This year at Southeastern Community College,
has been a powerful reflection of what is possible when students, employees, and community partners work toward a shared purpose. Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, we have seen remarkable momentum across our campus. From enrollment growth and expanded partnerships to statewide and national recognition, this year has been marked by meaningful progress that continues to strengthen opportunities for the people we serve.
Dr. Chris English
President, Southeastern Community College
SCC in the Spotlight
- Named to the Aspen Institute’s Top 150 Community Colleges in the nation — recognized for excellence in student success, equity, and career outcomes among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide.
- SCC president Dr. Chris English earns Best Foot Foward award from N.C. Community College System office. — English's contributions to the North Carolina Community College System's Workforce Development Leadership Commity earned him top honors.
- North Carolina ranked the #1 state for business for the past two consecutive years, driving unprecedented demand for SCC’s workforce training programs.
- SCC Transitional Studies earns top honors in prison education vocational challenge. — More than doubling its High School Equivalency Test pass rate in 2025 over the previous year.
Student Awards
Each year, Southeastern Community College honors a few studetns for outstanding contributions and achievements.
SCC's Aikn Ezzell Recognized as Nominee for Statewide Dallas Herris Achievement Award
Southeastern Community College (SCC) is proud to announce that Akin Ezzell has been named SCC’s 2026 nominee for the Dallas Herring Achievement Award, one of the North Carolina Community College System’s most distinguished honors. Established in memory of Dr. Herring, the award recognizes students who embody his philosophy of "taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go." Ezzell's journey from the log woods to a career in the intensive care unit is a powerful example of that mission in action.
SCC's Isaiah Johnson Named Nominee for Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award
Southeastern Community College announced that Isaiah Johnson has been named the college’s 2026 nominee for the Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award, which recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to their campus and community.
SCC's Samuel Sibbett Named Recipient of Statewide Academic Excellence Award
SCC proudly announces that Samuel Sibbett has been named SCC’s recipient of the 2026 North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) Academic Excellence Award. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to one student from each of the state’s 58 community colleges in recognition of exceptional academic achievement and dedication to scholarship. A standout student known for his discipline and commitment to academic success, Sibbett has maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing coursework and a part-time job at a local car dealership.
Total Budget: $24,599,488.16
Go Rams! A Look Back at SCC’s Legacy
Southeastern Community College has proudly maintained a consistent identity through our logo and mascot, evolving over the years while staying true to our roots. To mark our 60th anniversary, we unveiled updated versions of both, symbolizing our growth and continued commitment to the community.
Our mascot Rocco the Ram debuted in 2008 and received a bold redesign in 2025 — sporting new gear that reflects energy, athleticism, and our ongoing efforts to engage with younger audiences. Our new 60th anniversary logo features the iconic Chadbourn Bell, representing the college’s origins and legacy in the region.
“This logo tells the story of how the college has shaped our community over the past 60 years,” said President Dr. Chris English. “It’s a symbol of pride, legacy, and the impact we’ve made in Columbus County.”
Aspen Institute Names SCC a Top 150 Community College
Southeastern Community College was recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation — a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality education and equitable outcomes for all students.
SCC stands out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide for student success and support of Black, Hispanic, and lower-income students. This recognition reinforces SCC’s role as a leader in creating opportunities and transforming lives.
“We are thrilled to be recognized as one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation,” said President Dr. Chris English. “This recognition is a testament to the steadfast dedication of our faculty and staff, who are passionate about equipping our students with the skills they need to succeed.”
Pathways to Economic and Workforce Growth
North Carolina’s economy is booming, currently recognized as the top state for business for the past two years. SCC is at the forefront of addressing the growing need for a skilled workforce through seven key career pathways aligned with Columbus County’s economic priorities.
- Agriculture
- Automotive Systems
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing
- Teacher Preparation
In partnership with Columbus County Schools and Whiteville City Schools, SCC’s career pathway initiative provides students a clear roadmap from high school through post-secondary education and into the workforce — including articulated college credit, job shadowing, and federally registered apprenticeship programs.
$361,000 Invested in Student Workforce Readiness
SCC secured a $361,000 two-year budget to fund its pre-apprenticeship program, providing students with stipends for travel, books, credentials, and certifications. The program requires a 12-hour weekly commitment and pairs coursework with real-world employer experience.
Funding partners: Golden Leaf Foundation ($199,100), Columbus County Board of Commissioners ($150,000), SCC Foundation ($5,000), and NCWorks ($7,500).
SCC IM3PACT: Honoring a Legacy, Building a Future
Southeastern Community College’s Minority Male Success Initiative was renamed SCC IM3PACT in honor of the late Coach and Reverend Clarence Ganus, who dedicated his career to students at SCC from 1987 to 2013.
IM3PACT — Inspiring Minority Males through Mentoring to Produce in Academics, Careers, and Triumphs — works to jumpstart success by improving the pipeline from college to employment for underserved and underprepared minority males in Columbus County through intentional recruiting, career exploration activities, and mentoring.
“SCC IM3PACT was inspired by what Clarence Ganus did for the students and the community,” said Colene Faulk, SCC’s Dean of Student Services. “That great man — we honor him today at Southeastern.”
It has been a privilege
to serve as Chairman during another year of meaningful progress and forward movement at Southeastern Community College. The Board has remained focused on supporting the long-term vision of the college while ensuring that SCC continues to meet the needs of our students, workforce, and community.
