SCC electrical engineering student wins SECU’s ‘People Helping People’ scholarship

Davis Strickland, a Whiteville native and Electrical Engineering Technology student, is one of two recipients of the “People Helping People” scholarship funded by the State Employees Credit Union Foundation. The scholarship, valued at $5,000, covers two years of tuition with $1,250 covering each semester. Overcoming the pain, surgeries and recovery of a motorcycle accident earlier this year, Strickland said this scholarship helps ease financial burdens and puts him closer to achieving his dream career in electrical engineering. 

“I am forever grateful and blessed that I am still here to receive this scholarship,” Strickland said. “I am also blessed that they would choose me for this scholarship to help me pursue my career.” 

Following in the footsteps of his older brother, John Carter Strickland, Davis started his SCC journey as a high school student in the Career and College Promise program. His jumpstart on college classes put him through Intro to Wiring, Diagrams and Schematics, Hydraulics and Pneumatics and Pathway to Employment before graduating from Whiteville High School earlier this year.  

“I would like to follow in his footsteps and work a corporate job first either at Duke Energy or Brunswick Electric,” Strickland said. “But eventually, I’d like to become a licensed electrician and start my own business.” 

Strickland hopes to become an apprentice or intern to gain work experience hours before he graduates from SCC. He explained that to become a licensed electrician, one must have a certain number of work hours to apply for the electrician license exam.  

“The need for electricians will always be there, and you’ll always have a job,” Strickland said. “And at the same time, I enjoy helping people. So, if someone’s power goes out during a storm, I’d like to help fix that because I love helping people.” 

Strickland’s interest in electrical work first started with car sound systems. After working at Tint Wizard in Whiteville, he expanded his sound system expertise to motorcycles and golf carts and started building sound systems for other people’s cars. With this introduction to electrical work, Strickland wants to gain more skills at SCC.  

“Some of the benefits of coming to Southeastern are the caring instructors who are willing to work with you no matter the circumstances,” Strickland said. “After my motorcycle wreck in high school, my instructors worked with me so I wouldn’t have to drop the classes. Overcoming this wreck has been the most challenging part of earning my degree, for sure.” 

After a two-week stay in the hospital and with his first two days there unconscious, Strickland said his instructors allowed him to work from home to catch up on assignments. With full reconstructive surgery on his shoulder and rotator cuff, Strickland’s mobility is limited. Through physical therapy, Strickland is working to regain his mobility and ability to reach high places once he starts working. 

When he applied for the “People Helping People” scholarship, Strickland said on his application that he hopes to “gain personal growth and lay a strong foundation that will lead to further success.” With leadership skills gained from DJing and running the live stream at his church, he provided technology support to his community. 

“Having partners like the State Employees Credit Union is essential because their support in providing scholarships empowers students to pursue higher education, reduces financial barriers and invests in the future success of our communities,” said Sheila Dockery, SCC Director of Financial Aid.  

Are you ready to take that next step towards your dream career like Davis Strickland? Visit this information resource for scholarships! Contact the Office of Financial Aid in A-building, room 100 or by email at [email protected] or phone at 910-788-6214.  

Interested in a career and Electrical Engineering Technology? Visit this website to learn about the program at SCC!