Tag Archive for: #vancegranvillecommunitycollege

VGCC Apprenticeship Program

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— Information courtesy of Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College celebrated new apprentices and the employers supporting their career journeys during its Apprenticeship Signing Ceremony held earlier this month at the VGCC Civic Center in Henderson.

The first event of its kind in VGCC history, the Oct. 12 ceremony recognized 22 apprentices’ commitment to advancing their education and developing skills in their chosen professions, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel. It also highlighted the role of employer partners in providing hands-on training, mentorship, and opportunities that connect classroom learning with workplace experience.

Dr. Kim Sepich, Vice President of Instruction & Student Services, and Dr. Krystal Foxx, Director of Career Services & Experiential Learning, opened the program. VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais and Reginald Baker of ApprenticeshipNC also delivered remarks, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among education, industry, and workforce partners in building meaningful career pathways and strengthening the region’s workforce.

The signing honored both the apprentices working toward their professional goals and the employers investing in their growth. Participating employer partners include Ardagh Group of Henderson, Dill Air Control Products of Oxford, Eaton Corporation of Youngsville, Mandolin HVAC & Plumbing of Raleigh, Ontic of Creedmoor, and Sunrock of Butner.

Apprenticeships combine structured workplace training with related instruction, allowing participants to earn while they learn and apply new knowledge in real work settings. For employers, these partnerships support the development of skilled employees while creating opportunities to prepare talent for their organizations’ workforce needs. For the apprentices, such opportunities offer not only the chance to perfect the skills they learned in a classroom, but they also provide industry connections not usually available for entry-level positions—potentially changing the trajectory of their careers for years to come.

VGCC Mechatronic Engineering Technology graduates and Ontic apprentices Omar Ramos-Espinoza and Joseph Richmond shared personal testimonials about their apprenticeship experiences. Their reflections offered guests a firsthand perspective on learning while working and illustrated how employer-supported training can contribute to professional growth. Their participation also brought a personal connection to the ceremony, highlighting the individuals at the heart of these partnerships.

Vance-Granville Community College’s Career Services office empowers and equips job seekers with the tools, resources, and support to succeed. Its mission is to build a culture of success through career exploration, career readiness and development, and connections with employers and community partners. Employers interested in exploring apprenticeships or other work-based learning opportunities are encouraged to contact LaShawn Hawley, VGCC Experiential Learning Coordinator, at hawleyl@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3336 to discuss workforce needs and potential next steps.

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VGCC Announces Partnership With New York-Based Excelsior University

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— Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College is partnering with a New York-based university to provide its students with access to a wide range of online undergraduate and post-graduate degree programs.

Through the collaboration with Excelsior University, VGCC graduates can continue their education and advance their careers, according to a recent press release from VGCC.

VGCC Vice President of Instruction & Student Services Kim Sepich said, “Our partnership with Excelsior University provides Vance-Granville Community College graduates with many options for continuing their education. The flexibility Excelsior offers allows students to pursue degree programs in ways that work for them, which is really important for people managing a variety of life responsibilities.”

In addition to offering a rolling admissions calendar, Excelsior offers other benefits, including a 10 percent tuition discount for undergraduate and graduate students, access to personalized support, more than 40 degree programs and professional development courses and skills training.

These educational partnership benefits are also available for eligible Vance-Granville Community College employees, as well as their spouses or domestic partners and children.

“As the needs of students and employers continue to evolve, it is increasingly important for institutions to create clear and affordable pathways for lifelong learning,” said Excelsior University President David Schejbal. “Through this partnership with Vance-Granville Community College, learners can move seamlessly between institutions, with new possibilities for personal and professional growth at every stage of the educational journey.”

Excelsior University provides online degrees to working adult students in six fields of study that directly align with Vance-Granville Community College’s educational offerings, including programs in Business, Liberal Arts, Health Sciences, Nursing, Public Service, and Technology.

For more information on this partnership, visit www.excelsior.edu/partner/vance-granville-community-college.

To learn about other transfer partnerships available to Vance-Granville Community College students, visit VGCC’s online Transfer Center or call 252.738.3255.

 

VGCC Board Of Trustees Votes Against Hosting Educational Forum On Data Centers

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In a special called meeting on Thursday, Sept. 3, the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees decided against hosting an educational forum to discuss the issue of data centers.

At its regularly scheduled meeting on July 20, the board heard two requests from residents during the Public Comment period requesting the board consider hosting a public forum to give the community an opportunity to learn more about data centers, which has been a hot-button topic in Vance County for months.

At that meeting, the board instructed VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais to create a framework for a public forum.

