A volunteer assists by selling raffle tickets at the ECC Foundation Golf Tournament

91ӣ����Ƶ is launching a new volunteer program that invites community members to meet new people, build valuable skills, and make a meaningful impact on campus and throughout Edgecombe County. Volunteer opportunities will be available year-round.

Participants will support a wide range of campus activities, including the ECC Foundation Golf Tournament, Scholarship Convocation, Fall and Spring Fests and graduation ceremonies. Volunteers may also help monitor the Wellness Center and the Student Life and Leadership Suite, serve as clients for cosmetology students, act as mock patients for nursing classes, and assist with many other hands-on learning experiences. New opportunities will be added each month.

“Participating in the volunteer program provides residents with an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their community while building connections,” said Anna Kate White, ECC’s donor and community engagement coordinator. “Our volunteer program welcomes individuals with a wide range of talents, experiences and interests. Skills such as communication, organization, event planning, mentoring, fundraising, marketing and administrative support are always valuable. Most importantly, we seek people who are dependable, compassionate, and willing to share their time and expertise.”

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, complete an application, and pass a background check. Once accepted, volunteers receive a welcome bag with ECC gear and are recognized at an annual appreciation luncheon.

For more information about ECC’s volunteer program, visit edgecombe.edu/volunteer, or call 252-618-6651.

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Pictured l-r-Ann Cobb Warren, vice president of the ECC Foundation Board; Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director; Anna Kate White, donor and community engagement coordinator; Tyler Wooten, president of Wooten Foods; and Dr. Greg McLeod, president of 91ӣ����Ƶ

A partnership between the 91ӣ����Ƶ Foundation and Jersey Mike’s in Tarboro raised $3,400 to support students.

The fundraiser, held May 5–7, featured ECC coupons that allowed customers to purchase a regular sub for just $5. Jersey Mike’s donated 100 percent of the proceeds to the ECC Foundation.

“We are grateful to Jersey Mike’s and to the faculty, staff, students and community members who purchased coupons,” Kenan-Norman said. “Their support allows the Foundation to direct all proceeds toward scholarships, internships, mission trips, emergency assistance and other programs and initiatives that benefit our students.”

For more information on how you can support students at 91ӣ����Ƶ, visit edgecombe.edu/give.

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Pictured are siblings Trishonda Roberson (center), Hanks M. Roberson (back) and Latasha Roberson Manley (right)

Trishonda Roberson remembers her father, the late Hanks Roberson, as a man who never hesitated to help others. A self-taught and highly respected mechanic, he built a reputation not only for his skill but for his generosity.

“We saw our dad work hard,” Trishonda recalls. “He worked on cars for people who couldn’t afford to pay him. He was always about helping, about community, and about making sure people learned the trade.”

That care inspired Trishonda, her mother Gladys and her siblings to establish the Roberson Auto Repair Legacy Scholarship at 91ӣ����Ƶ. Their $500 gift will support a full-time student in the Automotive Systems Technology program. (The family plans to increase this amount at a later date). Applicants will submit a one-page essay describing their passion for automotive work, why they chose the field, and how the scholarship will shape their future.

“My dad always wanted to teach others the trades,” Trishonda says. “This scholarship is a way to support someone who shares that same interest.”

The family chose ECC not only because of its strong automotive program, but also because of Trishonda’s personal connection to the college. A Rocky Mount native, she completed several health sciences programs at ECC, including certified nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse and registered nursing.

“I wanted this scholarship at the school that shaped so much of my career,” she explains. “It was an easy decision.”

Today, Trishonda serves as a staff pastor at Word Tabernacle overseeing the Center of Community Transformation and Outreach. She also leads SHE Empowers, a nonprofit focused on the spiritual and emotional development of women and supporting women entrepreneurs. Reflecting her passion for women’s empowerment, she hopes the scholarship will encourage more women to enter the automotive field.

“A lot of my work centers on empowering women,” she says. “We see many men in auto mechanics, but not nearly as many women.”

For more information about the Roberson Auto Repair Legacy Scholarship, visit edgecombe.edu/scholarships, or call (252) 618-6526. Males are encouraged to apply as well.

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The Rocky Mount Rotary Club is gearing up for the annual Tackle the Tar 5K Obstacle Course Race on Saturday, May 16, 2026 — and we need YOUR help to make one of the biggest community events in Eastern North Carolina happen!

It takes nearly 200 volunteers to pull off this incredible Rocky Mount community fundraiser that helps provide scholarships for students attending Nash Community College, 91ӣ����Ƶ and NC Wesleyan University. Race day would NOT happen without our amazing volunteers!

We are currently looking for help with:

1. Course Marshals
2. Registration & Check-In
3. Water Stations
4. Obstacle Assistance
5. Event Set-Up & Breakdown Crews

It’s all happening at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Whether you’re a student needing volunteer hours, a local business wanting to give back, a civic group, church group, sports team or just someone who loves supporting the Rocky Mount community — we would LOVE to have you join us!

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ECC’s Barbering program was proudly represented at Rocky Mount High School’s Career Day held recently. Our students engaged with attendees, shared program information, and spoke with those interested in pursuing barbering as a career path. Participating students, pictured left to right, were Samerah Taylor‑Dodd, Jabaria Bowser, Jacob Pindea and Daniel Bridgers.

