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Greetings,
As we transition from the Thanksgiving holiday into the year's final weeks, I reflect deeply on the spirit of gratitude that defines this season. Thanksgiving offers us a moment to pause, appreciate the blessings in our lives, and celebrate the connections that sustain and inspire us.
Serving as the President of Halifax Community College for nearly two years remains one of the greatest privileges of my life. Growing up in this community, I have always cherished its spirit of resilience, generosity, and shared purpose. Now, having the opportunity to give back to the place that shaped me is a gift I am grateful for every single day.
During this season, I am particularly reminded of the collective effort that makes this college so special. From our exceptional faculty and staff, who go above and beyond to support our students, to the students who pursue their dreams with determination and grace, I am constantly inspired by the people who bring our mission to life.
I believe gratitude is not just a feeling—it’s an action. Over these nearly two years, I have witnessed countless examples of gratitude in motion: students giving back to their peers through mentorship, alumni returning to share their success stories, and community members partnering with us to expand opportunities. These moments remind me of the transformative power of education and the strength of our shared commitment to this community.
As we move forward from Thanksgiving, I encourage all to carry the spirit of gratitude into the weeks and months ahead. Let us continue to recognize and celebrate our positive impact on one another’s lives and embrace our opportunities to make a difference.
Thank you—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners—for all you do to support and strengthen our college. Your dedication and belief in our shared mission make this institution and community remarkable.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Dr. Patrena Benton Elliott, President/CEO of Halifax Community College
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HCC Board of Trustees Recognized Representative Michael H. Wray | |
The Halifax Community College (HCC) Board of Trustees recognized Representative Michael H. Wray for his exceptional dedication, leadership, and advocacy for education, workforce development, and community advancement. | |
Left to right: Dr. Patrena Benton Elliott, President/CEO, HCC; Representative Michael H. Wray; Rev. Michael Mills, Chairman, HCC Board of Trustees | |
The 16th Annual American Indian Heritage Month Celebration | |
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On November 6, 2024 we had the honor of hosting the 16th Annual American Indian Heritage Month celebration, which brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of American Indians. This year’s event featured an inspiring keynote address by Mr. Greg Richardson, Executive Director of the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs. His words resonated deeply, offering powerful insights into the importance of preserving and celebrating Indigenous heritage.
We were also privileged to enjoy a captivating performance by the Haliwa-Saponi dancers. Their vibrant and energetic display of traditional dances left the audience in awe and underscored the beauty and resilience of American Indian culture. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable celebration, and a special thanks to our keynote speaker, performers, and honored guests. Together, we continue to learn from and honor the contributions of American Indian communities, keeping their legacy alive for generations to come.
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Mr. Greg Richardson, Executive Director of the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs |
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(Left to right) Rev. Mike Mills, Chair, Halifax Community College Board of Trustees; Mr. Greg Richardson, Executive Director of the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs; Chenoa Richardson-Davis, Member-At-Large, Halifax County Board of Commissioners; Ginny Lewis, CEO/President, Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce | |
Haliwa-Saponi Dancers & guests performing the Friendship Dance |
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Haliwa-Saponi Dancers & guests performing the Friendship Dance | |
Nursing and Criminal Justice Departments Collaborate for Second Annual Mock Trial | |
On November 12th, the Nursing and Criminal Justice Departments at Halifax Community College hosted the second annual mock trial. This collaborative event highlighted the intersection of healthcare and the legal system. The trial provided a dynamic and educational experience for students and staff alike, showcasing the complexities of legal issues in nursing. This year’s case centered around a nurse accused of assaulting a patient during routine medical care, resulting in alleged physical and emotional harm. | Mock Trial Group Photo: Front row: Raequan Outlaw, Matthew Winstead, Heather Miles, Gary Redding, Nadya Okulova, Thomas Lynch, Kara Clary; Middle row: Mark Minish, Brittney Ward, Megan Waldrop, Sarah Harris; Back row: Derrick Moore, Tia Alfonso, Alfred Braxton; Not pictured: Savannah Myrick and Michael Clay. | |
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On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Halifax Community College's Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society proudly inducted 21 new members during its fall induction ceremony. Invitations to join PTK were extended to prospective members who had achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher, completed at least 12 credit hours towards their associate’s degree, and were in good academic standing. PTK co-advisors Gary R. Redding, Esq. and Ellen Divens began the official induction process by sharing PTK’s hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.
