Greetings,

The fall semester is underway at Halifax Community College, and while classes have begun, there is still time to register for the Second 8-Week Session beginning October 14, the upcoming 12-Week Session beginning September 18, as well as our Winter Session starting December 1. Looking ahead, early registration for Spring 2026 opens on November 19, giving everyone the chance to plan for another season of growth and learning.

This year, HCC has proudly expanded its Nurse-Family Partnership into Wilson County, renewed TRIO Student Support Services for another five years, and earned national recognition as one of USA Today’s Top 250 Vocational Schools with a four-star rating. We also launched new skilled trades programs in Building Construction Technology, Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration, and Facility Maintenance Technology to meet regional workforce needs. Beyond academics, our Foundation’s 16th Annual Golf Tournament on September 5 will raise funds for student scholarships. With your support, our students succeed. For more information or to register, please visit www.bit.ly/HCCGolf2025.

Dr. Patrena Elliott

President/CEO, Halifax Community College

Halifax Community College hosted Convocation 2025 and the NC Reconnect Kick-Off Celebration on August 15, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., under the theme One Mission, One Vision, One Team. The day began with sign-in, breakfast, and a welcome from President Dr. Patrena B. Elliott, followed by Dr. Stephanie Credle, Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator, who presented Success Starts Here: Creating a Culture of Belonging.

The NC Reconnect Campus Kick-Off session, Reconnecting with Purpose: Meeting Students Where They Are, featured remarks from Dr. Elliott; Mike Krause, Managing Director of the John M. Belk Endowment; Shreail Hinton, Director of Admissions at HCC; Sharon Williams, HCC adult learner; Gregory Meeks, HCC Reconnect enrolled adult learner; Dr. Johnny Smith, Vice President of Instruction and Student Support Services at Robeson Community College; and Dr. Levy Brown, Vice President of Academic, Student Success, and Strategy at HCC. Later sessions included Emmett Smith, Chief of the HCC Police Department, who addressed Campus Safety: Preparedness & Reporting, and Laquanna Sledge, Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness, who spoke on the Quality Enhancement Plan and Institutional Achievements in Action. A luncheon in the Griffin Center Auditorium featured Dr. Elliott’s presidential address, after which attendees dispersed into breakout sessions.

HCC Employee Group Photo, 2025

HCC One of Only 14 North Carolina Community Colleges on USA Today’s 2025 Top Vocational Schools List

Halifax Community College has been named one of the 250 top vocational schools nationwide in USA Today’s 2025 list, earning a four-star rating. It is one of only 14 community colleges in North Carolina included on the list. According to the article, the rankings, developed by Statista in collaboration with USA Today, were judged on five primary metrics: graduation rate, graduates' salary, years it takes to pay off net cost, social mobility and diversity. In USA Today’s rating system, four stars indicate strong performance across all categories.

Nurse-Family Partnership Program Approved for Expansion into Wilson County

NENC NFP @ HCC Team Photo, 2025

HCC is proud to announce that its Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program has received formal approval to expand services into Wilson County. With support from Changent—the national organization that leads the Nurse-Family Partnership program—this expansion will bring on two full-time nurse home visitors, allowing the program to reach 50 more first-time families in the area.

This approval is a testament to the exceptional dedication and quality demonstrated by the Northeastern NC NFP team at HCC. In its review, Changent highlighted several of the program’s notable strengths, including the collaborative nature of the team, strong community partnerships, and innovative leadership.

The review also noted the program’s highly active and mission-driven Community Advisory Board (CAB), the strength of partnerships across the counties served, and the compassion and professionalism exhibited by the entire staff.

“This expansion is a reflection of the heart and hard work our team puts into serving first-time parents across our region,” said Blair Creekmore, Nurse Supervisor of Northeastern NC NFP at HCC. “We’re excited to bring these vital services to Wilson County and continue making a difference in the lives of families.”

The Nurse-Family Partnership is a nationally recognized, evidence-based program that connects specially trained nurses with first-time parents, helping improve prenatal health, child development, and economic self-sufficiency.

For more information about the Nurse-Family Partnership at Halifax Community College, please contact Blair Creekmore at 252-813-0525 or visit www.halifaxcc.edu/community/nurse-family-partnership/.

New Skilled Trades Programs in Fall 2025

HCC now provides a Building Construction Technology program, offering an Associate in Applied Science degree, a diploma, and certificates. This program is led by Program Chair James Messer. The college has also launched Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology, which offers both a diploma and certificates under Program Chair John Mulder. Furthermore, HCC offers a Facility Maintenance Technology diploma program, also overseen by John Mulder.

“These programs are a direct response to the growing demand for skilled trades professionals in our area,” said Dr. Julie M. Galvin, Dean of Academic Affairs at Halifax Community College. “We are committed to equipping our students with the practical skills and training necessary to succeed in today’s workforce.”

The addition of these programs reflects HCC’s ongoing mission to provide accessible, high-quality education and training opportunities that lead to sustainable careers. Students enrolled in these new offerings will benefit from hands-on instruction, experienced faculty, and a curriculum tailored to industry standards

TRIO Student Support Services Program Renewed for Five Years

For decades, TRIO at HCC has played a vital role in empowering first-generation, low-income, and under-resourced students across the Roanoke Valley. The program provides critical academic and personal support to help students successfully navigate college and prepare for life after graduation.

Through this renewal, HCC will continue serving 250 students each year with services that include:

• Academic coaching and tutoring

• Transfer and graduation planning

• Financial literacy workshops

• Cultural enrichment trips

• Personalized support services

“This renewal represents more than funding—it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to student access and success in education,” said Dr. Levy Brown, VP of Academic, Student Success, and Strategy.

Halifax Community College extends its gratitude to legislators, the U.S. Department of Education, and the TRIO community for their continued support of students and belief in the mission of HCC.

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/

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 September 22 through November 7. 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?

A FREE Education at HCC is Within Reach!