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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New to ECC this year are the First Flight and Esports Scholars Scholarships. High-school graduates with an unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.6 may apply for the First Flight Scholarship. Students who enroll in a degree program at ECC could receive $500 their first year, awarded at $250 each fall and spring semester.

ECC launched the Esports gaming program in the fall. Seeking to build a league of gamers who will compete against other colleges in the state, this scholarship totals $2,000 per year for two years. Recipients must be 2026 high-school graduates of Edgecombe County or a surrounding county, with an unweighted GPA of at least 2.6.

These new scholarships are added to other existing scholarships, making college at ECC even more affordable. For example, qualified students who receive the EDGE scholarship get a fully-funded education for up to two years. Based on in-state tuition, the EDGE Scholarship provides a financial aid package covering tuition, books and fees. Recipients must be current high-school graduates of either Edgecombe County or a surrounding county with an unweighted GPA of at least 2.8. Students must have completed at least six credit hours through the NC Career and College Promise Program or an approved Continuing Education Program with 96 or more contact hours.

The Eagle Mascot Scholarship was established in 2021. The mascot performer delivers excitement as he/she represents ECC at on-campus and community events. The ideal student must take a minimum of six credit hours and maintain a GPA of 2.6 or higher for the $1,000 annual scholarship.

For more information about the Edge, First Flight, Esports Scholars and the Eagle Mascot scholarships, visit edgecombe.edu/scholarships.

The ECC Foundation also offers a number of annual scholarships and endowments totaling awards of approximately $100,000 each year.

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Trey Lewis speaks to donors, scholarship recipients and their families at ECC’s Scholarship Convocation.

Trey Lewis encouraged students at 91ӣ����Ƶ to be shipbuilders. “Build friendships, partnerships and relationships as you go along,” said the US Senate staffer for Senator Thom Tillis. “These connections that you will make are truly invaluable.”

Lewis was the keynote speaker for 91ӣ����Ƶ’s Scholarship Convocation. During the annual event that recognizes scholarship recipients and their donors, the former Macclesfield, NC mayor acknowledged humble beginnings and the shipbuilding that chartered his course to the Senate.

Echoing the words of Comedian Ron White, Lewis acknowledged, “I came from the opposite of money. I came from no money.” Attending a private four-year institution was not an option for the ECC graduate. The first relationship that would help to launch his college career came from a local high school.

“I found out through a teacher at SouthWest that there were scholarships available for students who were transferring over from the public school system to the community college,” recalled Lewis, also a SouthWest Edgecombe graduate.

After applying to ECC, his second relationship began. The Edgecombe County native received a call from Michael Jordan, former vice president of student services at ECC. Jordan informed Lewis that he was the recipient of a $500 scholarship.

“I was taken aback,” said Lewis. “Five hundred dollars doesn’t sound like a ton, but it means a whole lot when you are from a single-parent household.”

After realizing that he wanted to pursue a career in politics and after graduating from ECC with an Associate of Arts/College Transfer degree, Lewis completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration, both from East Carolina University. Now an Eagle and a Pirate, Lewis was encouraged by his lifelong mentor to do something unique. Senator Richard Burr’s former aide and a former ECC trustee, Betty Jo Shepherd, told Lewis about an internship.

“She encouraged me to take a leap of faith and look at a DC internship,” stated Lewis. After seven months in Washington, DC and returning home to become the youngest mayor in the state, Lewis was hit by the political bug. His shipbuilding continued after his role as mayor, when Shepherd advised him of an opening in Senator Tillis’ office.

“Finally, it happened,” said the accomplished 33-year-old. “I had leveraged my education and work experience to obtain a career in politics while living in Macclesfield. I was able to prove to myself that I didn’t have to move to Charlotte, to Raleigh, to Washington, DC or wherever to have a career in politics and local government.”

An ECC student receives a scholarship from the State Employees Credit Union Foundation.

Lewis’ message resonated with the scholarship recipients who were recognized Sept. 19 in the Mobley Atrium on ECC’s Tarboro campus. According to Jean Bailey, president of the ECC Foundation Board of Directors, more than $68 thousand dollars has been awarded thus far this academic year.

“The scholarships you will see awarded today provide our students the pathway to an education—an opportunity to change the course of their lives and perhaps future generations of their families,” said Bailey. “For a number of students, the pursuit of their dreams may not be possible without these scholarships.”

Since 1982, the ECC Foundation has worked to provide scholarships and more for ECC students.
“Nearly 140 students are receiving scholarships this semester. That’s a testament to the tenacity of these students and to the generosity of our donors,” said ECC President, Dr. Greg McLeod. “When you give to the ECC Foundation, you are not solely helping a student pay for their tuition. I have seen your generosity, commitment and hospitality send students on surgical mission trips, compete and excel in career skills competitions within and outside of this state, and compete and ultimately work in settings like the Mayo Clinic, considered one of the world’s best hospitals.”

Lewis benefitted from this generosity, shipbuilding and the reward of attending a community college—what he considers to be vital to the state.

“You look at our hospitals, you look at our barbershops, you look at our sheriff’s offices, manufacturing facilities, local small businesses,” said Lewis. “All are able to operate because of the talent that the community college helps train.”

View a recognized during the ceremony.

Thanks to the sponsors who made the 2025 Scholarship Convocation a success, including the presenting sponsor, Astemo. Companies who donated at a corporate level included Bojangles/Tands, Inc., National Pan-Hellenic Council of Rocky Mount, Scoops on Main St. and WHIG-TV. Table sponsors included Lewis Advertising, Off the Main, Phillips Printing Supply Co. and Tharrington’s Auto Works and Collision.

