(Pictured l-r) Dr. Greg McLeod, ECC president; Trey Lewis, US Senate staffer for Senator Thom Tillis; Rev. Jerry Spruell, ECC Board of Trustees chair and Rev. Kenny Parker, ECC Board of Trustees member

Members of the 91ӣ����Ƶ Board of Trustees and ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod recently attended the National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. Held Feb. 8–11, the event brought more than 1,000 community college leaders to the U.S. Capitol to discuss federal policy issues affecting institutions nationwide. Attendees also took part in Advocacy Leadership and New Trustee academies to strengthen their effectiveness in their roles.

ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod

“This was a very eye-opening experience that not only allowed us to gain greater insight on national and local issues, but to build rapport with our elected officials in Washington, D.C.,” said Rev. Jerry Spruell, chair of the ECC Board of Trustees. “We had some informative conversations with Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, as well as Congressman Don Davis. Community colleges are the cornerstone of workforce development, and it’s always important that we learn and can properly advocate for support.”

ECC Trustees Trey Lewis and Rev. William “Kenny” Parker also attended the summit. A U.S. Senate staffer for Tillis, Lewis led his fellow trustees and McLeod on a tour of the Capitol.

The National Legislative Summit is held annually and is presented by the Association of Community College Trustees. According to the organization, ACCT brings community college leaders together to address real-world challenges and advance student success through advocacy and education.

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Pictured left to right are Dr. Greg McLeod and Robbie Davis.

ECC President, Dr. Greg McLeod, spoke to the Rocky Mount Rotary Club on August 5. The nearly 30 members in attendance at Benvenue Country Club heard about the educational highlights of the college, such as last year’s ranking as sixth best community college in the state by SmartAsset based on retention, student-faculty ratio and cost.

McLeod also touted ECC’s position as the only community college in northeastern NC eligible to compete for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The $1 million Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition for America’s community colleges for outstanding achievement in areas like teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion and transfer and bachelor’s attainment.

In addition to an explanation of customized training, Human Resource Development and programs like Working Edge Academy, McLeod also boasted about former students like Crystal Gray who interned with the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The ECC surgical technology graduate later obtained a job at the clinic, rated the No. 1 hospital in the nation. He also praised Christopher Lacy, another surgical technology graduate, who interned with the Mayo Clinic. Lacy also traveled to the Dominican Republic with his instructor to perform in the operating room with a team of nurses and doctors.

McLeod joined the list of speakers who provide an update of their respective industries during the Rocky Mount Rotary Club’s weekly meeting.

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Tarboro High School seniors were among 75 students from various high schools in Edgecombe County who declared their intent to attend 91ӣ����Ƶ in the fall.

“Congratulations on coming to the end of this journey—your high school years,” said 91ӣ����Ƶ President, Dr. Greg McLeod, to a group of high school students planning to attend 91ӣ����Ƶ in the fall. “Know that we have your back. We want you to reflect on your time at ECC as one of the most wonderful times of your life.”

McLeod shared that declaration with 75 students from various Edgecombe County high schools during ECC’s High School Signing Day events held in May. Signing Day is a national initiative to celebrate students for making a commitment to higher education. These students, from Tarboro High School, North Edgecombe High School, North East Carolina Prep and SouthWest Edgecombe High School, declared their intention to attend ECC beginning Aug. 14, 2025.

Alongside McLeod, some of ECC’s vice presidents and deans took a moment to introduce themselves to prospective students. In addition to knowing who their “village” will be, McLeod stressed the opportunities available at ECC.

“Know that on top of college credit programs like English, you can add on multiple credentials to make yourself even more attractive to businesses when it comes to getting that first job,” shared McLeod. “If you want something else that will really help you stand out, we have OSHA 10 (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certifications, forklift training, welding and more.”

l-r: ECC president Dr. Greg McLeod and Cayden Ethridge

Cayden Etheridge, a graduate of North East Carolina Prep, will attend ECC in the fall. One of the reasons he chose the college is because of those multiple credentials.

“I chose ECC because it’s local, it’s accessible, and because I took classes there in high school,” said Etheridge. “I took painting, refinishing and autobody. I just like it. I liked the vibe the school gave off.”

Etheridge will seek a business degree from ECC, and he joins others who are already looking forward to starting their journey at the college.

l-r: Symone Seabreeze and ECC president Dr. Greg McLeod

Jahlil Blue plans to pursue an associate degree in early childhood education, attending a four-year college after graduating from ECC. Symone Seabreeze is interested in dental hygiene. Laura Daughtridge would like to become a digital assistant, while Arturo Rosas-Bautista has different plans.

“I chose ECC for the two-year transfer program,” said Rosas-Bautista. “I want to major in psychology, so I’m choosing to get my associate degree first at ECC.”

And while Earl Jordan hasn’t chosen his major yet, ECC is familiar.

“I chose ECC because it’s closer to home,” said Jordan. “My mom went there, so I thought, it would also be a good choice for me.”

Among the 75 seniors who committed to ECC, 13 are EDGE scholars. Students who are qualified to receive the EDGE Scholarship receive full funding to attend ECC, including tuition, fees and books. One student received the Hartwell Fuller scholarship and will also receive full tuition, fees, books and a laptop computer.

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Dr. Greg McLeod, ECC president, completed the forklift operator training class held on June 10.

Imagine attending a training class on the ECC campus and one of your classmates is the college president!

