News Post

SCC Signs Agreement with UNCP for Cyber Security Pathway

Southeastern Community College (SCC) signed an agreement with the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) on Friday, April 28.  

The agreement established a partnership for seamless transfer from SCC to UNCP for students interested in pursuing a bachelors degree in information technology – cyber security. 

This is a strong partnership,” said Chancellor Cummings. “The relationship between UNCP and SCC is long-standing as we change lives through education.” 

Billy Tatum is the Information Technology instructor at SCC.

“Growing up in southeastern North Carolina, I’ve seen our environment change and we are more reliant than ever before on information technology,” said Tatum. “We are creating a path for our students to become cyber security experts. These students are community members – they are our friends and family, and we are ensuring they are taking the step forward to a better future.” 

The advantage of students starting at SCC for free through the Success Scholarship and then moving to a NC Promise school like UNCP is strong. Opportunities like this make a four-year college education more affordable for all students. 

Dr. Chris English praised the partnership between UNCP and SCC.

“This partnership is specifically targeting workforce development,” said English. “We take great pride in doing that here at SCC. I have to commend Billy Tatum. He has been a breath of fresh air for the information technology program. He comes from industry, which is critical to training our students. He’s done outstanding work. He’s a silent mover that is making a big difference at SCC.

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) reported that “North Carolina’s information technology (IT) job sector has been growing by 20% over the past 5 years, more than twice the rate of the national average growth rate.”  It’s a dynamic entrepreneurship environment which is great news for Columbus County as we continue to boost our economic development through innovative entrepreneurship projects.

Signed Agreement