KENANSVILLE — A positive picture for the future of James Sprunt Community College was shared with the Duplin Commissioners during their recent meeting. Dr. Lawrence Rouse, JSCC president, provided the board with an update of the college and the growth it is experiencing as it moves forward assisting in the education of county residents and others from the region.

Rouse proclaimed JSCC’s theme for the year, “Yes, we can...make a difference.” He shared pictures of people that had attended the college through the GED program and had gone one to experience success later in life. Rouse stated that Gwendolyn Allen had entered the GED program and is currently a LPN. Clinton High School art instructor, Michael Ray is another student who completed James Sprunt’s GED program before becoming a qualified teacher. The president also shared that Dr. Thomas Williamson, Ph.D in Medicinal Chemistry, was once a student at JSCC in the high school diploma program. Williamson will be the commencement keynote speaker this spring for Sprunt. He presented a quote from Williamson, “I am incredibly thankful to be where I am in my scientific profession and realize that none of this would have ever been possible without my start at James Sprunt Community College. JSCC and its faculty picked me up as a high school dropout, showed me the importance of furthering my education, and pointed me in the direction of continuous personal improvement. For that I am forever grateful.”

During his presentation, Rouse emphasized that education was a very positive way in which to improve the economic future of Duplin County. “We have evidence to prove that those with an education earn more as their educational level increases.” Nearly one in five people that have earned their doctorate degree in 2008 attended a community college at some point in their educational process, added the president.

“There is a domino affect through obtaining a better education,” stated Rouse. “The higher level of degree earned increases our tax base that impacts the county budget. It increases the buying power for the individuals which in turn aids in increased sales for the county vendors and just makes for a better quality of life in Duplin County.”

The economy has affected the number of students attended JSCC and Rouse also told the board that a larger number of students receiving some type of financial aid. He added that the college was doing several things to help improve the situation in regards to the economy and employment. “Our response to the economic changes we have seen is through the Human Resources Department where people that are unemployed or underemployed are receiving job skills on how to write resumes, how to interview and improve their chances for employment.” Other programs shared were a basic skills program for those persons lacking the basics in education such as reading and math; along with and adult high school that allows adults to complete high school, the GED program and because of the high level of non-English speaking population in the county, Rouse stated that the college offers an extensive English as a second language program. Work Keys program which is a national testing program where the students can take tests to show aptitude and skills in various areas and take those credentials anywhere in the country to seek employment. Several other programs through the state are also available to the students at JSCC. A customized industrial training program is also available for the industry to train their workforce.

Rouse thanked the commissioners for the use of the WestPark facility to provide the test kitchen and the business incubator program at that facility. He stated the renovations and construction has begun and should be completed by June.

A new barber school that can accommodate 20 students has just been opened and the college already has a waiting list for entrance into the one-year program, said Rouse. That makes them eligible to sit for the N.C. Barbers exam. “This will provide great job opportunities both locally with individuals opening their own shops and in the Jacksonville area with the military growth that is expected.”

The Duplin County Early College High School is another program shared by the president. “We continue to encourage our student to obtain at least a two-year associates degree and the early college allows these high school students to earn that in a five year program along with high school.”

Technology and occupational programs are also being revamped and Rouse added that JSCC is doing a great deal of work in going green and helping others to do the same.

“Yes, we can...make a difference and we are making a difference for students right here. We thank you for your support of that,” concluded Rouse.

County manager Mike Aldridge shared that the efforts and the success the community college has had in obtaining grants has spurred the county and college to combine efforts to seek a grant writer to secure grants that are available. As a result of working with Rouse, who recommended Nancy Azzole for the position, a contract has been drawn up to hire her to serve as a grant writer for at least six months. Azzole has previously worked with Craven Community College in the same capacity and according to Rouse from his speaking with the president of Craven CC, who highly recommended her. The commissioners approved the contract which will utilize funds leftover from the previous person who was in that position.

To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail sigeneral@myclintonnc.com.