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(l-r) Eddie Stocks, Tarboro Rotary Club president, presents a check to Bernie Taylor, director of BLET, and ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod

Bernie Taylor, director of Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) at 91ӣ����Ƶ, recently spoke to members of the Tarboro Rotary Club and accepted a $4,000 donation in support of the BLET and Emergency Medical Services programs.

The BLET Academy is a 22-week program that prepares students for entry-level employment as law enforcement officers with state, county or municipal agencies. Taylor highlighted the academy’s recent success, including its largest entering and graduating class in 2025. Thirty-six cadets began the academy, and 32 completed the program.

Cadets complete extensive training, including shotgun and rifle instruction, firearms qualification, driver training, as well as certifications in baton, pepper spray, tasers and crisis intervention. Participants must complete 1,000 hours of training, an increase from previous state requirements. The current 17th BLET Academy began January 16 with 28 cadets; 22 remain enrolled.

The $4,000 donation from the Tarboro Rotary Club will be split evenly between the BLET and EMS programs to support students who experience emergencies that could otherwise prevent them from completing their training.

Adam Culbertson, ECC’s director of public services, was unable to attend the meeting but expressed his appreciation for the club’s continued support. “This funding is used to help students in need who want to begin their career in EMS,” Culbertson said. “I appreciate the Tarboro Rotary Club for their commitment to assisting ECC’s Public Safety programs in providing quality education to our community.”

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Other presenters were Kim Barnes who taught fork lift and scissor lift. Krisopher House presented on electrical and lockout/tagout, a safety procedure followed so that equipment can’t start while an individual is maintaining or repairing it. Ivette Mercado provided an overview about safety practices at the Tarboro plant.

The Safety Seminar also featured a Local Industry Safety Panel. Panelists were Charles Gilmore, Sara Lee HR training generalist; Matthew Dempster, Sara Lee health and safety manager; Danisha Lowe, Astemo health, safety and environment administrator; and Mercado, LS Cable Systems environmental health & safety manager.

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(l-r) Laura Brown Evans, Araminta Burns, Tameka Kenan-Norman

Laura Brown Evans, Small Business Center director; Araminta Burns, administrative assistant II; and Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of public information and institutional advancement, joined more than 200 professionals at the Women’s Leadership Conference in Rocky Mount, organized by the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce. Held March 19 at the Rocky Mount Event Center, the conference featured keynote speaker Jess Ekstrom.

The theme at this year’s conference was “Get’cha Head in the Game.” The event also included a leadership panel and breakout sessions. Attendees heard messages that emphasized empowerment, community connection, professional growth, balancing work and home priorities and more. Many panelists also shared insights from their leadership journeys.

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Students who wish to apply for the Universal Leaf Foundation grant should complete the ECC Foundation Scholarship Application at edgecombe.edu/scholarships.

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Tameka Kenan-Norman presents the Small Department Champion Award to Kate Brittain

The 91ӣ����Ƶ Foundation’s 2025-2026 Campus Campaign ended with a celebration. The 76 employees who generously supported the annual initiative lived up to the theme, “The Power of Us,” each helping the Foundation meet and exceed the goal of raising $12,500. The campaign amassed a total of $13,870 to support student success, and on Thursday, Feb. 19, all ECC employee donors were recognized.

Encouraged to support various programs and initiatives, participants pledged $6,410 in unrestricted funds, which are directed to the area of greatest need. Endowments followed with $3,780 in contributions, and the Eagle Fund, used for emergency assistance, received $1,510. Other programs and initiatives receiving contributions included: $698 for general scholarships, $480 for mission trips, $427 for SkillsUSA, $300 for the High-Altitude Balloon Team and $265 for Phi Theta Kappa.

Pictured (L-R): Dr. Greg McLeod, Laura Brown Evans, Paige Ashman, Latasha Sledge, Selwyn Spence, Tamilla Knight, Linda Mann, and Jennifer Norville

This year, the Foundation incorporated three new components to the campaign, including Small and Large Department Champion awards, honoring departments with the highest percentage of giving. Technical and Continuing Education nabbed the Large Department Champion award, while the Library was the recipient of the Small Department Champion award. Both departments received trophies and bragging rights.

Two Campus Campaign Ambassadors took the time to encourage employees to give. Ami Denton and Zakya Parker received gift certificates to the Campus Store for their dedication. Seven employees also shared on-camera messages about why they consistently support ECC. Messages from Jessica Balazsi, Ami Denton, Viola Harris, Dr. Bruce Panneton, Dr. LaShawnda Washington, Rhonda Wells and Gloria Whitaker were shared and resonated with the on-campus community.

“Thank you for leading by example,” said Foundation Board President Jean Bailey. “Thank you for proving once again that the Power of Us is truly extraordinary.”

Thanks to all of the ECC employees who donated and to the following businesses that incentivized giving:

• ������������’s
• Burger King
• Bustin’ a Gut Maryland Style Seafood Restaurant
• ECC Automotive Systems Technology
• ECC Barbering
• ECC Campus Store
• ECC Cosmetology
• Lowe’s of Rocky Mount
• Pizza Inn
• Power 95.5
• Ribeyes
• Stacey Patterson-provided a Starbucks gift card
• Tidal Wave Car Wash

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