Greetings!

I am very pleased to share the exciting events and accomplishments occurring here at Halifax Community College (HCC). So much has taken place since we shared our annual report with you in December. If you missed it, you can retrieve it here. 

We ushered in the new year with a visit from Congressman Don Davis. The College was awarded grants to support increasing workforce capacity in Advance Manufacturing and Nursing. HCC established its own Campus Police Department. The College's Industrial Systems Instructor, Mr. Jason Bone, was recognized as one of the Top 5 Finalists for the NC Community College System's Excellence in Teaching Award, which is a significant achievement. The award recognizes excellence in teaching and exceptional dedication to students' educational development.

In addition to these highlights, the College engaged in a rebranding initiative. We are grateful to FormationPR and excited to share the first phase; our new logo with you. Please stay engaged with us by clicking here to subscribe to our newsletter. 

Halifax Community College Rebranding Initiative

We are thrilled to share the results of our rebranding initiative—a pivotal moment in our institution’s journey towards renewed relevance and impact to our community. We desired to revitalize our brand identity. Halifax Community College (HCC) is a catalyst for positive change in the lives of its students and community. By providing innovative instruction coupled with personalized support, HCC equips students for an ever-changing marketplace and creates pathways to a promising future. At HCC, community is paramount — people are at the heart what we do. We are determined to come alongside each and every student, no matter their background, age or abilities, and provide them with the education and training needed to achieve their goals, and ultimately enrich their lives.

Regardless of where a student begins, HCC offers opportunities along a continuum of education, certification, training and workforce development. Whether taking college classes while in high school, earning an associate degree, or attaining short-term training credentials to get a better job, we help individuals pursue the career pathway they desire, at any point in their educational journey.



As we share our new brand identity to you, we do so with a profound sense of excitement. The next phase of this initiative will be the release of a new website. We look forward to sharing it with you in the next few months.

2024 Commencement Speaker Announced

Jason B. Harrell was raised in the rural town of Macclesfield in Edgecombe County. He received his Bachelor of Science Nursing from East Carolina University, Masters in Nursing, Adult Nurse Practitioner from UNC-Chapel Hill and Masters Certificate Informatics from University of Colorado –Denver. He enjoyed 8 years in the Air Force as an aerovac nurse and retired with a rank of Captain. His clinical experience was centered on cardiovascular patients, particularly heart failure.

As a nurse practitioner, he started a heart failure clinic at Forsyth Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC. Currently, he is Vice President of Horizons, an economic development group for Halifax County, a member of the North Carolina Hospital Association Regional Policy Council and a Board member of the ECU Health North Development Council. Jason and his wife Debbie, continue to work with Serge Global to support missionary children and families in the US and countries around the world. 

Jason B. Harrell, RN, MSN, CPHQ

President, ECU Health North Hospital

HCC Highlights

On January 22, 2024, at 1:30 pm, Halifax Community College (HCC) organized a swearing-in ceremony for Emmet Smith, who had been recently appointed as the Chief of Police for the Halifax Community College Police Department. The event symbolized the start of a new chapter in campus security and law enforcement.

On March 12, 2024, students at Halifax Community College were treated to an informative lecture on critical care nursing by a member of the UNC Carolina Air Care crew. The session delved into the intricacies of transporting critical care patients and outlined the demanding requirements to become a flight nurse.

Halifax Community College and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Forge Medical Laboratory Science Strategic Agreement 

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Halifax Community College (HCC) and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Health Professions (UAMS) have entered into a strategic agreement with the primary aim of streamlining the transfer and degree completion process for students pursuing the Medical Laboratory Technology Associate of Applied Sciences at HCC to seamlessly transition into the Bachelor of Science Degree program in Medical Laboratory Science at UAMS.

The overarching goal of this agreement is to provide students with a clear and efficient pathway to earning a high-quality degree from both institutions. By fostering collaborative efforts, HCC and UAMS seek to eliminate ambiguity surrounding degree requirements, empowering students to achieve their educational aspirations with greater ease.

On March 21, 2024, HCC Admissions team led by Antonio Squire and Lonnie Barker, the Program Director of MLT and Phlebotomy, participated in Central Elementary School's Career Day in Jackson, NC.

They interacted with students, provided valuable insights into healthcare professions, and inspired young minds to explore exciting possibilities in the medical field.

Halifax Community College receives Grant from the Truist Charitable Fund to Increase Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Capacity in Rural Eastern NC 

Halifax Community College (HCC) announced it received a $90,000 grant from the Truist Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund administered by The Winston-Salem Foundation, to effectuate meaningful change in Halifax and Northampton Counties in the areas of Educational Equity, Leadership, and Thriving Communities. Halifax Community College’s proposed project, “Increasing Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Capacity in Rural Eastern NC,” is focused on increasing awareness of educational and training opportunities in the advanced manufacturing sectors.

About Truist Charitable Fund: The Truist Charitable Fund (“TCF”) is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives. TCF was established as a donor-advised fund and is administered by The Winston-Salem Foundation. TCF invests in local community organizations, focusing on grants that support initiatives and programs in the areas of educational equity, leadership development, career pathways, small business and community services. To learn more about Truist’s purpose, visit https://www.truist.com/who-we-are/about-truist.

In 2023, Dr. Patrena Benton Elliott became Halifax Community College's 6th and first female president. Learn more about her at www.halifaxcc.edu/About/President/.