“They specified that the framework should include a forum structure and guidelines,” Desmarais said in a statement Friday afternoon to WIZS News. “They also requested that I articulate the pros and cons of hosting such a forum and give them a recommendation on whether the College should indeed host such a forum.”

At Thursday’s meeting, the board reviewed the proposal, and, after what Desmarais described as “lengthy” discussions, Trustee Gordon Wilder made two motions, the first of which was withdrawn and replaced with a second motion to remove the VGCC administration from the responsibility of organizing an educational forum regarding data centers.

Trustee Tony Cozart seconded the motion and it passed unanimously in a roll-call vote.

Wilder’s first motion included keeping the college as a possible host site for a forum if a request came from a county commission or other recognized group from Vance, Granville, Warren or Franklin counties, which comprise the VGCC service area.

Desmarais said the board members considered a variety of concerns and options during their discussion, including risks of disruption from possible protests and the strain on college resources and staff that such an event could create.

According to Desmarais, Trustee Carolyn Faines – who also chairs the Vance County Board of Commissioners – questioned the logic of organizing an educational event before any formal application or filing for a data center has been made in Vance County. Desmarais said Faines characterized it as “putting the cart before the horse.”

Several board members suggested that another group could rent the Civic Center to host a forum and indicated a certain degree of comfort with providing a venue rather than hosting the event and the college would not be seen as organizing or endorsing the event.

In addition to Desmarais, trustees in attendance were Tony Cozart, Tare Davis, Carolyn Faines, Tom Harris, Dorwin Howard, Bruce Howerton, Abdul Rashid, Michael Schriver, Archie Taylor, Corey Thornton, Elaine Trujillo, Sara Wester, Gordon Wilder, Brenda Williamson, Xavier Wortham and Danny Wright.

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VGCC, Granville Economic Devt. Partnering To Host Aug. 24 Business Loan Readiness Workshop

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Granville County Economic Development and Vance-Granville Community College have partnered to offer a Business Loan Readiness Workshop. Attendees will learn what lenders look for and how to prepare for the loan application process.

The workshop will take place on Monday, Aug. 24 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Vance-Granville Community College Entrepreneurship Center, 1547 S. Campus Dr., Creedmoor.

Clem Seifert, Eastern North Carolina Business Lender with Partner Community Capital, will share practical information on preparing for a business loan, what lenders consider when reviewing applications, and ways to improve your loan readiness. The information is helpful whether you’re applying through Partner Community Capital or another lender.

The workshop will also feature a brief overview from Carolyn Perry, Director of the VGCC Small Business Center, about the free business counseling, training and resources available to help entrepreneurs, followed by a Q&A session.

Register for the class at this link: https://45810536.hs-sites.com/registration-page 

For assistance, contact Economic Development Program Manager Stephanie Velazquez at stephanie.velazquez@granvillecounty.org or 919.693.5911.

Vance-Granville Community College Receives $25,000 from Duke Energy for Regional Workforce Development

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— submitted by Courtney Cissel, VGCC Public Information Officer

Vance-Granville Community College is expanding its capacity to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and the energy sector thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation.

The grant is part of a broader $600,000 Duke Energy Foundation investment to strengthen North Carolina’s energy workforce. Through the effort, 20 community colleges across the state will receive resources to help develop the skilled workforce needed for the state’s continued growth and infrastructure investments.

The colleges will receive $25,000 each to support hands-on training, equipment, scholarships, and curriculum enhancements for programs connected to the energy ecosystem—from electrical systems and linework to welding, HVAC, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. According to College officials, Vance-Granville will use the funding to purchase a piece of equipment that will be used across several programs at its Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology, which is currently under development.

“This funding enables the College to make significant investments in staying aligned with current industry partner standards in mechatronics, electronics, welding, and other advanced manufacturing programs,” noted VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “The funding will also provide foundational equipment necessary to meet new local training needs in computer numerical control machining.”

From left: Tanya Weary, VGCC Foundation Executive Director; Beth Townsend, Duke Energy Government & Community Relations; Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC President; and Fredesvinda Colindres, VGCC Grants Administrator.

The Bigger Picture

North Carolina is now home to more than 11 million residents and remains one of the fastest‑growing states in the nation. In 2025 alone, companies announced economic development projects generating more than 35,000 jobs and $24 billion in investments—much of it tied to new manufacturing facilities. That growth is driving rising energy demand and reinforcing the need for a well‑prepared, locally trained workforce.