The new members are Alicia Ashe, Natahlya Debro, Jayden Gregory, Cherish Hunter, Takira Ivey, Sarah Jacobs, Ebony Mayo, Kaitlyn Mazor, Andrea Mebane, Cynthia Moody-McDaniel, Brittney Mosley, Crystal Powell, Jordan Rascoe, Cedria Scott, Travis Shoulars, Jr., Katelyn Simmons, Vanessa Simmons, Kaleb Tann, Breanna Whitby, Quarion Williams, and Talasia Wills.
The keynote speaker was Ms. Annette Harper, a proud alumna of PTK. Ms. Harper works as a substitute cosmetology instructor at HCC, inspiring future stylists by teaching classes, providing feedback, and offering mentorship. In addition to her teaching role, Ms. Harper owns Grip Styles Beauty, a successful salon in Roanoke Rapids, NC, where she helps her clients feel beautiful and confident every day.
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2024 Apprenticeship Summit Kicks Off National Apprenticeship Week | |
Left to Right: Mr. Derrick Bennett, Executive Director of the Northampton County Economic Development Commission; Dr. Patrena B. Elliott, President/CEO of Halifax Community College; Dr. Angie Jenkins, Regional Impact Manager, My Future NC; Mr. John Loyack, Vice President of Economic Development for the NC Community College System; Ms. Cathy Scott, Executive Director of the Halifax County Economic Development Commission; and Mr. Chris Harrington, Director of ApprenticeshipNC | |
Apprenticeship Summit Group Photo | |
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Dr. Patrena B. Elliott recently shared her insights as a guest panelist at the Trailblazers Leadership Session during the North Carolina Community College System Conference. Held on October 14th at the Raleigh Convention Center, the session brought together community college presidents from across the state and a system office vice president to discuss strategies for advancing student success, enhancing educational access, and fostering innovation within the community college system. On November 18th, Halifax Community College proudly hosted the 2024 Apprenticeship Summit, to highlight the benefits of apprenticeships to industries and students. The summit brought together local industry partners, community leaders, and educational stakeholders committed to advancing workforce development.
Special thanks to:
The 2024 Apprenticeship Summit highlighted Halifax Community College's ongoing efforts to connect students with experiential learning opportunities while supporting industry workforce needs. Together, we are building a brighter future for our community through collaboration, education, and opportunity.
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On December 3, 2024, Halifax Community College (HCC) will celebrate the National Day of Giving by launching a donation drive to support student success through the Halifax Community College Foundation. You can make donations online by visiting our website at halifaxcc.edu and clicking the "Give" button at the top of the page. Alternatively, you can contact Dr. Jennifer Jones, Executive Director of the HCC Foundation, at (252) 536-7280.
Your contribution helps buy textbooks and school supplies and covers costs for Short-Term and Workforce Training, childcare, and much more! Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference in helping students access the resources they need to succeed.
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2025-26 FAFSA now available for all students and families as part of final beta testing | |
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[Reprinted with permission from EdNC]
Hannah Vinueza McClellan, EdNC.org
November 14, 2024
As of Monday, Nov. 18, the 2025-26 FAFSA form is now available to all students and families, as part of the Department’s Expanded Beta 4 testing.
Students and families interested in completing the online 2025–26 FAFSA form can do so at fafsa.gov. “The Department will make the decision to end the beta testing and announce the official release of the 2025–26 FAFSA form based on platform stability, customer satisfaction, and contact center capacity, no later than Dec. 1,” the Department’s website says.
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Register NOW for Spring 2025! | |
A FREE Education at HCC is Within Reach! | | | | |
