Press Releases, Student Life

Griffith Selected as Academic Excellence Award Recipient

Gus Griffith

Adam “Gus” Griffith of Nashville is Nash Community College’s 2020 Academic Excellence Award recipient.

Gus Griffith is an Associate in Engineering degree student who plans to transfer to North Carolina State University and major in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in nanoscience.

“I started my academic career at NCC with great hesitancy,” he said. “There had been many years since I was a student. I had forgotten so much. I had so many doubts.”

Gus Griffith is a father and a veteran of the United States Navy. He graduated from NCC with a High School Equivalency diploma, an Associate in Science degree and a Phlebotomy certificate. Griffith has maintained a 4.0 grade point average in the Engineering program and plans to graduate in May 2020.

“During my time at NCC, many instructors have believed in me,” Griffith said. “They knew I would succeed. They knew I was going to be an engineer. They would not let me quit even when I felt like I could not continue. They never let me forget that I am worthy of the title of engineer.”

Griffith serves his fellow students as a tutor, assists in the physics laboratory, and organizes study groups benefitting a large number of students. He is an active member of Gamma Beta Phi service and honor society and is a team leader for the award-winning Nash Community College High Altitude Balloon Team, the Nashtronauts. Griffith also volunteers his time assisting with the campus apiary.

“With his warmth, intelligence, and wit, he includes everyone. He keeps us all laughing, learning, and truly feeling like close friends,” one instructor said.

As the recipient of NCC’s highest academic honor, Griffith will represent the College among North Carolina’s 58-community college system.

“So many NCC instructors have encouraged me and believed in me when I found it difficult to believe in myself. I am a success today because of great teachers like them. I am very grateful and eternally in their debt.”