SCC welcomes new English instructor Re Gena Gilliam

Re Gena Gilliam, a new English instructor at Southeastern Community College, brings many years of experience and a personal connection to the institution. As a Whiteville native, Gilliam’s relationship with SCC spans several decades. It makes her return to the college a full-circle moment in her career. 

Gilliam’s academic journey began at SCC in the Child Development Center as a preschooler before she returned as a student after high school. She earned an associates degree in May 1998 from SCC, followed by a bachelors degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in May 2001. In December 2009, she completed a masters degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. 

Gilliam started teaching in 2002 at West Columbus High School, where she taught until 2010. From 2010 to 2024, she served as an instructor at Bladen Community College. Now, at SCC, Gilliam is teaching English courses that include ENG 011, ENG 111, ENG 112, and ENG 241. 

“I’ve literally grown up in many ways at SCC,” Gilliam said. “It’s like coming home. Teaching at SCC feels like a natural next step in my career, especially since teaching at a community college has always been my long-term goal.” 

Gilliam’s love for English and literature drives her approach in the classroom. While teaching has always been her calling, what Gilliam finds most fulfilling is witnessing her students’ success. 

“I hope students will grow to love English and literature, but at the very least, I want them to leave my classes with a greater appreciation of the subject,” she explained. “Seeing students achieve success is the best part of teaching for me,” she said. 

Outside the classroom, Gilliam enjoys reading, watching movies, and indulging in reality television shows like “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Survivor.” She lives in Whiteville with her husband, Michael Gilliam. 

As a member of the SCC instructional staff, Gilliam is looking forward to continuing her professional growth and contributing to the college’s mission of serving the community.