“Investing in North Carolina’s community colleges is critical as our industry and state meet this incredible growth moment,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina President. “These programs are proven launchpads into meaningful, in‑demand careers—helping build the workforce that will power what’s next and support the infrastructure our customers rely on every day.”

In addition, the Duke Energy Foundation is investing $100,000 in two regional workforce partners to help expand access to high-demand training programs aligned with the energy sector. One of those partners is AdvanceNC, a regional coalition among community colleges, universities, and workforce boards focused on supplying skilled talent for Central North Carolina employers. Vance-Granville Community College has been a member of AdvanceNC since its 2023 inception.

VGCC Foundation’s $5M ‘Building Futures Campaign’ Well On Its Way To Goal

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The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation’s $5 million fundraising campaign is well on its way, with more than $1 million raised since the campaign kicked off in March.

Building Futures: Empowering Students, Strengthening Communities is a 10-month campaign to raise money to address a funding deficit and ensure the successful completion of two transformational workforce training facilities, namely the Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology (CAMAT) and the Transportation Training & Technology Center (TTTC).

The $1,051,000 in philanthropic support demonstrates strong early momentum, donor confidence, and measurable community impact, according to school officials.

Building Futures represents a high-impact workforce development initiative, advancing economic mobility and career pathways for students across Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties.

While state funding and grants have supported both facilities, increased construction costs have created a funding shortfall. The Building Futures fundraising plan seeks to raise $5 million in transformational philanthropic investment to ensure both facilities open fully equipped with modern technology and industry-grade training equipment.

This investment directly supports student success, workforce readiness, and long-term regional economic growth, while strengthening the talent pipeline for high-demand industries.

The Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology will serve as a state-of-the-art training center designed to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers in welding, mechatronics, electrical systems, and HVAC.

This facility will expand access to quality jobs, industry-recognized credentials, and upward economic mobility, while supporting employers seeking a highly skilled workforce.

The Transportation Training & Technology Center will expand and modernize instruction in CDL-A and B, heavy equipment operations, and diesel and heavy equipment mechanics.

This facility addresses critical workforce shortages while providing hands-on, career-connected learning opportunities that lead directly to employment and family-sustaining wages.

Together, these two facilities represent a transformative investment in community impact, workforce innovation, and economic development. By aligning education with industry demand, VGCC is advancing scalable workforce solutions, employer partnerships, and student-centered outcomes that strengthen communities and regional competitiveness.

The Building Futures initiative reflects a commitment to evidence-based impact, measurable outcomes, and expanding opportunity at scale—key priorities for national philanthropic leaders investing in systemic change.

Individuals, families, corporations, and philanthropic organizations are invited to participate in the Building Futures initiative through a variety of major gift and naming opportunities. Donors may choose to name classrooms, labs, and more.

For more information about supporting workforce training, transformational giving opportunities, philanthropic partnerships, or community impact investments, please contact the VGCC Foundation at foundation@vgcc.edu or 252.738.3264 or visit www.vgcc.edu/building-futures.

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VGCC Schedules 2 Commencement Ceremonies At McGregor Hall May 14, 15 At 7 P.M.

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Vance-Granville Community College spring 2026 commencement exercises will take place at McGregor Hall on Thursday, May 14 and Friday, May 15.

Because of the growing number of graduates, school leaders decided to split the graduation ceremonies. Graduates are assigned a date based on their program of study:

Thursday, May 14:

  • College and Career Readiness Programs
  • School of Business, Applied Technology and Public Safety
  • School of Health Sciences

Friday, May 15:

  • School of Arts and Sciences

McGregor Hall, located at 201 Breckenridge St., is wheelchair accessible and equipped with accessible seating.

Each graduate is guaranteed four guest tickets for their assigned ceremony, which must be claimed in advance. Tickets are scheduled to be electronically distributed to graduates on Wednesday, May 6. Graduates are responsible for distributing tickets to their guests.

Unclaimed tickets will be released, and graduates will have an opportunity to claim additional tickets.

An important reminder for those who plan to attend either of the graduation ceremonies: Each guest must present a ticket with a unique, scannable QR code to enter McGregor Hall. Guests without a scannable ticket will not be admitted. All attendees aged three (3) and older must have a ticket to enter the ceremony, including current VGCC students who plan to attend as guests. Children under the age of three do not need a ticket if they will sit on a guest’s lap during the ceremony. Graduates do not require a ticket.

Those unable to attend in person may join the event livestream on the official VGCC YouTube channel.

Visit vgcc.edu/student-portal/graduation-information for developing event information.

