NCC Professor Volunteers at Freedom School
Peacemakers Read Aloud – Dina Pitt
Nash Community College mathematics department chair Professor Dina Pitt recently volunteered as a read aloud guest at Peacemakers’ Freedom School, an eight-week program that helps at-risk children fall in love with reading, increases their self-esteem, and generates more positive attitudes toward learning.
A Children’s Defense Fund program, Freedom School begins each day with a community member reading a book to 120 young scholars during the opening session. Local volunteers often share their personal and professional experiences as guest readers. Professor Pitt received a warm welcome from the children before reading “This is the Rope” by Jacqueline Woodson. “You all are going to do great things in this world,” Pitt told Freedom School participants. “Please start in your community.” She urged the young scholars to spend 60 minutes every day practicing reading, writing and mathematics.
Professor Pitt is also well known for providing encouragement to students on NCC’s campus. “Not only does she care about her students, she cares about every soul at NCC. I have witnessed her approaching students that she has never met before to ask them what they want to do in life. With a light push of encouragement, many students find the strength they need to succeed through her,” an NCC alumnus recalled.
Dina Pitt has been employed at Nash Community College since 2000. A native of Whitakers, NC, she is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in secondary mathematics education. She earned a Master of Arts in mathematics at Campbell University. Professor Pitt is also National Board Certified in Mathematics. She serves as vice president of the NCC Foundation Board of Directors, helping lead the college’s fundraising efforts to support deserving students in need of scholarships.
Nash Community College is an educational partner at Peacemakers delivering regular on-site training opportunities including High School Equivalency and continuing education courses.
