Greetings!

As we celebrate Independence Day and begin commemorating America's 250th anniversary, we are reminded that education has always been a cornerstone of the American story—opening doors to opportunity, fostering innovation, and empowering individuals to pursue their dreams. At Halifax Community College, we are proud to help students build brighter futures through accessible, affordable education and workforce training. This summer, we celebrate the success of our Dental Assisting I graduates, welcome new academic leadership, and prepare for another exciting academic year. With Fall Semester beginning August 20 and Instant Admission Days scheduled for July 7, July 20, and August 11, there has never been a better time to take the next step toward your educational and career goals.

Dr. Patrena Elliott

President/CEO, Halifax Community College

Northampton Deputy Earns Associate Degree from HCC

Left: HCC President/CEO, Dr. Patrena Benton Elliott; Right: Deputy Ariel Burgess

On May 8, Northampton County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ariel Burgess graduated from Halifax Community College, earning an Associate in Applied Science degree. While balancing a full-time career in law enforcement, Burgess completed her degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.5.

Welcome, Dean Sarah Prezioso

Sarah Prezioso, Dean of Business, Transfer, and Service Careers

Halifax Community College is pleased to welcome Sarah Prezioso as the new Dean of Business, Transfer, and Service Careers. With nearly two decades of experience in community college education and leadership, Dean Prezioso brings a strong commitment to student success, academic excellence, faculty development, and transfer pathways. Her extensive experience and innovative leadership will help strengthen opportunities for students as HCC continues to advance its mission of transforming lives through education.

Celebrating Dental Assisting I Graduates

From left to right: HCC Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Instructor, Dorcas Eason, RDH, BS; Alexis Hewlin, student & aspiring dental hygienist; Talia Brock, student; Tiffany Scott, student & aspiring dental hygienist; Erica Ivey, student; and Dr. Patrena B. Elliott, HCC President/CEO.

HCC proudly celebrated four graduates of its Dental Assisting I Certification Program during a completion ceremony held on June 4. The 16-week workforce training program prepares students for one of healthcare's most in-demand professions, providing foundational clinical skills and industry-recognized credentials. Congratulations to Alexis Hewlin, Talia Brock, Tiffany Scott, and Erica Ivey as they begin their careers and help meet critical workforce needs in our region.

For more information about the Dental Assisting program or other Workforce Development opportunities at Halifax Community College, contact Workforce Development at (252) 536-6377 or wed@halifaxcc.edu.

HCC Small Business Center Director Selected as Startup Accelerator Coach

Top Row: April Priester, Program Manager for the SBCN Startup Showdown and Director of the Small Business Center at Coastal Carolina Community College; Phydesia Lewis, Director of the Small Business Center at Alamance Community College. Bottom Row: Ruthie Holloman, Director of the Small Business Center at Nash Community College; Kelly Barber, Director of the Small Business Center at Halifax Community College.

Kelly W. Barber, Small Business Center Director at Halifax Community College

HCC's Small Business Center Director, Kelly Barber, is helping shape the future of entrepreneurship across North Carolina as one of the coaches selected for the state's first statewide startup accelerator program. Through this innovative initiative, Barber will provide guidance, mentorship, and business expertise to emerging entrepreneurs, helping them refine their ideas, build sustainable business models, and access resources needed for growth. Her selection highlights both her leadership in supporting small businesses throughout Halifax and Northampton counties and the important role Halifax Community College's Small Business Center plays in fostering economic development and entrepreneurial success across the region. Barber's participation further strengthens HCC's commitment to empowering business owners and supporting innovation in rural communities

Representative Rodney D. Pierce Honors the Life & Legacy of the Late HCC Industrial Systems Technology Instructor and Program Chair, Jason M. Bone

Thank you, Rep. Pierce, for honoring beloved Industrial Systems Technology and Program Chair Jason Bone on the House floor this week. HCC extends condolences to the family of Mr. Bone, his former students, and loved ones. He is gone, but not forgotten. Click or tap the video above to watch on YouTube.

HCC Foundation's 17th Annual Golf Tournament

The HCC Foundation will host its 17th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Chockoyotte Country Club in Weldon, North Carolina. The event serves as the Foundation’s signature fundraising initiative and directly supports student success at Halifax Community College. Participants from across the region are invited to enjoy a day of fellowship, friendly competition, and community support while helping advance educational opportunities for HCC students. The tournament will begin with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start at Chockoyotte Country Club, located at 800 Country Club Road in Weldon.

The HCC Foundation extends special appreciation to Cummins, the 2026 Title Sponsor, for its continued commitment to education and workforce development in the community.

Funds raised through the annual tournament help provide resources and support that enhance the student experience and strengthen the College’s mission of transforming lives through education, workforce training, and community engagement.

“We look forward to welcoming golfers, sponsors, and community partners for another outstanding tournament that supports the success of our students,” said Dr. Jennifer Welch-Jones, HCC Foundation Executive Director.

Registration is now open. Participants may register and submit payment online by visiting: www.halifaxcc.edu/give/hcc-foundation. 

For more information about the tournament or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Halifax Community College Foundation Executive Director, Dr. Jennifer Welch-Jones, at (252) 536-7280 or jjones435@halifaxcc.edu.

HCC Selected for Statewide Strategic Planning Initiative

Halifax Community College has been selected to participate in the inaugural North Carolina Community College Strategic Planning Institute, a year-long leadership and planning program designed to support rural colleges. Through this initiative, HCC will develop a strategic plan focused on workforce development, economic mobility, and student success while aligning with statewide goals to build a future-ready workforce and strengthen North Carolina's communities.

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/