Piedmont Community College (PCC) is proud to announce Bennie Clayton as the 2025 Alumnus of the Year, recognizing his exceptional dedication, continued support and commitment to the College.
Clayton was presented the 2025 Alumnus of the Year Award during PCC’s annual Honors Convocation held on April 17. This award is presented annually by the PCC Foundation to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and support for the College. Nominees must have successfully completed a degree, diploma or certificate program at PCC and have achieved significant success in their professional career as well as made meaningful contributions to civic and community affairs.
Clayton graduated from PCC in 1995 with an associate’s degree in cosmetology. He is now the dedicated owner and founder of Elysian Salon Group in Person County, the current Board Chair of the Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce and a new member of the PCC Foundation Board of Directors. He has made a lasting impact on both PCC and the local business community. His unwavering commitment to mentoring future cosmetologists, his exemplary leadership and his active community involvement highlight his dedication to service and growth at PCC and in the community.
“As a native of Person County, Bennie has always shown his love for our community by volunteering his time and talents for worthy causes in our community,” Jody Blackwell, Clayton’s nominator and PCC Dean, Technical and Manufacturing Programs said. “He has mentored countless cosmetology students at PCC and has sponsored annual events such as Relay for Life, Personality and multiple Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce events. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of this award, and I am thankful for all that Bennie does for our community.”
“While the quality of service provided by Bennie and all the stylists at Elysian Salon Group is exceptional, what is most significant about his business is the number of PCC cosmetology students and graduates he has mentored and launched throughout his career- demonstrating yet again his commitment to giving back to PCC and the new cosmetologists graduating into Roxboro/Person County area and beyond.” Roxboro Mayor Merilyn Newell said. Newell also nominated Clayton for the honor.
Clayton will address the 2025 graduating class at PCC’s commencement ceremony on May 16. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the College’s YouTube channel.
For more information about the PCC Foundation, visit piedmontcc.edu/foundation.
Pictured left to right: Catherine English, Executive Director of the PCC Foundation; Bennie Clayton, 2025 Alumnus of the Year; Jody Blackwell, PCC Dean, Technical and Manufacturing Programs
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