to a fulfilling career.” She also encourages parents to nurture their child’s natural interests from a young age to help align education and future careers with genuine passions.

Outside of work, Teresa has plenty of fun stories to share. One of her favorite memories happened unexpectedly at The Umstead Hotel bar near Raleigh. “I was sitting at the bar looking at the menu, and Wayne Gretzky walked up behind me and asked what I was having for dinner. I told him I couldn’t read the menu, and he handed me his glasses,” she recalled with a laugh. “We sat down, had dinner, and great conversation. It’s a moment I’ll never forget!”

When it comes to comfort food, Teresa knows exactly where to go. “My go-to comfort food is queso dip, chips, and a margarita from Plaza Mexico, Mezcalito in Beaufort, or Costa Bonita Mexican Cuisine,” she said. And when dining out in Morehead City, you’ll often find her at RedFish Grill & Bar enjoying Grouper fish bites or, when available, her favorite dish—Wahoo!

As for travel, Teresa has been to some incredible places. “The first time I went out of the country was to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side—it was amazing!” she said. “The first tropical island I visited was Aruba, where I had an unforgettable encounter with Paulus van der Sloot in a casino. The most beautiful place I’ve ever visited, though, was the countryside near Dublin, Ireland.”

If her life had a theme song, Teresa says it would be “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child—a perfect reflection of her strength, positivity, and resilience.