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Greetings!
As spring unfolds, we are reminded of the power of new beginnings and fresh opportunities. This season brings a renewed focus on growth, learning, and progress—both for our students and for the broader community we serve.
At Halifax Community College, we are committed to providing life-changing educational and workforce training programs that empower individuals and strengthen our local economy. One exciting opportunity we are proud to offer is our new Truck Driving Academy, which provides a direct pathway to high-demand careers in the transportation industry. This program, along with our many other academic and workforce initiatives, reflects our dedication to preparing students for success in an evolving job market.
As we wind down the spring semester, I encourage our students to stay focused and finish strong. Graduation is just around the corner, and we celebrate the dedication and perseverance of those reaching this important milestone. For those considering their next steps, now is the perfect time to explore the many programs HCC offers, whether through degree pathways, short-term training, or professional development opportunities.
We are grateful for the support of our community partners, faculty, staff, and stakeholders who make these opportunities possible. Together, we are creating a future filled with promise and possibility. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrena Elliott
President/CEO, Halifax Community College
| | Truck Driving Academy at Halifax Community College – Enroll Now! | | |
HCC is rolling out its Truck Driving Academy next month with its CDL Class A Training, providing an excellent opportunity for those looking to start a career in the trucking industry. The first class session will occur Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, from May 19 to July 18, and will equip students with the essential skills needed to earn their commercial driver’s license.
Financial support may be available for eligible applicants, making it more accessible to those ready to hit the road.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Enroll today.
For more information, contact 252-536-6377 or email workforce@halifaxcc.edu.
| | ACCT Advisory Committee of Presidents Group Photo | | |
I am honored to share that Dr. Jee-Hang Lee, President of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), has appointed me to the ACCT Advisory Committee of Presidents. I look forward to collaborating with my peers to advance the mission of community colleges and champion student success. ACCT is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards, representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern more than 1,000 community, technical, and junior colleges in the U.S. and beyond.
The Advisory Committee of Presidents is a group of community college presidents who advise the ACCT on matters related to community college governance and policy, representing the perspectives of college leaders.
| | Community College Day at the Capital | | Left to Right: Trustee Linda Brewer, Trustee Dr. Elease Frederick, Dr. Patrena B. Elliott, Sharda Britt, Executive Assistant, Senator Norman Sanderson, Trustee Mary Mebane, and Trustee Larry Perkins. | | Left to Right: Trustee Mary Mebane, Trustee Dr. Elease Frederick, Senator Bobby Hanig, Dr. Patrena B. Elliott, and Trustee Larry Perkins. | | Left to Right: Trustee Dr. Elease Frederick, Trustee Mary Mebane, Sharda Britt, Executive Assistant, Trustee Linda Brewer, Representative Rodney D. Pierce, Dr. Patrena B. Elliott, and Trustee Larry Perkins. | | |
On March 19, 2025, I had the privilege of joining the Halifax Community College Board of Trustees in Raleigh for Community College Day at the Capitol. This annual event provides an invaluable opportunity to engage with our state leaders and advocate for the resources for our students.
We were honored to meet with Representative Rodney D. Pierce, Senator Bobby Hanig, and Senator Norman Sanderson, who took the time to hear about the important work happening at Halifax Community College. Their support is crucial as we continue to expand opportunities for our students, strengthen workforce development, and enhance the economic vitality of our region.
| | Trustee Larry Perkins, Trustee Linda Brewer, Dr. Patrena B. Elliott, Mark Poarch, President of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Trustee Dr. Elease Frederick, and Trustee Mary Mebane. | | Halifax Community College, along with Surry Community College, adopted Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCCTI) in the wake of Hurricane Helene to assist in their recovery efforts. The college community at HCC came together to collect donations of gift cards, which we proudly presented to Mark Poarch, President of CCCTI. We stand with our sister school during this challenging time and are grateful for the generosity of those who contributed. Together, we are stronger. | | | | HCC SGA President and Student Trustee Accepted into ECU’s Prestigious PIRATE Program! | | | |
Congratulations to Christopher (CJ) Creecy, a junior at Northampton County Early College, on his acceptance into the East Carolina University Pirate Institute for Regional Aspiring Teachers and Educators (PIRATE) program!
Creecy is currently the President of the Halifax Community College Student Government Association, and in this capacity, serves as a student trustee on the HCC Board of Trustees.
From June 18-20, 2025, Christopher will participate in a three-day symposium at ECU, where he will explore teacher education, engage in interactive learning experiences, and experience college life firsthand. The college is incredibly proud of Christopher’s achievement and looks forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in the future.
| | | To Support Adult Learners | | |
HCC is proud to join NC Reconnect, a statewide initiative designed to help adult learners return to education and gain valuable job skills. As part of this effort, HCC will offer fast, flexible, and often tuition-free programs aimed at providing career training and improving economic opportunities for adults in the Roanoke Valley.
