Southeastern Community College (SCC) is proud to announce that Denise Young, Director of Apprenticeships, has been named the 2025 Staff Person of the Year by the North Carolina Community College System. This prestigious award honors an individual who exemplifies outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the community college mission across the state.

Young will receive the award during the NC Community Colleges Awards Dinner and Celebration on April 3 at The Umstead Hotel in Cary. Presented by the NC Rural Center, the award recognizes her extraordinary leadership in workforce development, student success, and economic advancement in Columbus County—one of North Carolina’s most economically challenged regions.

“Denise has a drive that is energetic—a magnet. She knows how to bring people together and takes time to learn and understand people and their challenges,” said Dr. Chris English, President of Southeastern Community College. “She represents Southeastern Community College with all its glory, and I’m so, so thrilled that she’s won this award.”

Under Young’s leadership, SCC has experienced a 53-percent increase in work-based learning enrollments, connecting students with industry-recognized credentials and direct employment opportunities. Her innovative programs—including apprenticeships, internships, and pre-apprenticeships—have opened doors for students while helping meet the workforce needs of Columbus County’s largest employers.

As Director of Apprenticeships, Young has also led outreach efforts that break down barriers to education, including a county-wide door-to-door campaign and free summer camps for high school students. These initiatives have created seamless pathways from education to employment, empowering students to build careers and strengthening the economic fabric of the region.

“I’m more committed than ever to opening doors and creating opportunities for others, just as so many people have done for me,” said Young. “This award is a shared celebration of what we’ve accomplished together at Southeastern Community College.”

Young’s story is also an inspiring testament to the transformative power of community colleges. After being laid off from a previous job, she enrolled in SCC’s Human Resource Development classes to gain new skills. From there, her passion for education and student success blossomed into a career that now spans more than two decades of service at SCC.

“Denise’s leadership embodies our mission of opening doors for our community through powerful partnerships that provide student-centered learning, workforce development, and cultural enrichment,” said English. “Her work changes lives.”

Young’s mentorship and dedication to student growth extend far beyond the classroom, shaping Southeastern Community College as a hub for workforce readiness and economic development. Through her vision and commitment, SCC continues to be a catalyst for opportunity and success in Columbus County.