SCC’s Price honored at local ‘Fifteen Under 40’ celebration
Working her way up to WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) Title I Program Coordinator in the NCWorks Career Center helped Tiffany Price cultivate a mindset for service and helping others. Whether it is aiding people find jobs or providing financial assistance to train for a new job, Price said her 12 years at Southeastern Community College has impacted countless families in Columbus County and beyond. As a member of The News Reporter’s “Fifteen Under 40” Class of 2026, Price hopes to continue empowering southeastern North Carolina’s workforce development.
Price was recognized at the “Fifteen Under 40” Celebration of Honorees ceremony and reception on the fourth floor of the Columbus County Government Building B on March 5. Attending the event in Price’s support were husband Rocky Price and daughter Bailey Price, co-workers Ruth High and Amaris Roberts and SCC President Dr. Chris English and First Lady Teresa English.
“When I first got the email that I was nominated for the ‘Fifteen Under 40’, I started jumping up and down in excitement in my office,” Price said. “I was so shocked that I got this because this is my last year of being eligible for it. It’s a proud moment because it showed that I’m helping make the world a better place no matter how big or small.”
With this honor, Price wants to set an example for her daughters, Bailey and McKenzie, in that “the only one stopping you from doing something is you.” Her life motto is “don’t let anything hold you back.” At the ceremony, Price received a trophy and framed group photo of her and the other 14 honorees from The News Reporter’s publisher Justin Smith.
“This is an opportunity for all of us who care about the past, present and future of Columbus County to gather together and meet with other like-minded people,” Smith said.
Smith explained that the search for the class of 2026 began in November 2025 with asking the public for nominations. A committee of five community leaders not affiliated with The News Reporter gathered to narrow down the list of more than 60 nominees. The judge committee consisted of Angie Benton, Serena Smith, Dr. Dan Strickland, Martin Scott and Pamela Young-Jacobs. The News Reporter’s Director of Operations Rachel Smith was the project manager for “Fifteen Under 40.”
Price’s career
Overseeing the federally funded WIOA grant program at SCC, Price takes on caseloads for job seekers and SCC students needing financial assistance with books, fees, tuition, uniforms and testing costs that Financial Aid does not cover. She helps place job seekers in work experience, internships and on-the-job training programs. The NCWorks Career Center helps the public with writing resumes, interview skills and online job listing searches.
“Helping others succeed in finding jobs and the people I work with are my favorite parts of working at Southeastern,” Price said. “My co-workers are like my family because they are the people I can reach out to when something goes wrong. Ruth has been with me through some of the toughest times in my life.”
Earning an associate’s degree in cosmetology and office administration from SCC and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from UNC Pembroke, Price learned the value of education through her own experiences. Graduating from West Bladen High School in 2005, Price said she did not think a college education was an option for her since she was the first and youngest of three siblings to graduate high school.
“Through my role in the NCWorks Career Center, I have gained a deeper understanding of the vital role SCC plays in serving Columbus County and giving back to the community,” Price said.
In her spare time, Price likes to read books, create arts and crafts, spend time with her family, go camping and bake cookies. Price grew up in Bladenboro but calls Whiteville her home now.
