Press Releases

New Administrations Continue Longstanding Partnership in Education

Building on an already strong foundation, NCC President Dr. Lew Hunnicutt and Nash County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Ellis recently met to discuss strategies to enhance their longstanding partnership in education. The topics have varied, but a common theme of delivering world-class learning opportunities for students to reach their career and educational goals has been steadfast.

“Dr. Ellis and I are excited to work together to expand upon the strong relationship the school system and college already have,” President Hunnicutt said. “With his experience, leadership and dedication to student success, I am confident in, and look forward to, the continued partnership that will benefit our students as they prepare to continue their education and enter the workforce.”

Most recently in 2019, the NCC campus celebrated the expansion of the Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School. The school is located in the back of NCC’s campus in Building C. Renovations began when the College’s Advanced Manufacturing and Cosmetology programs moved out of the building and into new buildings located on the south end of campus. The expansion was made possible through North Carolinians’ support of the ConnectNC bond. Early College students take a combination of high school and college courses, and upon successful completion, graduate with a high school diploma and either a Nash Community College Associate Degree or two years of college credit transferable to a four-year institution.

Established in 2018, the Center for Industry, Technology & Innovation (CITI) High School is another collaborative endeavor between Nash County Public Schools and Nash Community College. CITI High is located at Rocky Mount Middle School, the former Rocky Mount High School site. Students at CITI High School pursue two-year degrees in Automotive Systems Technology, Electrical Systems Technology, Supply Chain Management, and Industrial Systems Technology as part of their high school graduation credits. The campus is also home to NCC’s Automotive classroom.

The Early College and CITI High represent a major investment in the educational partnership to train the community’s future workforce.

NCC’s dual enrollment program, Career & College Promise, offers students pathways with rigorous and relevant coursework designed to engage their interests and help them achieve their goals. For students interested in technical careers and post-secondary education, the courses they take as part of a pathway will align closely with the level of work that will be expected of them after finishing high school.

The two leaders meet monthly to discuss strategic initiatives to engage area stakeholders and to ensure continued growth providing relevant training to meet the expanding needs of the area.

NCC President Dr. Lew Hunnicut (left) and Nash County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Ellis (right).