During the Spring 2024 semester, four Piedmont Community College (PCC) students were selected to participate in a student panel at the Board of Trustees Retreat. Their stories were not only inspiring, but they were a testament to the benefits of enrolling at PCC. As we approach the fall semester, let’s revisit some of their key points of enrolling in “your hometown college.”
1. Affordable Education
Derby Harris graduated in May with an associate degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology. Because of PCC’s Career and College Promise (CCP) program, he was able to graduate with an associate degree and high school diploma tuition free.
“The dual-enrollment program has really been beneficial being offered during high school allowing me to graduate college and high school at the same time for free,” Harris said. “Coming out of high school I will be able to go straight to work as a lineman, the associate degree will aid in starting out with more pay and have a better chance with being hired on with a company like Duke Energy.”
2. Community
Natalie Honeycutt graduated in May with a Cosmetology certificate. She expressed her appreciation of the community minded spirit of the Cosmetology department. They serve clients throughout Person County and even have clients who come from outside of the county for Cosmetology services.
“The students are the future, and it is proof in the way that we as a college are thriving,” Honeycutt said.
3. Diverse Course Offerings
Larry Hawley retired from the City of Durham as a bus driver trainer but wanted to continue working after retirement. He had always admired the plumbing profession, so he decided to enroll in PCC’s Plumbing program. He has enjoyed his experience in the program and looks forward to continuing learning to become a plumber. Plumbing is one of PCC’s newer programs having started in June 2023. Hawley describes PCC as a “hidden gem.”
4. Supportive Environment
Mallori Martin is a Nursing student who will graduate in May 2025. After attending a four-year university and getting homesick, she decided to return to Person County and enroll in PCC’s Nursing program. She has appreciated the connections she has been able to build with her instructors and the numerous opportunities she has had not only in the classroom, but outside of the classroom.
“I have loved being able to know and become friends with the people in my cohort,” Martin said. “My instructors have been amazing and made me feel that my dreams of being a nurse can be real. The overall feel of PCC is something quite special and I love that my hometown is able to provide futures for so many.”
Just like Derby, Natalie, Larry and Mallori, here’s what you can look forward to by enrolling at PCC:
- Flexible Learning Options: We offer both in-person and online classes to fit your busy schedule. We even offer 8-week courses so you can earn your degree faster.
- Financial Aid & Scholarships: We offer many financial aid and scholarship opportunities including the Next NC Scholarship that provides FREE tuition for households making $80,000 per year or less. Visit www.piedmontcc.edu/finaid for a full list of financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Career Advancement: Enhance your career prospects with our degree, diploma and certificate programs tailored to current job market demands.
- Supportive Community: Benefit from personalized academic advising, tutoring services, and a vibrant campus life.
Fall classes start August 15. Visit www.piedmontcc.edu/advising or call (336) 322-2159 to schedule an appointment with an advisor.
Pictured left to right: Derby Harris; Dr. Shelly Stone-Moye, Vice President, Student Development; Natalie Honeycutt; Mallori Martin; Larry Hawley
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