For many NC State staff, the Intensive English Program (IEP) has become a vital campus resource. Catherine Madden, director of IEP, anchors this mission. Madden, who has had an extensive career in English Language Education, initially entered the field because she wanted to join the Peace Corps. Today, she views her work as creating a form of unity through language.  

The IEP officially began at NC State in 2011. Madden recalls that after some initial success, the program faced political and economic challenges that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in similar programs across the country shutting down. In order to survive, the program expanded its offerings to focus on workplace English as a second language (ESL). This expansion was informed by Madden’s prior experience providing workplace ESL, including a program she ran for Cooper Electric Construction that served upwards of 60 students.

Tailoring Language for Campus Needs

This expertise led the IEP to a critical partnership with NC State’s Dining Services. Madden met with NC State Dining’s Director of Board Operations and Sustainability, Keith Smith, which resulted in the development of a tailored ESL program for their employees. Upon hearing of NC State Dining’s success, Facilities Human Resources Director, Michelle Jones and Assistant Director Martha Garcia contacted Madden to discuss a program for their employees. Madden was excited to work with Facilities HR on creating an English language program tailored to the specific needs and vocabulary in these departments.

At the core of the Facilities English Program’s instruction is a focus on efficiency in communication and safety in the workplace. Before its launch, Madden interviewed staff and their managers to learn what aspects of English they needed help with and built the program based on her findings.

Immediate Impact and Staff Feedback

In the classroom, instruction directly translates into practical skills, teaching employees technology usage including features like Unity ID, email and MyPackPortal in addition to safety protocols.

Through a recent survey, Madden was able to see tangible benefits of the program. When asked what they had already used at work, employees reported using terms such as “PPE” (Personal Protective Equipment) and “hazard”. Others highlighted improved technology access and communication, with one responder commenting, “Now I’m better at sending emails.” The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with most stating they were “Very satisfied with the program,” especially their instruction on technology and general communication.

Serving an “Incredible Community”

Madden feels a deep sense of commitment and admiration for the staff she serves. She describes how adult learners often hold multiple jobs to support their families and give their kids a wonderful life.

“Adult learners are an incredible community and they work harder than anyone I know.”
— Catherine Madden, director of NC State’s Intensive English Program

She finds their dedication admirable, noting that participants are taking time from their busy days because they understand the importance of learning to communicate in English as North Carolina residents. For Madden, being in a position to be able to create something that can help them is truly an honor, expressing her earnest hope that “this kind of benefit and this kind of positivity can continue.”

The IEP stands as a powerful example of NC State investing in the success and safety of its employees. Madden invites other campus departments that, if they have a population they’d like to offer this benefit to, reach out to her via email.