N.C. Gov. Stein’s ‘Rural Listening Tour’ Schedules Stop In Henderson Wednesday, Apr. 29

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N.C. Gov. Josh Stein’s Rural Listening Tour continues on Wednesday, Apr. 29 with a scheduled stop in Henderson.

Stein won’t be here in person, though. He’s sending Department of Revenue Secretary McKinley Wooten, Jr. and State Budget Director Kristin Walker to represent him, according to information from the Governor’s office.

The public open session begins at 3:45 p.m. in the Civic Center at Vance-Granville Community College. An invitation-only roundtable discussion is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Last week, the governor announced his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 that advances strategies to support and strengthen opportunity in rural North Carolina.

Earlier this year, Governor Stein launched “100 Counties Strong,” a dashboard highlighting how his administration is investing in people and places across the state.

Learn more about the Rural Listening Sessions at https://governor.nc.gov/josh-stein/investing-rural-nc

Brightspeed Establishes Annual $3K Scholarship Through VGCC Foundation

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— from Vance-Granville Community College

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation announces a $3,000 annual scholarship established by Brightspeed to support students pursuing their educational goals.

The scholarship, named the Brightspeed Bright Futures Annual Scholarship, will be awarded to one deserving student and used for the fall 2026 – spring 2027 academic year, according to information from VGCC.

“Brightspeed is proud to be part of the communities we serve, and that means investing in the people who call them home,” said Sabrina Anderson, local marketing manager at Brightspeed. “The Brightspeed Bright Futures Annual Scholarship is about supporting local students as they work toward their goals and helping create opportunities that strengthen families, neighborhoods and the community as a whole. We’re honored to partner with The VGCC Foundation to help students build brighter futures.”

VGCC Foundation Executive Director Tanya Weary expressed gratitude to Brightspeed, a high-speed internet provider that operates in about 20 states, including North Carolina. “This generous contribution will make a meaningful difference by providing critical financial assistance and opening doors of opportunity for our students as they work toward achieving their educational and career goals.”

Students planning to attend VGCC in fall 2026 are encouraged to apply for the Brightspeed Bright Futures Annual Scholarship beginning in May. The scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate a commitment to their education and a desire to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation supports the mission of the College by providing resources that enhance educational opportunities for students and strengthen the College’s impact in the community.

For more information about the scholarship or how to apply, please visit The VGCC Foundation webpage or contact The VGCC Foundation office at foundation@vgcc.edu or 252.738.3264.

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VGCC Drama Presents ‘God Of Carnage,’ Award-Winning Comedy About Parenthood, For 4-Day Run April 9-12

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— Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

VGCC Drama is back on stage this spring with Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage,” winner of three 2009 Tony Awards (including Best Play) and the 2009 Olivier Award for Best Comedy.

This internationally acclaimed comedy takes you deep into the most dangerous place on Earth: parenthood. What happens when two sets of parents meet up to deal with the unruly behavior of their children? A calm and rational debate between grown-ups about the need to teach kids how to behave properly, or a hysterical night of name-calling, tantrums, and tears before bedtime? Boys will be boys, but the adults are worse…much worse. “God of Carnage” is a comedy of manners, without the manners.

The student cast includes Annie Walker as Veronica, Jordon Medlin as Michael, Sophie Blair as Annette, and Elijah Moss as Alan. Riley Stone is the stage manager, Isabela De La Joya is assistant stage manager, and Joshua Ramsey serves on the crew. Department Chair Betsy Henderson acts as the play’s director.

The students’ hard work will culminate in four performances:

  • Thursday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m.

All shows will take place in the Small Auditorium on Vance-Granville Community College’s Main Campus  in Henderson. The venue is located on the lower level of Building 2, which is accessible from the campus courtyard.

Following the Thursday night performance, a special talk-back discussion will be moderated by VGCC sociology professor Leslie Hurt. The conversation will explore the play’s central themes, including conflict, civility, and the complexities of human behavior. Hurt will be joined by members of the cast and crew, who will share insights into their creative process, character development, and the challenges of bringing the production to life. This engaging discussion will offer audience members a deeper understanding of the show while creating an opportunity for meaningful dialogue between performers and the community.

Tickets are on sale now. The cost is $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors/military, and $10 for students and VGCC faculty/staff. Purchase tickets online at www.vgcc.edu/god-of-carnage.

VGCC Drama presents “God of Carnage” by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service. Please be advised that this production contains adult and/or offensive language…and vomit.

To learn more about VGCC Drama or Fine Arts at Vance-Granville Community College, contact Betsy Henderson, Department Chair of Fine Arts & Humanities, at hendersonb@vgcc.edu or 252.738.3371.