Greetings,

As we conclude the 2024-2025 academic year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we've made and the partnerships that have helped drive our mission forward — not only within our service area, but across our great state.

This year, we celebrated student achievements that exemplify resilience and excellence. Our graduates are leaving HCC not only with credentials, but with purpose — prepared to lead, to serve, and to thrive. Their success stories are a powerful reminder of the transformative role that Halifax Community College play in advancing educational and economic opportunity.

I am deeply grateful to our dedicated faculty and staff for all they do to help our students thrive in the classroom and workplace. As we look ahead, HCC remains future-focused and student-centered and we look forward to continued partnerships and progress in the year ahead.

Halifax…Your College. Our Community!

Dr. Patrena Elliott

President/CEO, Halifax Community College

HCC Holds 58th Annual Commencement Ceremony

HCC Class of 2025

The event honored the hard work and achievements of the graduating class of 2025, with graduates receiving degrees, diplomas, and certificates in front of family, friends, faculty, and community members. The event marked a proud continuation of HCC’s tradition of academic excellence and student success. We extend our warmest congratulations to these graduates and trust that the knowledge and skills they have acquired will prove invaluable in their future endeavors.

Alumni Spotlight: Raequan Outlaw

From Early College to RN—An Inspiring Journey of Determination and Purpose

Raequan Outlaw at the Halifax Community College School of Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony, held on May 6, 2025

Meet Raequan Outlaw, a recent graduate of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Halifax Community College and a proud alumnus of Roanoke Valley Early College. From earning his EMT-B certification before finishing high school to becoming a full-time paramedic by age 19, Raequan’s educational journey has been anything but ordinary. Now, with his ADN degree in hand and a clear vision for the future, Raequan shares how persistence, planning, and faith have shaped his path.

School of Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony

Halifax Community College School of Health Sciences 2025 Graduates

HCC held its annual School of Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony on May 6th. HCC's Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), Dental Hygiene, and Nursing programs graduates were honored and recognized at this event. The HCC School of Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony is a significant milestone, symbolizing the culmination of rigorous training for graduates poised to enter the healthcare workforce. This ceremony underscores Halifax Community College's steadfast dedication to increasing the flow of skilled healthcare professionals.

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/

Highlighting EdNC's Feature of CADA Head Start At HCC

"Building Childhood Memories That Last a Lifetime"

(Above) Parents & Guardians of participating children and (In yellow, center) Latosac Crossen Brown, Center Director, CADA Head Start at HCC

On May 1, 2025, families gathered on campus to celebrate the importance of early childhood experiences and family connection through an exciting lineup of traditional games and shared activities. The event featured crowd-favorite contests such as tug-of-war, potato sack racing, and the classic egg-and-spoon race — all of which brought out the playful spirit in children and parents alike.

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Day: Makiyah S. Phillips Completes Early Childhood Apprenticeship

Halifax Community College proudly recognized National Apprenticeship Day on April 30th by celebrating the success of one of our outstanding apprentices, Makiyah S. Phillips.

Your Law Enforcement Career Starts at HCC: Enroll in BLET Today

HCC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) course begins September 29th! Completing the course opens doors to positions in local police departments, sheriff’s offices, campus security, and state law enforcement agencies. This could be your #BestDecisionEver if you're looking for a profession that allows you to serve your community and make a real impact. Whether you’re starting fresh or changing careers, HCC’s BLET course can help you achieve your goals. Enrollment is open now, and space is limited. Contact blet@halifaxcc.edu to learn how to apply and begin your journey toward becoming a certified law enforcement officer.

Shift Gears Toward a New Career: CDL Training Started May 19th at HCC!

HCC’s Truck Driving Academy officially launched its first CDL class on May 19th, putting students in gear for high-demand careers. 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 July 21 through September 12. 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?

3rd Annual Ride for

A Cause—September 6, 2025  

Rain Date: Sept.13th 

A FREE Education at HCC is Within Reach!