Supported by the Better Skills, Better Jobs campaign, the initiative will feature direct outreach, special events, and a robust digital marketing campaign to reconnect adults who previously earned college credits but did not complete their degree or certification. HCC’s participation in NC Reconnect ensures that more individuals can access the education and training they need to secure better jobs and brighter futures. For more information, www.ncreconnect.com.
| | HIRED Career & Service Fair | | Students at the HIRED Career & Service Fair | | |
On March 19, 2025, HCC hosted the HIRED (Helping Individuals Reach Employment Destination) Career & Service Fair, bringing together students, local businesses, and industry leaders for a day of career exploration and networking. The event provided students with valuable opportunities to connect with employers, learn about job openings, and explore career pathways. The Halifax County Economic Development Commission partnered with HCC to host the event.
Through events like HIRED, HCC continues to empower students with the resources and connections needed to achieve their career goals and strengthen the region’s economic growth. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of the HIRED (Helping Individuals Reach Employment Destinations) Career & Service Fair!
| | Spring 2025 HCC Superintendents' Convening | | Dr. Eric Cunningham, Halifax County Superintendent, Dr. Patrena B. Elliott, Dr. Rodney Shotwell, Weldon City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Rosa Atkins, Northampton County Superintendent, and Dr. Juliana Thompson, Roanoke Rapids Graded School Superintendent. | On March 4th, we hosted our Spring 2025 Superintendent's Convening at the college. This event fosters a collaborative atmosphere for idea sharing and strategic planning and is held each semester. | | On March 11th, HCC alum Patrick O'Connor, accompanied by several other esteemed members of Carolina Air Care, visited our campus to engage in an informative discussion about the vital role of emergency and critical care transportation. They focused on both ground and helicopter services, providing valuable insights and real-world experiences to our senior ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) students. The presentation highlighted the importance of rapid response in critical situations and the intricacies of care during transport, enriching the students' understanding of this crucial aspect of healthcare. | | Autumn Balla asking questions for the flight crew. | | Crystal Wright, Chonda Bowser, Kallie Barnes, Shanelore Wangit, and Allyson Harden. | | |
Back row left to right: Amy Burnette, Erica Hernandez, Tia Alfonso, Lindsey Overton, Ashley Spence, Melissa Johnson, Latoya Taylor, 4 members of UNC Air Care Crew (third member is HCC Alum, Patrick O’Connor, RN), Angela Simmons, Brandi Weatherly, Heather Miles, Shanelore Wangit, Lillian King, Ashlynn Stettler, Kallie Barnes, Rebecca McDermott, Allyson Harden, Adreanna Rounds, Tori Majors, Kaitlyn Thacker, Mark Minish, Andrea Mackie, Glen LaBar, Mary Stroud, Raequan Outlaw, Megan Waldrop, Shirah Kruger, Alejandro Perez, Chonda Bowser.
Not pictured: Sarah Sullivan and Jonathan Furr.
| | Dr. Patrena B. Elliott, Dr. Stanley Elliott and schoolchildren | |
The First Gent, Dr. Stanley Elliott, and I had an amazing time celebrating Read Across America at KIPP Halifax College Prep on March 7th! Stepping into Ms. Cymie Rawlins’ classroom, we were immediately welcomed by her incredible students—the “cubs”—who radiated curiosity, enthusiasm, and a love for learning.
I read The Snowy Day, a timeless story that captures the magic of childhood wonder. As I turned each page, the students engaged with the story in ways that were both insightful and heartwarming. Their observations made it clear that they are not just students—they are brilliant young scholars with bright futures ahead.
Reading has the power to open doors, spark imagination, and create lifelong learners. Days like this remind me why education is such a transformative force in our community.
| | Halifax Community College to Host 2025 Progressive Community Awards | | |
HCC is proud to announce the 2025 Progressive Community Awards, set to take place on April 24, 2025, at 6 PM at the Dr. Ervin V. Griffin, Sr. Centre. This event will recognize outstanding individuals making a meaningful impact in the Roanoke Valley. For planning purposes, please share if you will attend by clicking the RSVP button below.
The awards will honor recipients in three categories:
• Business Impact Award
• Youth Leader Award
• Community Bridge Builder Award
Nominations are now open! Community members are encouraged to submit nominations by scanning the QR code on the event flyer, the Progressive Community Award banner on the college’s website, or by visiting this link: www.tinyurl.com/progressive-community.
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I am pleased to announce the following new employees/promotions to our Halifax Community College Family.
Full-Time Employees:
- Empress Faison - Academic Advising Coach
- Shreail Hinton- Director of Admissions
- James Messer- Building Construction Instructor
- Ashleigh Pincheon- Academic Advising Coach (Promotion)
- James Pittman-Director of College and Career Readiness & HRD
- Christopher Scott-Director of BLET
- Emily Worley- Information Systems Instructor
- Rhonda Kennedy- Nursing Program Retention Data Specialist
- Dr. Stephanie Credle- HR Director/Title IX Coordinator
| | | | Apply for these positions and more by clicking the button below: | | | | |
HCC Foundation 16th Annual Golf Tournament—September 5, 2025
Rain Date: Sept. 12th
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3rd Annual Ride for
A Cause—September 6, 2025
Rain Date: Sept. 13th
| | A FREE Education at HCC is Within Reach! | | | | |
