Greetings,

With summer drawing to a close, I am eager to embrace the upcoming academic year and all the opportunities it brings. I want to take a moment to reflect on recent accomplishments, share the exciting highlights ahead, and invite you to be an active participant in the vibrant fall semester at Halifax Community College. The semester begins on August 18, signifying a fresh chapter filled with potential, energy, and a deep renewed commitment to learning, growth, and community involvement.

We are also looking forward to our HCC Foundation Golf Tournament, which will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Chockoyotte Country Club in Weldon. This annual event supports scholarships and student success initiatives and offers a fun way for local businesses, alumni, and community members to show their support. We encourage everyone to participate, whether as a player, sponsor/donor, or volunteer. For more information or to register, please visit www.bit.ly/HCCGolf2025.

As we look ahead to the August 18 start of the fall semester, I encourage you to consider how Halifax Community College can be part of your personal or professional journey. Whether you are beginning your college experience, returning to pursue new goals, or simply seeking a supportive environment where you can grow and thrive, HCC is here for you. Our dedicated faculty and staff are ready to help you succeed, and our programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of our students and community.

Now is the time to enroll, engage, and embrace the opportunities before you. I invite you to explore what HCC has to offer this fall and join us in shaping a brighter future for yourself and for our region.

Thank you for your continued support of Halifax Community College. Together, we will make this semester—and this year—a time of progress, pride, and purpose.

Dr. Patrena Elliott

President/CEO, Halifax Community College

HCC President Appointed to National Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation

Dr. Patrena B. Elliott, President/CEO of HCC, has been appointed to the Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Her term on the commission will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028.

The AACC Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation focuses on key issues related to institutional operations and development within community colleges nationwide. As a member of the commission, Dr. Elliott will contribute to discussions and recommendations that support the work of AACC and its member institutions.

HCC acknowledges this appointment as a reflection of Dr. Elliott’s ongoing involvement in national conversations about higher education and community college leadership.

Summer 2025 Pinning Ceremony for Practical Nursing Graduates

Back Row L to R: Sarah Harris, Program Director of Nursing, Rhadejah Davis, LaToya Tann, Tomekia Smith, Stacy Richardson, Lashonda Simpson, Monica Williams, Tia Alfonso, Nursing Instructor, and Helen Ford, Nursing Instructor. Middle Row L to R: Dashanel Burnette, Brittney Baker, Courtney Ramsey, Troya Alston. Front Row L to R: Rayne Eaton, Tiara Harris, Jonika Horton, La'kira Bullard. 

Tiara Harris

Jonika Horton

Rhadejah Davis

Halifax Community College (HCC) recognized its 2025 Practical Nursing graduates during a Pinning Ceremony on July 14, 2025, at the Dr. Ervin V. Griffin, Sr. Centre on the college campus.

Three graduates were recognized with awards for academic and clinical excellence. Tiara Harris received the Academic Excellence Award for the Day Cohort in recognition of her outstanding academic performance, consistent dedication to her coursework, and leadership in the classroom. Jonika Horton was awarded the Academic Excellence Award for the Evening/Weekend Cohort for maintaining exemplary academic standards while managing the demands of a nontraditional schedule. Rhadejah Davis earned the Patriot Award for Clinical Excellence, an honor given to students who demonstrate outstanding clinical skills, professionalism, and compassionate patient care throughout their clinical rotations.

The Next NC Scholarship offers an opportunity for many adults to return to school at no cost, helping them gain the skills they need to secure in-demand, high-paying jobs right in their community. Through the Better Skills. Better Jobs. initiative, we engage directly with adults who have earned some college credits but haven’t yet received a degree or certification. This initiative features community events, social media promotions, targeted digital marketing, and personalized resources to make it easier for adult learners to reconnect and re-enroll. Thanks to our collaborative efforts with the John M. Belk Endowment, myFutureNC, and several other state and local partners, we’re excited to launch this special outreach campaign to welcome even more adult learners back to college!

Better Skills. Better Jobs Link: https://betterskillsbetterjobs.com/halifax-community-college/

Ready to kickstart your career in the automotive industry? Join the Ford Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program at Halifax Community College, starting August 25, 2025!

✅ Just $196 per person

✅ Hands-on experience & computerized assignments

✅ Night classes available

📞 Call (252) 536-6377 to register now and start your new career today!

Shift Gears Toward a New Career: New CDL Training Starts on Sept. 22nd!

Enrollment is now open for the next cohort—don’t miss your chance to get behind the wheel of your future!

The upcoming CDL Class A Training course will run from September 22 through November 7. This program prepares students to become licensed commercial drivers, opening the door to high-demand jobs in the transportation and logistics industry. Enrollment is limited, so don’t wait to secure your spot. For more information or to register, call 252-536-6377 or email workforce@halifaxcc.edu. Your career in trucking is ready to roll—are you?

A FREE Education at HCC is Within Reach!