Retired educator and administrator sworn in to SCC Board of Trustees

From the classroom to the principal’s office, Ronna Gore dedicated more than three decades to helping students reach their potential. Now, the retired educator and Southeastern Community College graduate is applying that experience to the SCC Board of Trustees, where she hopes to share strategies for student success and support the college’s mission of preparing the next generation of community leaders. 

“Education has always been my passion, and education has gotten me where I am today,” Gore said. “Coming from a small town, education has opened so many doors for me and paved the way for a very good life that has impacted countless children and families.” 

Bringing 30+ years to the table, Gore hopes her knowledge will help the SCC Board of Trustees “get students interested and keep them interested so they will be successful.” She wants her career in helping grow students and their families to aid her contributions to the board. Gore took her oath of office at the Sept. 28 Board of Trustees meeting.  

“I want to share those ideas, techniques and strategies with this board because it is all about creating those opportunities that will help students be successful in life,” Gore said.
“I truly believe Southeastern Community College is a diamond in the rough, a hidden gem that makes an incredible difference in the lives of our students and our community. Columbus County is truly blessed to have Southeastern Community College right here in our own backyard.” 

Gore described SCC’s mission as a chance to grow the people of the area into county leaders of tomorrow. She said SCC plays an important role in preparing community leaders and professionals who will shape economic and educational progress in Columbus County.  

“I think Southeastern Community College takes the extra step to form lasting, bonding relationships with students,” Gore said. “And I have seen that with my own eyes as a principal who has seen Southeastern come to our schools to forge those bonds with students. That is the strength of this college.” 

Gore obtained a respiratory therapy degree from Robeson Community College in 1992 and earned her associates of arts from SCC in 1993. Gore transferred to UNC Pembroke to earn her bachelor’s degree in education in 1995. She went back to UNCP to earn her master’s degree in education in 1999 and a post master’s degree in school administration in 2011. 

Gore’s teaching career started at Whiteville Primary School, where she completed her student teaching, served as lead teacher and webmaster, and taught for eight years. After becoming a mom, Gore transferred to Williams Township School, where she served as a lead teacher and later became assistant principal. Gore was called to serve as principal at Old Dock Elementary School for 10 years. She later served as principal at West Columbus High School for one year and then Whiteville High School for one year. Gore finished her career as the curriculum director of Whiteville City Schools, and she retired in 2025. 

Her favorite part of the classroom was the light-bulb moments when students understood concepts from her lessons. She emphasized that education was all about forming and maintaining strong relationships.  

“I loved interacting with the students, getting to know them and watching them grow,” Gore said. “Making a difference in a student’s life and serving others is at the heart of what I do. I have a heart for service, and I believe there is no greater reward than helping others grow, learn and succeed.” 

As an administrator, Gore enjoyed “going to the next level” of impacting a student’s education. She said that getting to “know the whole process” and forming relationships with a multitude of students, teachers and parents created full-circle moments that positively impacted her career.  

“Seeing students start out in primary school, watching them grow up and walk across the graduation stage – I love seeing those accomplishments,” Gore said. “It feels good knowing that I played a role in helping make that happen.” 

Gore grew up in the Beaverdam community. She is married to Brett Gore, and they have three adult children, Meagan, Will and Caroline, in addition to one son-in-law, Luke. She loves spending time at Lake Waccamaw, skiing and all things water sports. She enjoys selling Gore horse trailers, crocheting and forming friendships on an international scale.