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Teresa Howell, department chair for English/Humanities at 91ӣ����Ƶ, recently donated two Lincoln Electric welding machines to the welding technology program. These weren’t just any machines. Valued at approximately $550, the donation was of sentimental value, honoring Howell’s father and meant to further other students’ passions for welding.

“My father passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Dec. 26, 2024,” said Howell. “My father was a ‘jack of all trades,’ but he really was a master of them. He knew how to do much with his hands.”

Howell’s father knew how to repair cars, assemble picnic tables and swing sets, and he loved making barrel grills. The grills, known for their barrel-shaped design, are typically made using different welding tools and metal fabrication techniques. As an owner of welding machines, metals and other materials, Howell’s father built and sold his grills.

“He was so successful selling his grills that he made enough money to pay for my first car when I began college,” recalled Howell.

Raphael CiConta, ECC welding instructor, said the machines will be useful in teaching his backyard welding class.

“I thought it was cool that she donated something that belonged to her father that will be used to teach the next generation,” said CiConta.

The 91ӣ����Ƶ Foundation welcomes non-monetary donations that support teaching and learning. Prior to acceptance, the gift is reviewed to ensure that it meets college needs. To donate an in-kind gift, please complete the In-Kind Donation (Materials and Equipment) form found here: edgecombe.edu/gifts.

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The Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) recently presented their annual scholarship to 91ӣ����Ƶ. The gift of $1,000 will be used to establish two $500 scholarships for students in the Electrical Systems Technology Program at ECC.

Pictured from left to right are: Dr. Greg McLeod, ECC president; Jean Bailey, ECC Foundation Board president; Eddie Stocks, vice president of member and industrial development at Edgecombe-Martin EMC; and Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of public information and institutional advancement at ECC.

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Participants of the Paint and Sip fundraiser event enjoyed art, fun, food and wine.

The ECC Foundation held a Spring Paint and Sip fundraiser May 29 on the Tarboro campus. Participants enjoyed art, fun, food and wine for each guest. A total of 24 people signed up to attend the event, and the Foundation raised $1,200.

Carole Mehle-Bittner, humanities and English instructor at ECC, donated art supplies and guided participants through an art piece displaying the beauty of spring flowers.

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(Pictured l-r) Dr. Greg McLeod, ECC president; Tarboro Women’s Club members Glenda Joyner; Ellen Clark; Sharon Whitaker; Alice Cassanova; Jean Bailey, ECC Foundation Board president; and Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of Public Information and Institutional Advancement

The Tarboro Women’s Club recently presented the ECC Foundation with a check totaling $900. The money will be placed in the Tarboro Women’s Club Final Steps to Success Fund. It will be used to help students in the Welding and Collision Repair programs purchase tools, equipment, uniforms or other materials essential to their success as they enhance their workforce development training.

Recipients of the funds must be a full-time student at ECC, an Edgecombe County resident and have a financial need.

The Tarboro Women’s Club has been serving Tarboro and Edgecombe County since 1952. One aspect of the organization’s mission is to support the local community and encourage charitable giving.

“We are so appreciative of the support from the members of the Tarboro Women’s Club,” said Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of Public Information and Institutional Advancement. “From the beginning of our conversations, the members stated the importance of hiring Edgecombe County residents for jobs in areas like manufacturing, construction, vehicle repair and maintenance and more. They were enthusiastic about ensuring students are equipped with the proper resources for career success, students who can soon help them if needed.”

For more information on how you can support ECC, visit the giving page, or call 252-618-6560.

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(Pictured l-r) Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of Public Information & Institutional Advancement; Missy Dickens Pair; Rusty Dickens; Carol Dickens Barker; Jean Bailey, ECC Foundation Board president; and Dr. Greg McLeod, ECC president

The family of the late Jim Dickens presented the 91ӣ����Ƶ Foundation with a $2,200 scholarship Monday.

Dickens was deeply involved in the community, serving on the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Rocky Mount Kiwanis Club and past president of the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce, among other organizations. He founded Jim Dickens Business Forms in 1978, which later became Jim Dickens Printing and Promotional Products.

The dedication Dickens gave to the community and his love for education prompted a partnership between the Rocky Mount Rotary Charitable Trust and the Dickens family to host an annual First Responders event that took place pre-COVID. The event has not occurred since the start of the pandemic. The Dickens family decided to gift $4,400 of those funds equally to ECC and Nash Community College for scholarships to first responder programs.

“We greatly appreciate the Dickens family for their generous support of our college, our first responder programs and our students,” said ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod. “This contribution will significantly enhance our ability to prepare and equip our students with training to serve as EMTs, paramedics, firefighters and law enforcement officers in our communities.”

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The NC Association of Black High School Alumni has donated $500 to support students in the High School Equivalency program at 91ӣ����Ƶ. From left are Dr. LaShawnda Washington, director of College and Career Readiness at ECC, and Varnell Kinnin, College and Career readiness instructor and interim president of the NCABHSA.

The North Carolina Association of Black High School Alumni (NCABHSA) recently donated $500 to the College and Career Readiness division at 91ӣ����Ƶ.

The NCABHSA is composed of alumni of African American high schools that closed in response to desegregation. The organization was established in 2008 to preserve the history of the schools and includes schools in Edgecombe, Nash, Pitt, Wilson, and Halifax counties.

Over the years, the organization has given approximately $2,000 to the ECC High School Equivalency program. Funds have purchased High School Equivalency testing fees and graduation caps and gowns. The NCABHSA, led by Varnell Kinnin, interim president, believes in paying it forward, that helping students realize their dream of earning their high school equivalency diploma is an important mission.

“Everyone doesn’t reach the finish line at the same time,” Kinnin explains. “Life happens, stuff happens. All students, whether they are 16 or 66, deserve a chance to fulfill their dream of graduating. This donation will assist with paying assessment fees, because paying the fees can pose a hardship for students who aren’t working.”

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