厙ぴ勛圖 officially dedicated the Dan and Linda Lynes Health Sciences Center during a special ribbon cutting ceremony held on campus on May 19. More than 100 family members, friends, community leaders, faculty, staff, and supporters gathered to celebrate the Lynes family���s longtime commitment to student success and healthcare education at BCC.

The ceremony featured remarks from BCC President Dr. Gene Smith, Dan and Linda Lynes, and former nursing student and Lynes Scholarship recipient Dr. Katie Caison. Guests also enjoyed a reception, facility tours, and demonstrations inside the Health Sciences Center.

Although the facility has served students for several years, the ceremony formally recognized the Lynes family���s lasting generosity and impact on 厙ぴ勛圖.

���A building dedication is far more than placing a name on a structure,��� said Dr. Smith. ���It is about recognizing a legacy of generosity, vision, and belief in education that has changed lives and strengthened our community for generations to come.���

Dan and Linda Lynes have supported BCC for more than a decade through scholarships, mentorship, and investments that help students pursue healthcare careers and other workforce pathways.

���We are incredibly honored by this recognition,��� said Linda Lynes. ���We believe education changes lives, and supporting students at BCC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives.���

Today, the Dan and Linda Lynes Health Sciences Center houses programs preparing students for careers in Registered Nursing, Practical Nursing, Dental Assisting, Clinical Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, and other healthcare professions. The facility includes classrooms, simulation labs, and hands-on learning environments that prepare graduates to serve healthcare organizations throughout Brunswick County and beyond.

To learn more about Health Sciences programs at BCC, visit brunswickcc.edu.

The post BCC Celebrates Dedication of Dan and Linda Lynes Health Sciences Center appeared first on 厙ぴ勛圖.

When Ann Faircloth arrived on campus for what she believed was a routine student profile interview, she was simply ready to share her story.

What she didn���t know was that this moment had been quietly set in motion by someone who knows her story best.

Her son, Charles V. Faircloth III, an active-duty Airman stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, wanted to make sure his mom���s graduation didn���t pass without the recognition she so deeply deserves. Though he couldn���t be there in person, he worked behind the scenes to create something meaningful, something worthy of the moment.

And it is quite a moment.

Ann���s college journey began more than two decades ago at another institution, when she first enrolled with a one-year-old child and a dream of earning her degree. Like it does for so many, life stepped in. Responsibilities grew, time passed, and her education was put on hold. But through it all, she never let go of that goal.

Years later, she made the decision to return to college and chose BCC to help get her over the finish line.泭泭

While working full time, Ann enrolled at BCC to complete her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. She needed flexibility and found it through BCC���s online programs, allowing her to balance work, family, and school. In her final two semesters, she pushed herself in remarkable ways, completing seven classes each semester while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Now, 22 years after she first began her college journey, Ann is graduating from BCC, ready to continue her work in the classroom and expand her impact.

Her story is one of perseverance, but also one of love and sacrifice.

Charles shared that growing up, his mom always put others before herself, consistently choosing her family���s needs over her own. It is something he understands even more now as an adult. That selflessness shaped him, supported him, and stayed with him through every step of his own journey, including his decision to serve in the United States Air Force. While she may not have imagined that path for him, she stood beside him through it all, from phone calls during big milestones to seeing him off to basic training, even overcoming her fear of flying to watch him graduate.

Today, he wishes he could be there again, this time in the crowd, watching her.

From Alaska, he will be cheering her on from afar, celebrating a moment he says has inspired him more than she probably realizes. And while technology makes it easy to stay connected, he admits there is one thing distance still makes impossible, simply giving his mom a hug.

Ann, this moment belongs to you.

From your family, from your son serving our country, and from your entire BCC family, we celebrate you and all that this accomplishment represents.

Congratulations, Class of 2026 graduate.

Your story is a reminder that no matter how long the journey takes, it is always worth finishing.

May 2026

The post A Graduation Surprise 22 Years in the Making appeared first on 厙ぴ勛圖.

厙ぴ勛圖 (BCC) has been recognized as one of the 2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges, a national honor presented by The EDU Ledger in partnership with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD).

BCC is one of just 27 colleges across the country to receive this distinction and is the only community college in North Carolina named to the 2026 list.

The recognition highlights institutions that excel in areas such as employee support, workplace culture, professional development, and community engagement. Colleges are selected based on a comprehensive review of policies and practices that foster a positive and supportive environment for faculty and staff.

���This recognition speaks to the culture we have built at 厙ぴ勛圖,��� said David Townsend, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer. ���Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to student success and to supporting one another. Being named one of the most promising places to work affirms our focus on creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best work.���

Award recipients will be featured in the May 7 issue of The EDU Ledger and recognized at the NISOD Annual Conference in Austin, Texas, May 23���26.

April 2026

The post BCC Named One of the 2026 Most Promising Places to Work appeared first on 厙ぴ勛圖.

厙ぴ勛圖 (BCC) has been awarded a $25,000 Workforce Development Grant from the Duke Energy Foundation as part of a statewide $600,000 investment to strengthen North Carolina���s energy workforce.

