Greetings,

As we move into this season of reflection and gratitude, Halifax Community College celebrates the spirit of learning, service, and community that defines us. This has been a busy and exciting month. In recognition of National Manufacturing Month, the College hosted an HCC Day of Discovery Community Open House to expose all stakeholders to the institution. New educational partnerships were forged with NC State University and Western Carolina; strengthening educational opportunities for our students. We close out the month with a very exciting announcement. The Aspen Institute has named Halifax Community College as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates.

As we look ahead, we are gearing up for early registration for Spring 2026 on November 19, and our Winter Mini Semester on December 1, offering flexible online options to help students stay on track.

As Veterans Day approaches, we honor and thank all who have served our nation—especially the veterans within our HCC family—for their courage and dedication. During this Thanksgiving season, we extend heartfelt appreciation to our students, faculty, staff, and community partners for your continued support and commitment to our mission of education, opportunity, and service.

Dr. Patrena Elliott

President/CEO, Halifax Community College

Halifax Community College was announced as a 2027 Aspen Prize Top 200 U.S. Community College on October 28! The $1 million Aspen Prize aims to elevate the community college sector and draw attention to what exemplary colleges do to deliver economic mobility for students and talent development for communities. Read more about the selection process and the Top 200 eligible institutions here: as.pn/prize.

🎉 Join us for HCC’s Native American Heritage Month Celebration!

📅 November 6, 2025 🕙 11 a.m.

📍 The Fit Trail (walking track), Halifax Community College

HCC Forges New Strategic Educational Partnerships

HCC Day of Discovery

Halifax Community College (HCC) hosted its Day of Discovery event on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Dr. Ervin V. Griffin, Sr. Centre. The event, held in recognition of National Manufacturing Month, brought together students, faculty, community leaders, and industry partners to explore the college’s academic and workforce development opportunities.

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/