News

‘Future beauty gurus in the making’ – high school students tour and get hands-on experience in SCC cosmetology

The cosmetology department welcomed the South Columbus Stallions on March 7 and the West Columbus Vikings on March 21 to the world of hair, nails and skincare at Southeastern Community College. Eli Murillo, lead cosmetology instructor, directed the tour through the salon, nail and esthetics classrooms, and the students got hands-on experience with eyebrows under the direction of senior cosmetology student Zemii Cisneros Nunez. 

“As soon as we walked onto the salon floor, numerous students’ faces lit up,” Murillo said. “They took pictures in front of our selfie wall. When we got to the nail room and esthetics room, students really started asking questions.”  

Edwards nominated for Dallas Herring Achievement Award

Southeastern Community College medical laboratory technology student Briana Edwards was nominated for the 2024 Dallas Herring Achievement Award. Edwards went from a college dropout to a 4.0 GPA student with ambitions to acquire a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science. Her journey of sacrifice, growth and determination allowed her to push through her financial issues in paying for college and seek out the extra help and motivation from her instructors.  

“My parents passed away when I was 11 years old and neither of them had graduated from high school, though my dad did go back to get his GED later in life,” Edwards said. “They both wanted me to receive a college education more than anything. My goal was to find a career and gain the education my parents always dreamed for me to have.” 

Early college open house has ‘phenomenal’ turnout; campus tours showcase programs

Parents and 8th grade students explored options for their high school journey at Columbus Career and College Academy during an open house event on March 7. CCCA is on Southeastern Community College’s campus, where students can access career and technical education pathways. 

CCCA Principal Christian Godwin said the early college is an accelerated program with high expectations that requires motivation, a great work ethic and personal responsibility. Students have five years to earn their high school diploma and associates degree.  

Advanced EMT students pilot first ‘high-flex’ class with 100% pass rate

Six students pioneered the first Advanced Emergency Medical Technician high-flex classroom model at SCC that landed them with a 100% pass rate on their state exam. Associate Dean of Fire and EMS Training Brandy Nance described the pilot program as the first of its kind in North Carolina. 

“I don’t know of anyone else in the state who uses a high-flex classroom for EMS,” Nance said. “So, I said why don’t we use our high-flex classroom and model that for our future AEMT classes. Students will have the option to be in the classroom or online.” 

‘Pressing the reset button’ – 17 inmates turn tassels at Tabor Correctional Institution

It was a momentous day for 17 graduates at Tabor Correctional Institution as they turned their tassel and received their high school equivalency diplomas through Southeastern Community College’s Transitional Studies program on Feb. 26.  

“This was a great day in the making, and it has been several years since we have been able to be part of a ceremony due to the pandemic,” said Travis Paul, SCC’s director of law enforcement training and prison education. “Warden Jamie Bullard, Associate Warden Alfred Williams and the programs staff at TCI did a great job providing the offenders with a day they will never forget.” 

SCC Foundation receives $200,000 gift from Jewish community

In partnership with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Southeastern Community College conferred 10 truck driver training graduates with certificates of completion of the 9.5-week program on March 7 in the SCC auditorium. Dr. Mike Ammons, SCC associate dean of technical training, said this third graduating class had a 100% pass rate with all 10 students passing the final exam. 

“I was the lead instructor for these guys, but there wasn’t much leading for these guys,” said CCCTI truck driver lead instructor Johnny Hollar. “These guys were all great from the start. Y’all have something in your pockets that you didn’t have nine weeks ago, and it will open a ton of doors for you.” 

‘Industry needs you’ – truck driver training graduation sends 10 new drivers into workforce

In partnership with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Southeastern Community College conferred 10 truck driver training graduates with certificates of completion of the 9.5-week program on March 7 in the SCC auditorium. Dr. Mike Ammons, SCC associate dean of technical training, said this third graduating class had a 100% pass rate with all 10 students passing the final exam. 

“I was the lead instructor for these guys, but there wasn’t much leading for these guys,” said CCCTI truck driver lead instructor Johnny Hollar. “These guys were all great from the start. Y’all have something in your pockets that you didn’t have nine weeks ago, and it will open a ton of doors for you.” 

Southeastern Community College gains SACSCOC approval for offsite instruction

In a significant development for Southeastern Community College (SCC), the institution has achieved an approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for three new off-campus instructional sites. The recent on-site evaluation by the SACSCOC review team marks a milestone for SCC's commitment to expanding educational opportunities beyond the main campus.

The approval encompasses offsite instruction at East Columbus, South Columbus, and Whiteville High School, reflecting the collaborative efforts and dedication of the entire SCC team and our partners at Columbus County and Whiteville City Schools.