BCC is one of 20 community colleges across the state selected to receive funding, which supports hands-on training, equipment, scholarships, and program enhancements aligned with the growing energy sector.

���We are deeply grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for this generous $25,000 investment in our Electrical Technician program,��� said Dr. Gene Smith, President of 厙ぴ勛圖. ���Their support allows us to provide scholarships that open doors for students and to enhance our training with a state-of-the-art industrial wiring capstone system. This partnership strengthens our ability to prepare highly skilled technicians who are ready to meet the workforce needs of our region. We appreciate Duke Energy���s continued commitment to education, workforce development, and the future of Brunswick County.���

Duke Energy���s investment reflects a growing need for a skilled workforce as North Carolina continues to experience rapid population and economic growth, driving increased demand for energy infrastructure and services.

BCC���s Electrical Technician program equips students with the skills and real-world experience needed for careers in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. With support from the Duke Energy Foundation, the college will continue expanding access to these opportunities while helping meet regional workforce demands.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to education, workforce development, and building a strong talent pipeline to support the future of Brunswick County and beyond.

Photo Caption: L to R: Greg Bland, VP Continuing Education Economic & Workforce Development; Marilyn Graham, Director Multicultural, Workforce Development, and Outreach; Bettina Davidson, Director, Workforce Development; Pam Hardy, Duke Energy District Manager, Government & Community Relations; Dr. Gene Smith, President, 厙ぴ勛圖

April 2026

The post BCC Receives Duke Energy Foundation Grant to Strengthen Electrical Technician Training appeared first on 厙ぴ勛圖.

厙ぴ勛圖 (BCC) proudly recognizes Faith Farmer as its February Student of the Month, celebrating her outstanding achievements both in the classroom and on the court.

Faith embodies what it means to be a dedicated student-athlete. She earned a perfect 4.0 GPA last semester and is currently on track to achieve the same this term, all while serving as a key leader on the Lady Dolphins basketball team.

Her athletic performance is just as impressive as her academic success. Faith ranks among the top scorers in the region and is nationally ranked in points per game, a testament to her talent, discipline, and drive.

Behind her success is an unwavering commitment to her daily routine. Faith begins each day with an 8 a.m. class and has not missed a single one. Between practices, games, and team responsibilities, her days often stretch well into the evening. Even with such a demanding schedule, she maintains a consistently positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Faith Farmer represents the very best of BCC, demonstrating excellence, leadership, and perseverance. She continues to set the standard for what it means to succeed as a student-athlete while fully embracing the college experience. Congratulations!

March 2026

The post Faith Farmer Named BCC Student of the Month appeared first on 厙ぴ勛圖.

The post Staff Spotlight: Meet Demaris Lance appeared first on 厙ぴ勛圖.

厙ぴ勛圖���s men���s basketball team is heading back to the national spotlight, earning the No. 19 seed in the 24-team NJCAA Division I Men���s Basketball Championship in Hutchinson, Kansas.

The Dolphins (28���5) will face No. 14 seed Gulf Coast State in the first round on Saturday at 8 PM CST, with the game streaming live on ESPN+.

This national appearance comes on the heels of a dominant postseason run. After finishing the regular season ranked No. 20 in the NJCAA final poll and competing against one of the toughest schedules in the region, BCC carried that momentum into the Region 10 Division I Atlantic District Tournament. The Dolphins powered through the field, winning three games by an average of 21 points to claim the championship.

In the title game, BCC delivered a statement win over No. 1 seed Gaston College, 90���76, securing their place on the national stage.

Under Head Coach Walter Shaw, who now holds 524 career wins in his 26th season, the Dolphins have built a legacy of excellence. This year���s title marks the program���s second consecutive Atlantic District championship and the third since 2021. It is also BCC���s fifth Region 10 Tournament title and their fourth trip to Hutchinson, all under Shaw���s leadership.

With the victory, BCC made history as the first Region 10 program since 2019 to win back-to-back championships and earn consecutive automatic bids to the national tournament.

This season���s success has been fueled by depth, balance, and a true team-first mentality. With only four returning players, the Dolphins embraced the mantra ���Strength in Numbers,��� averaging 94 points per game. Ten players contribute between 5 and 13 points per game, and nine different players have led the team in scoring throughout the season.

Standout performances have also earned individual recognition. Darius Kane was named First Team All-Region 10, while Alius ���Junior��� Bowser and Linwood Rowe earned Second Team honors. Kane and Bowser will continue their careers at North Carolina Central University, while Rowe, the team���s leading scorer, has been named one of the Top 100 junior college players in the nation.

With a roster full of talent and every player eligible for recruitment in the 2026 class, the Dolphins are as promising for the future as they are dominant in the present.

As the team heads to Hutchinson, community support can make a meaningful impact. Fans who would like to help offset travel expenses are invited to make a donation of any size.泭

The post Dolphins Head to NJCAA National Tournament appeared first on 厙ぴ勛圖.