Throughout this past year, the Board has had the opportunity to see firsthand the continued growth and momentum taking place across campus. We are proud of the strategic work being done to strengthen academic pathways, expand workforce training opportunities, and position the college for long-term success.
Mr. Joe Hooks
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Welcoming New Leadership
to SCC's Board
Each year, Southeastern Community College honors one faculty member and one staff member for outstanding contributions, nominated and voted on by their peers.
Long time educator, finance enthusiast joins SCC Board of Trustees
Appointed by Senator Bill Rabon
Brett Burroughs, a Williams Township native and longtime educator, has joined the Southeastern Community College Board of Trustees. A graduate of SCC, East Carolina University and UNC Pembroke, Burroughs spent nearly 30 years teaching civics and economics at South Columbus High School before retiring in 2022.
Retired educator and coach nominated for SCC Board of Trustees Seat
Columbus County Board of Commissioners
Michael Powell, a retired educator and longtime coach from Hallsboro, has joined the Southeastern Community College Board of Trustees. Powell spent more than 45 years in education, including 36 years teaching history, philosophy and civics at West Columbus High School before later serving as assistant principal and principal at several Columbus County schools.
Local Attorney to bring 'fresh perspective' to SCC Board of Trustess
House of Representatives Brenden Jones
Chris Russell, a Chadbourn native and local attorney, has joined the Southeastern Community College Board of Trustees. As one of the board’s youngest members, Russell said he hopes to bring a fresh perspective while helping SCC continue investing in students and workforce development. He currently works as a partner at Wright, Worley, Pope, Ekster and Moss, focusing on real estate transactions, estate planning and business law.
Investing in Students and Community
This year marks the 56th anniversary of the SCC Foundation and the 60th anniversary of Southeastern Community College. Through the unwavering support of donors, the foundation continues to open doors for students who need it most.
The third annual President’s Ball raised money for the unrestricted fund, which meets the most urgent needs of our students. The Raise the Bell Campaign — encouraging engraved brick donations for the Chadbourn Bell pathway — continued to grow community investment in SCC’s future.
“Your continued support will have meaningful and long-lasting impacts on our
community and benefit our citizens for years to come.”
— Brett Gore, SCC Foundation Board Chairman
314 Students Supported
Leadership Team & Board of Trustees
Guiding Southeastern Community College into its next chapter.
Dr. Chris English
President
Dr. Sylvia Cox
Executive VP & Chief Academic Officer
Mrs. Ibreta Jackson
VP of Administrative Services & COO
Mrs. Terrie Priest
SCC Foundation Executive Director
Mr. Joe Hooks
Board of Trustees — Chairman
Ms. Theresa Blanks
Board of Trustees — Vice Chair
Brett Gore
SCC Foundation Board — Chair
Nathan Moore
SCC Foundation Board — Vice Chair
Financial Stewardship for Our Community
Southeastern Community College’s total budget of $38,227,070 reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship of public and private funding in service of Columbus County.
- State: $26,549,138 (69%)
- Federal: $7,378,787 (19%)
- County: $2,553,238 (7%)
- Proprietary & Other: $1,241,601 (3%)
- Student Fees: $504,306 (1%)
A Message from Dr. Chris English
This year at Southeastern Community College has been a powerful reflection of what is possible when students, employees, and community partners work toward a shared purpose. Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, we have seen remarkable momentum across our campus. From enrollment growth and expanded partnerships to statewide and national recognition, this year has been marked by meaningful progress that continues to strengthen opportunities for the people we serve.
One of the most encouraging signs of that progress has been the continued momentum we have seen in student opportunity. Across our campus, we have welcomed students taking their first steps toward a degree, adult learners returning to the classroom, and graduates building pathways to long-term careers and continued education. Their determination and success continue to reflect the vital role SCC plays in changing lives across our community.
Our continued work in Cohort 5 of NC Reconnect played an important role in that momentum. By reaching adult learners across Columbus County and connecting them with flexible pathways and one-on-one support, we have helped more individuals return to college with confidence and purpose. These efforts continue to reflect our commitment to opening doors and meeting students where they are.
This year also brought extraordinary recognition for the work happening at SCC. The Aspen Institute named Southeastern Community College among the Top 200 community colleges in the nation eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This distinction is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff and to the determination of our students, whose success remains at the center of everything we do.
We also expanded opportunities for our students beyond graduation through new transfer partnerships with UNC Pembroke, NC State University, and Western Carolina University. These additions now bring SCC’s total to 10 universities and educational partners, creating clear pathways for students to continue their education and achieve their goals.
Our growth has also been visible across campus and within our workforce programs. Construction continues on our $22 million Transportation Technology and STEM Building, a transformative investment that will prepare students for careers in automotive, diesel, truck driver training, and emerging technologies. We are also deeply grateful for the major multi-year commitment from Black’s Tire & Auto Service, whose support through the SCC Foundation demonstrates a strong belief in the future of SCC students and the workforce needs of our region.
Most importantly, this year has reinforced that our greatest achievement is our students’ success. Every partnership formed, every facility enhanced, and every recognition received ultimately points back to the lives being changed through education and training.
Thank you to our students, employees, and community partners for your continued support of Southeastern Community College. Together, we are building opportunities, strengthening our workforce, and creating a brighter future for Columbus County.
Dr. Chris English
President, Southeastern Community College