Behind the
Balance

At Carteret Community College, every team member plays an important role in supporting student success—and Sherrie Brake is no exception. As the WCE (Workforce Continuing Education) and Special Accounts Technician, Sherrie works diligently behind the scenes to ensure processes run smoothly and accurately.

For Sherrie, the most rewarding part of her job is simple yet meaningful: “Making sure things balance.” Her attention to detail and commitment to accuracy are essential to the college’s financial processes. She is responsible for processing and clearing WCE payments, an important step that directly supports students as they pursue continuing education and workforce training opportunities. Through her work, students are able to stay focused on their goals, knowing their accounts are handled with care.

When asked to describe her job in three words, Sherrie puts it plainly: “Process WCE payments.” While she may describe her role modestly, her impact is significant. Behind every balanced account is her steady dedication and persistence.

One accomplishment she is especially proud of is working on a major project that involved compiling and organizing a large spreadsheet to collect outstanding debt. The project took nearly a year to complete and required patience, focus, and determination—qualities Sherrie brings to her work every day.

Sherrie’s favorite spot on campus? Her office. After years of hard work, she finally has a door of her own—a small but meaningful reminder that growth and progress matter. It’s a space where she can focus, stay organized, and continue serving the college community with excellence.

Her advice to students reflects her own work ethic: “Don’t ever give up.” It’s a simple but powerful message that applies not only to academics, but to life.

Outside of work, Sherrie has a creative and caring spirit. She loves animals and dreams of one day running a doggy daycare. She also enjoys interior and exterior decorating, along with arts and crafts—creative outlets that allow her to express herself beyond spreadsheets and financial reports.

Her first job was harvesting tobacco on her granddad’s farm, where she learned the value of hard work at an early age. And while she may say she “can’t carry a tune,” she happily sings along to every song in her car. When it comes to comfort food, there’s no hesitation: “Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate.”

Among her more unusual travel experiences, Sherrie once visited the headquarters of Spam (the luncheon meat) in Austin, Minnesota during a business trip—proof that you never know where work might take you!

If she could instantly learn a new skill, she’d choose professional photography—another creative passion waiting to be explored.

Sherrie credits many influences throughout her career, but she especially recognizes her husband as her biggest supporter and mentor. Together, they have always helped each other navigate life’s daily challenges—a partnership built on encouragement and resilience.

At Carteret Community College, employees like Sherrie Brake remind us that every role matters. From balancing accounts to supporting student success, her steady dedication reflects the heart of our campus community. We are grateful for the care, commitment, and quiet excellence she brings to our college each and every day.