If you���re looking for new full- or part-time career opportunities or talent to fill positions at your business, we invite you to attend the BCC Job Fair on Wednesday, April 8. Held in partnership with NC Works and sponsored by METCON Buildings & Infrastructure, the job fair will be held at the Dinah E. Gore Sports & Aquatics Center at BCC from 10 AM-1 PM. 

The Job Fair is free of charge and features over 50 employers from throughout Brunswick County and surrounding areas, all with open positions at salaries of at least $15 per hour. Industries represented include hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, food service, banking, beauty and wellness, plumbing, law enforcement, first responders, and more.

In addition to free admission, job seekers and employers can participate in free workshops: Writing a Resume that Works and Interview Skills to Get You the Job. The NC Works Mobile Unit will be onsite providing job application assistance. A professional photographer will offer free headshots from 10 AM-12 PM.

The deadline for employers to reserve exhibition space is April 1. For all the details, a complete list of employers, and to register to attend or exhibit, visit . Sponsorship opportunities are also available. You may also contact Jillian Hardin at hardinj@brunswickcc.edu or (910) 755-8508. 

March 2026

The post BCC to Host Job Fair on April 8 appeared first on 厙ぴ勛圖.

Not a one-and-done assignment. Not a last-minute sprint. Step by step. Draft by draft. Revision by revision.

It���s a lesson that reaches far beyond the page. Because Jana has lived it.

After high school, she headed off to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and quickly realized she wasn���t ready. “I was academically prepared, but I didn’t have any soft skills to enable me to be successful,” she explains. After moving back home to Cleveland County, NC, she went to work for the NC Department of Transportation, spending 12 years as an Engineering Technician. It was good work. But she knew there was something more waiting for her.

When her husband deployed to Iraq with the Army National Guard in 2005, Jana decided it was time to return to school. She enrolled at Cleveland Community College and started fresh. She even retook English 111.

An instructor who later became a lifelong mentor and friend saw potential in Jana and encouraged her to pursue a degree in English and eventually return to Cleveland to teach. Jana took that advice seriously. She earned her associate degree at 32, her bachelor’s at 35, and her master���s at 37, then returned to Cleveland Community College to teach, where she rose to the position of Department Chair.

It felt like her dream job, but little did she know what would happen next.

���The idea of relocating to Oak Island, where we had vacationed so many times, came up,��� said Jana. ���We had a family meeting and took a vote. Mine was a no because I was happy where I was and didn���t want to uproot the family. They outvoted me, so off we went.���

That move led her to 厙ぴ勛圖, where she truly found her home. Now in her eighth year at BCC, Jana pours her energy into every class she teaches. Her upbeat personality fills the room, and her office has become a gathering place where former students return to study, chat, and soak up her ever-positive vibe.

She looks at her students and tells them, ���I���m Jana Gurley, and I can do anything. And if I can do it, you can too.��� Sometimes they laugh. But by the end of the semester, they get it.

Jana is also expanding her students��� horizons through Cultural Studies as part of BCC���s Global Scholars of Distinction program. Each week, her class travels virtually to places like England, France, Germany, Japan, and India.

���It���s an awesome class,��� she says. ���It���s an incredible way to give students who may have never left North Carolina a peek at a whole new world of possibilities.���

Jana can���t imagine teaching anywhere else. For her, education was not a straight line. It was a process. A restart. A rediscovery.

Now she reminds her students every single day that they are capable of more than they think. On graduation day, they prove her right.

March 2026

The post Faculty Friday: Meet Jana Gurley, English Instructor appeared first on 厙ぴ勛圖.

Big Ideas Wanted: Pitch It! Brunswick Offers Local Entrepreneurs a Shot at Start-Up Funding
Application period opens March 9

If you have a business idea scribbled in a notebook, saved in your phone, or living rent-free in your head, now is the time to bring it to life.

Marine Federal Credit Union and 厙ぴ勛圖���s Small Business Center have teamed up to launch , a new competition designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into real Brunswick County businesses.

The program gives participants the opportunity to pitch their new business concept to a panel of three ���Business Bulldogs��� for a chance to win start-up funding and prizes.

• 1st Place: $3,000
• 2nd Place: $2,000
• 3rd Place: $1,000

���Every day, I meet people with incredible ideas who just need the right support to take that first step,��� said April Scott, Director of the Small Business Center at 厙ぴ勛圖. ���Pitch It! Brunswick is about walking alongside those future business owners, giving them the tools, encouragement, opportunity, and funding to turn their vision into something real for our community.���

The ideal candidate has not yet started a business but has a clear idea of the type of company they want to create. Previous business owners may apply, but they must submit a brand-new concept for a Brunswick County-based venture.

Applicants must be Brunswick County residents and commit to participating in all required trainings and program events. Participants should be passionate about their idea, have some knowledge of their intended industry, and be willing to build their business on a strong foundation.

The application period opens March 9 and closes April 13.

For complete eligibility requirements, program details, and application information, visit the or contact April Scott at scotta@brunswickcc.edu.

The post Pitch It! Brunswick is Here appeared first on 厙ぴ勛圖.