Dr. Greg McLeod, ECC president, elevated his practical skills by completing the forklift operator training class held June 10 on the Tarboro campus. By joining the class, he learned about the basic design of lift trucks, stabilization of trucks, maintenance, repair costs and safety aspects in operation.

Students are required to pass a written test and a driving test. Students who pass both tests will receive certification the day of the class. McLeod successfully obtained his forklift operator’s license.

“While I took the class to be able to help our facilities maintenance team whenever they need me, it’s a great skill and certification to have in general since forklifts are essential to the operations of so many companies and businesses,” said McLeod.

Forklift training class at ECC is scheduled monthly, with attendees meeting from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Fleming building on the Tarboro campus. The next class will be held Tuesday, July 15. For more information, contact ashmanp@edgecombe.edu or .

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It was a spectacular year for Tackle the Tar, a 5K obstacle course and Family Fun Day sponsored by the Rocky Mount Rotary Club. Six states and 95 cities were represented by runners and volunteers. Participants were from Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Of the 924 runners, 34 ran on the 91ӣ����Ƶ team. ECC president, Dr. Greg McLeod, was also presented the inaugural award for the First President to Cross the Finish Line!

“I’m not much of a runner, but my participation is a way for me to show my appreciation and thanks to the Rocky Mount Rotary Club for organizing such an incredible and highly successful event that supports the students we serve,” said McLeod.

According to Kristen Brabble, event chairwoman and ECC Foundation board member, the support of runners and sponsors led to a new record of $110,950 in cash sponsorships and more than $22,000 in registrations. All proceeds from Tackle the Tar fund scholarships for students attending ECC, Nash Community College and NC Wesleyan University. Since the inception of the event in 2016, more than $600,000 in scholarships has been provided.

“Tackle the Tar was a true team effort,” stated Brabble. “Every runner, volunteer, sponsor and supporter made this event a resounding success. We’re not just running a race; we’re changing lives, building community and putting Rocky Mount on the map.”

McLeod echoed that sentiment.

“This event is a perfect example of true partnership and collaboration at work, where everyone gets to have fun and get a little dirty while essential funds are raised that help students pursue their educational goals and realize their dreams,” he stated.

The next Tackle the Tar will be held May 16, 2026 at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. Visit tacklethetar.com to register now.

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Kimberly Mack, district director for Congressman Don Davis, presented ECC president, Dr. Greg McLeod, with a Congressional Record.

Defined as an official record of the proceedings of Congress, this Congressional Record recognized Davis’ meeting with McLeod and meetings with the presidents of Pitt Community College, Halifax Community College and the College of the Albemarle.

“I met with these dynamic presidents, members of the Board of Trustees, faculty and students to learn more about how they are working to address industry’s needs,” reads the Congressional Record. “We must invest in our community colleges to economically empower rural communities across America.”

The Congressional Record was presented to McLeod on April 29.

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ECC president, Dr. Greg McLeod (far right) is pictured with ECC students in Raleigh.

91ӣ����Ƶ president, Dr. Greg McLeod, served as chaperone and tour guide for eight ECC students during a recent day trip to Raleigh. Students departed from the Tarboro campus at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, March 7, which coincided with spring break. The trip, sponsored by the Cannon Foundation, included a tour of NC State University, the NC Legislative building, downtown Raleigh and the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Students traveled together in the college van, driven by McLeod.

The one-day excursion to Raleigh was a part of the ECC Explorers Travel Series. The brainchild of McLeod, the travel series began in 2023 as a way to expose ECC students, or Explorers, to new areas and possibilities.

“I believe our Travel Series gives us the opportunity to add to the wonderful, transformational college experiences our students gain by attending ECC, as they get to visit new places, experience new things, and meet new people,” said McLeod.  “While I would love to take as many students as I can around the world, there are some amazing people, places and things right here in our backyard for us to explore.”

The inaugural day trip included stops to the NC Aquarium, Fort Macon State Park, the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences and Carteret Community College in Morehead City.

McLeod hopes to provide ECC students with the opportunity to explore and learn at a select location every fall and spring.

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(l-r) Photo 1: Dr. Greg McLeod, Senator Kandie Smith, and Rev. Jerry Spruell. Photo 2: Dr. Greg McLeod, Rep. Shelly Willingham, and Rev. Jerry Spruell.

91ӣ����Ƶ President, Dr. Greg McLeod, and Rev. Jerry Spruell, chair of the ECC Board of Trustees, attended Community College Day at the NC General Assembly. During the annual event, college leaders meet with legislators. Community College Day is an effort for ECC, and all community colleges across the state, to gain additional visibility in Raleigh. McLeod and Spruell met with Senator Kandie Smith and Rep. Shelly Willingham to advocate for ECC by sharing information about the positive things happening in our region and at the college.

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ECC President, Dr. Greg McLeod (left), and Kate Brittain, director of Library Services (right), read to students on March 5.

Read Across America Week was celebrated March 2 to 6, and Princeville Elementary School invited two special guest readers from 91ӣ����Ƶ. ECC President, Dr. Greg McLeod, and Kate Brittain, director of Library Services, read to students on Wednesday, March 5. McLeod engaged second graders by reading the book, “Just a Snowman” by Mercer Mayer. First grade students enjoyed Brittain’s book, “Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes.

Many schools and organizations participate in Read Across America Week, hosting activities that promote the joy of reading. March is also National Reading Month.

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