Sampson Community College is doubling down on its mission to show students that a quality education and career preparation can begin right here at home. From affordable prerequisite classes to guaranteed university transfer agreements, SCC is expanding efforts to help students “begin here and go anywhere,” the motto that continues to shape the college’s outreach and recruitment strategy.
For SCC’s Director of Marketing Brett Feight, the message is simple: Sampson offers both affordability and opportunity.
“I always say that we are the visual and the voice of Sampson,” Feight said. “When I went to a university, I changed my major three times. That cost a lot of money, and I didn’t even end up working in the same field. Sampson is a safe place to land. You can take your prerequisite classes here, pay far less, and still receive the same quality of education.”
Feight explained that the college’s per-credit hour cost is considerably lower than at four-year institutions, and the savings extend beyond tuition. “You’re not paying for housing, food, or long commutes. Plus, our credits transfer directly to major universities like NC State, UNC Wilmington, or Chapel Hill through formal agreements,” she said. “An English class at Sampson holds the same academic weight as one at a large university because it’s accredited by the same bodies. The only difference is what you pay for it.”
That cost-effective path has become a major selling point for students uncertain about committing to a four-year school right away. “Our motto, ‘Begin here, go anywhere,’ really captures what we offer,” Feight added. “Students can start locally, explore their interests, and still reach their dream university later without the financial burden.”
Feight also praised the Career and College Promise (CCP) program, which allows high school students to take college courses for free or at minimal cost.
“One of my work-study students finished his associate’s degree in just one year because he came in with so many CCP credits,” she said. “He transferred straight into UNCW. That kind of jump-start saves students thousands of dollars and gives them a feel for college expectations before they ever leave home.”
Programs like CCP and workforce development training also help students connect education with employment. “Some come here for short-term programs like CDL trucking or firefighting,” Feight noted. “You can spend one semester here and immediately enter a high-needs workforce. That’s life-changing.”
While Feight’s team works on messaging, SCC Recruiter Jose Garcia is out in the community making personal connections. A Midway High School graduate and Sampson County native, Garcia takes a hands-on approach to bringing new students through the doors.
“I go where people are,” Garcia said. “When I first started, I set up tables at Lowe’s, Walmart, even Tropicana. I wanted people to see that Sampson Community College is part of this community.”
Those efforts have paid off. “When I joined in 2022, we had around 506 Hispanic students. Now we’re at 631. Our African American enrollment also increased from 329 to 357,” he said. “Men lie, women lie, but numbers don’t. That growth shows people are realizing they can stay home, save money, and still get ahead.”
Garcia said his goal is not just to promote a single path but to open doors.
“Not everyone wants to go to a university and become a doctor or a teacher,” he said. “We still need electricians, welders, and HVAC technicians. That’s what I tell students. You can build a great career here, and if you want to go further later, you can. We give you that foundation.”
For Garcia, recruiting is personal. “I want people to remember that I helped them find their way,” he said. “It’s about legacy. If someone can say, ‘Mr. Garcia believed in me,’ then I’ve done my job. Around here, we’re not just recruiters. We’re servants. We’re here to serve our community.”
SCC President Dr. Bill Starling said the college’s mission continues to evolve alongside the state’s growing community college system.
“The North Carolina Community College System includes 58 institutions that provide educational access ranging from basic education to high-skill occupational training and university transfer education,” Starling stated. “Sampson Community College proudly serves this region with a wide variety of credit and non-credit programs while also offering a strong university transfer pathway.”
Starling highlighted that nearly 600 high school students are currently enrolled in SCC’s CCP courses this semester, earning college credit before graduation. The college’s new Wolfpack Connect partnership even guarantees admission to NC State University for SCC students who complete an associate degree, joining a growing list of universities that honor SCC’s transfer programs.
“This fall, almost 11,000 North Carolina community college students transferred into the UNC System,” Starling noted. “Sampson Community College offers expanding opportunities for local students who want to begin their bachelor’s degree right here at home.”
Starling said the college’s small class sizes and personal support make a difference. “We take pride in providing individualized attention and helping students build strong academic foundations. That’s why SCC has been recognized by the State Board as a Platinum Performer for outstanding transfer outcomes.”
From Feight’s marketing vision to Garcia’s personal outreach and Starling’s system-wide leadership, one message rings clear: Sampson Community College is a gateway to the future. Whether students aim to enter the workforce quickly or transfer to a major university, SCC gives them the tools to succeed without leaving their community behind.
“As Dr. Starling says, our motto sums it up best,” Feight said. “Begin here, go anywhere. And that’s exactly what our students do.”