Senior leadership from Sandhills Community College (SCC) and Moore County Schools explored ways to build on existing academic partnerships with UNC Pembroke during a campus visit on Wednesday.
Since 2020, the BraveStep program has created a pathway for SCC students to begin their college career at Sandhills and continue their education at UNCP. Additionally, SCC has long-standing articulation agreements with several UNCP programs, including the RN to BSN program.
SCC President Alexander “Sandy” Stewart said he looks forward to continued collaborations, including early discussions to establish a “grow your own” teacher initiative.
“There is a shortage of teachers in our public school systems across the state, and Moore County is not immune to that,” Dr. Stewart said. “If we can identify those future Moore County school teachers while they are Moore County school students, create a pipeline to a degree, and bring them back home––we will be able to address the educator shortage.”
Stewart, who became president in August, said he was impressed by his first visit to UNCP. Joining him on the tour were Drs. DJ Farmer, vice president for Student Services and Enrollment Management at Sandhills, Moore County Superintendent Tim Locklair, Mike Metcalf, deputy superintendent, Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings and several senior administrators.
“The campus visit was impressive, and it came through clearly that, at UNCP, there is a strong focus on the student,” Stewart said. “That’s the same focus at Sandhills, so there are a lot of common initiatives that we can accomplish together.
The more we can work together with the K-12 school system, Sandhills Community College and UNCP, the more synergy will happen.”
Locklair echoed similar sentiments, stating such continued partnerships will help grow the region’s workforce.
“We must make sure our students are knowledgeable of the opportunities in business, healthcare and education and all the things they can experience on UNCP’s campus. It’s exciting to think about how we can build on those partnerships. It was a great visit, and it certainly opened my eyes to what UNC Pembroke offers,” Locklair said.
Cummings stated that the pathways that lead students to UNCP are equally as important as the pathways into graduate, medical and professional programs when they graduate.
“Strong partnerships with our community colleges and high schools are critical in establishing programs that address the needs of our region and state,” Cummings said. “I look forward to continuing to work with Moore County leadership to cultivate pathways that promote a seamless transition into becoming a UNCP Brave.”
During the visit, Moore County leaders heard from standout UNCP students and Moore County products Gabe Hall and Reece Hicks. Hall and Hicks both took advantage of college courses offered at SCC while in high school. Hall, a senior pre-med student, plans to pursue a career in radiology. Hicks, a junior chemistry major, will begin applying to physician assistant programs this summer.
“The exposure at Sandhills was far greater than any AP classes I’ve taken,” Hall said. “AP classes are great, but there’s nothing like sitting in front of experienced professors who can help bridge that connection. Since I’ve been at UNCP, I have loved the family atmosphere. Everyone on campus either knows you or wants to get to know you. There’s a sense of belonging, and this is important to me.”
Feature photo: A delegation of Moore County’s top education leaders discussed future academic partnerships during a visit to UNC Pembroke.
Contributed/Courtesy photo.
