SCC turns 205 tassels at spring graduation ceremony

Southeastern Community College celebrated its 2026 commencement ceremony May 8, recognizing the achievements of students who completed academic programs across multiple disciplines in curriculum and short-term training. The ceremony marked the culmination of months and years of coursework, testing and hands-on training for graduates and their families. The ceremony honored students earning degrees, diplomas and certificates across programs in Student Learning and Innovation, Business Careers, Technical Training, Healthcare and Public Safety. 

“It’s always humbling to know how hard they have worked and see the spirit and satisfaction of success in their eyes,” said Dr. Chris English, SCC President. “To watch 205 graduates walk across that stage was phenomenal, and it was an exciting day for the college and students as well as the faculty and instructional staff.” 

Dr. Brandon Jenkins, SCC’s Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, said graduation highlighted the personal impact of education. He explained that ceremonies showed how education carries different meanings for each family. Jenkins said those moments reminded faculty and staff why their work mattered. 

“I’m partial to individual student success stories and how families respond to seeing their loved one complete an academic goal,” Jenkins said.  

Jenkins said the value of an SCC credential depended on each student’s goals. He explained that for others, graduation marked a turning point through higher wages and expanded career opportunities. Earning any college credential proved students were resilient, capable and perseverant. 

“For some students, it is simply the next step toward a larger higher educational goal of obtaining a four-year degree,” he said.  

Graduation also reflected the preparation students received from SCC instructors, Jenkins said. He explained that faculty worked inside and outside the classroom to prepare students for employment or transfer. Jenkins described SCC instructors as those who care deeply about student success and take pride in seeing graduates reach their goals. 

“There are 58 community colleges in the North Carolina Community College System, and I would put our faculty against any of them,” he said.  

Trina Davis, SCC’s Director of Admissions/Registrar, said 308 students were cleared for graduation based on an unduplicated count. Due to some students completing multiple programs, 354 names appeared in the graduation program. Davis enjoys seeing students overcome challenges, and she said that made commencement “especially rewarding.” 

“What I enjoy most is reviewing academic records and confirming for students that they have met all requirements for graduation,” Davis said.  

Davis said her role extended before, during and after the ceremony. She certified that students met credit, program and GPA requirements and produced the official graduation list with degree titles and honors. After graduation, Davis confirmed degree posting on transcripts and ensured credentials were mailed. She explained that earning a degree, diploma or certificate at SCC represented academic achievement and readiness for career advancement or college transfer. 

Faculty and Staff Awards 

Dr. Dan Moore, former SCC president, presented the Dr. Dan and Cheryl Moore Outstanding Staff Award to Transitional Studies Recruiter and HSE Examiner Larry Everette. English presented the T. Elbert Clemmons Excellence in Teaching Award to math instructor Nicky Hobbs. 

Moore described Everette as one who “encourages students to build brighter futures while helping to remove barriers to education.” As part of the Transitional Studies program, Everette works closely with offenders placed in Tabor Correctional and Columbus Correctional prisons to ensure high school equivalency exam success.  

In addition to working in Transitional Studies, Everette helps coordinate SCC’s Trunk or Treat event through the HEARTS Foundation. Through his balloon art business, he creates balloon set pieces for decorations at various SCC ceremonies and booth setups around Columbus County.  

“Winning the award was honestly unexpected, but I’m extremely thankful and honored to receive it,” Everette said. “Being recognized during graduation made the moment even more special because graduation is one of the biggest reminders of why I love doing what I do. It meant a lot to know that the work I put into helping our students and community is seen and appreciated.”  

Everette’s favorite part of working in Transitional Studies at SCC is watching his students succeed. Whether it’s seeing them pass a HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) they have been working hard on or watching them walk across the graduation stage, Everette is reminded that “those moments never get old.”  

“That goes for both my incarcerated students and my regular on-campus students,” Everette explained. “No matter their background or situation, seeing them accomplish something they once thought was out of reach is the most rewarding part of my job.” 

English described Hobbs as a “passionate educator who brings energy, innovation and a student-centered approach to every classroom.” He said that Hobbs was known for providing additional tutoring, staying late to help students prepare for exams and helping ensure every student feels supported academically and personally. Hobbs helped lead a discussion on emerging educational tools in the ethical use of AI in the classroom.  

“I was both honored and humbled to receive the Excellence in Teaching Award,” Hobbs said. “To be nominated by my peers means a great deal because I know how hard everyone at SCC works on a daily basis. I am deeply appreciative of the recognition, and it is an honor to represent the faculty and staff at SCC through this award.” 

Hobbs’ favorite part of instructing math courses at SCC is doing something he “genuinely enjoys every day.” Whether it is solving math problems on paper or problem solving in everyday life, he can see math all around him. From cars, phones and the farm he grew up on and still works; Hobbs said math is all around us. 

“We are constantly working through real-world situations, and many of those involve some level of math,” Hobbs said. “I enjoy bringing those kinds of problems into the classroom so students can see that math is not disconnected from reality.” 

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