Nash Community College Hosts Legislative Luncheon
Last month, Nash Community College (NCC) hosted its annual Legislative Luncheon, where local, state and national government representatives gathered for an insightful presentation by NCC President Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt. The event, which serves as a platform to update legislators on the college’s initiatives, was marked by powerful speeches from two students who courageously shared their stories, highlighting the critical needs of the Nursing academic program and the CiTi (Center for Industry, Technology, and Innovation) High School. The luncheon provided a meaningful opportunity to engage elected officials in conversations about the future of education in Nash County, especially as the college expands its offerings to meet regional workforce demands.
Dr. Hunnicutt emphasized the growing needs of the college and the vision for its future, “The proposed Health Sciences building is a step toward supporting all of our health sciences program and will have a trickle impact for the CiTi High School students who have recently moved to our campus. This allows us to provide all students with the best facilities and resources we have at our disposal to continue their education and training at the highest level.”
The Students Who Took the Stage
Two remarkable students took the opportunity to speak directly to the government leaders in attendance about their personal experiences at NCC and their vision for the future of their respective programs.
Jaxall Strand, CiTi High School, 25′
Jaxall Strand, a senior at CiTi High School, shared his inspiring journey from an introverted eighth-grader to a confident high school senior pursuing a pathway in cybersecurity. “When I heard we were moving to the college campus, I was ecstatic,” Strand said. “I thought, ‘YES! Now we can obtain even more clubs and institutions to become a fully-fledged high school.’ It made me so happy, knowing that future students will have even more opportunities. I wish for others to have the same opportunities and experiences I’ve had.” His speech highlighted the importance of continued investment in CiTi High School’s growth and the potential for expanded academic offerings in fields like cybersecurity, where students like Strand are being prepared for high-demand careers.
Keelia Jones, NCC, 25′
Keelia Jones, a nursing student at NCC who will graduate in May 2025, also took the stage to advocate for a new Health Sciences building. Jones’ journey at NCC began in 2019 with nursing prerequisites and has since evolved into a story of success and passion for healthcare. She shared her transition from the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program to the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, noting how the college’s support helped her achieve certification and prepare for the future. “The proposed Health Science building represents a significant investment in the future of nursing education at NCC,” Jones said. “This new facility will provide students with a state-of-the-art learning environment, including a simulation lab, where we can practice critical skills before entering the field.” Jones’ words resonated with the legislators, who were urged to recognize the importance of such an investment in the next generation of nurses.
A Vision for Growth: The Proposed Health Science Building
Both Strand and Jones’ speeches served as a powerful reminder of the immediate need for additional educational infrastructure at NCC. Dr. Hunnicutt unveiled plans for a new Health Science building designed to accommodate the growing needs of the nursing program, including modernized simulation labs and the full potential of CiTi High School. The building would unite all health sciences cohorts in one location, promoting collaboration and a sense of community for students across the program.
“I wholeheartedly endorse this project,” said Keelia Jones, noting that although she won’t directly benefit from the new building, she believes it will profoundly impact future nursing students. The Health Science building, once constructed, will also provide much-needed space for CiTi High School in the building where the nursing students are currently located, allowing for future growth to meet the needs of students like Strand and his peers, who are preparing to enter the workforce in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity and health sciences.
A Lasting Impact
At the close of the luncheon, Dr. Hunnicutt provided attendees with a tour of the modular building currently housing CiTi High School administration and classrooms. While the modular serves as a temporary solution, it is clear that this setup is not sustainable for long-term success. Legislators were urged to support the new building project to ensure that CiTi students, currently around 90, have the space and resources to thrive and reach their full potential as they pursue their academic and career goals.
Dr. Hunnicutt expresses his gratitude to the legislative representatives and partners for their continued support of NCC and the students it serves. “Our students are the heart of everything we do. I’m glad we could hear directly from them about what they need to succeed. It is our responsibility to ensure that they have the tools, the facilities, and the opportunities to fulfill their potential.”
