Celebrating A Career of Care
As the end of December approaches, another valued teammate prepares to retire. Chris Osborne, whose career has been defined by service and compassion, will retire after 16 years of dedicated service to CCC’s students. Chris’s journey into higher education wasn’t a straight line. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from Gardner-Webb University, he spent […]
AgSouth Grant Supports First Responders
Recently, representatives from the AgSouth Farm Credit office in Shelby presented a $5,000 check to Cleveland Community College’s EMS program. “We are grateful to great community partners like Ag South, who provide support to our Public Safety programs,” said Tony Fogleman, vice president of workforce development. “Their partnership ensures that our local communities have trained […]
Foundation Donors Honor Dr. Dorothy “Dottie” McIntyre
The Cleveland Community College Foundation recently gathered friends, colleagues, and community members in Keeter Auditorium for a special naming ceremony honoring Dr. Dorothy P. “Dottie” McIntyre. Dr. McIntyre is a cherished educator, leader, and friend whose 45 years of service helped shape the heart and mission of Cleveland Community College. Dr. McIntyre began her CCC […]
A Lifelong Learner and Leader: Celebrating Steve Padgett’s Journey at CCC
When you meet Steve Padgett, for the first or fiftieth time, you are always greeted with a big smile and a firm handshake. You immediately recognize an energy and passion in him. You can’t help but think to yourself that this guy never stops. Now, after more than 60 years of working and two distinct […]
A Hard First Step, Amazing Results
Returning to school as an adult wasn’t easy, but it changed everything. After more than a decade away from school, Miranda Parks made the life-changing decision to earn her GED. What pushed her forward wasn’t just the dream of a better future; it was her son. She wanted to show him, by example, that it’s […]
CCC Honors Outstanding Faculty and Staff with Annual Jean Harry Francis Employee Awards
Kimberly Ashley, Continuing Education Coordinator, has been named the 2025 Jean Harry Francis Outstanding Staff of the Year. Nominated by a colleague, Ashley was praised for her tireless work ethic, collaborative spirit, and compassion-driven leadership. Her expertise and advocacy for CCC have made a lasting impact on the college community. “Kimberly is a true team […]
GED to College: Makenzie’s Inspiring Journey
Overcoming Life’s Challenges to Finish High School Makenzie’s high school journey was interrupted in 10th grade, right as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. At 16 years old, she worked 60-hour weeks while caring for her sick grandmother. With overwhelming responsibilities, school had to be put on hold. After her grandmother passed away, Makenzie—then just 17—found herself […]
President Hurst Announces Spring Honor Rolls
From Setbacks to Success
Evie Lewis Finds Her Path to Helping Others At just 19 years old, Evie Lewis has already lived a story full of courage, perseverance, and hope. Now, as she prepares to transfer to Western Carolina University and begin a new chapter, she reflects on the journey that brought her here—and the people who helped along […]
Ben Jeffries Named 2025 Academic Excellence Award Recipient
A Journey Thirty Years in the Making Every student’s journey is unique, but some stories are powerful reminders that determination and courage can pave the way for remarkable success. Cleveland Community College is proud to celebrate Ben Jeffries, the recipient of the 2025 Academic Excellence Award, an honor presented by the North Carolina Community College […]
Crest High Reigns Supreme at CCC’s Annual Welding Competition
The energy was electric (and the sparks literal) at Cleveland Community College’s Fourth Annual High School Welding Competition on Friday, May 9! Students from four area high schools went head-to-head in a timed welding challenge—and once again, Crest High School came out on top. This Year’s Challenge:Students were asked to weld a ¼-inch plate at […]