March 25, 2025

Hertford County and R-CCC: A Strong Partnership for Student Success

 

AHOSKIE, NC –Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) and Hertford County have long shared a commitment to fostering student success, and their collaboration continues to yield impressive results. Through dedicated support and investment, this partnership provides vital workforce training and economic mobility opportunities for residents, ensuring a brighter future for the community.
 
At the March 17 Hertford County Board of Commissioners meeting, Chairman Andre’ Lassiter emphasized the county’s strong partnership with R-CCC and its vital role in workforce development.
 
"The community college is the workhorse of the workforce, and Hertford County is committed to supporting Roanoke-Chowan Community College and its three-county service area—Hertford, Northampton, and Bertie," said Chairman Lassiter. "Workforce development doesn’t stop at county lines. We are investing in the people of this region. When you train a nurse, a CDL driver, a firefighter, an EMT, a plumber, an HVAC technician, an electrician, or a carpenter, you’re not just impacting one person—you’re strengthening our entire region."
 
He encouraged a regional commitment to partnering with R-CCC, stating, "I urge our neighboring counties—Northampton and Bertie—to join us in supporting Roanoke-Chowan Community College. Together, we can drive economic growth, expand career opportunities, and build a stronger future for the entire region—not just for Hertford County."
 
R-CCC and Hertford County continue to build a strong partnership that is shaping the future of education and workforce development. With a shared commitment to student success, economic growth, and academic excellence, this collaboration has led to record-breaking enrollment increases, exceptional student performance, and significant financial investment in educational opportunities.
 
Enrollment and Performance on the Rise
Between FY2022 and FY2024, R-CCC trained more than 2,900 students (2,913) from Hertford County, a testament to the college’s role in shaping the region’s workforce. Enrollment numbers reflect this growth:
 

• Curriculum enrollment for Hertford County students increased by 12.68% between FY2022 and FY2024.
• Continuing education enrollment saw a 9.65% increase between FY2022 and FY2023.

 
These numbers highlight R-CCC’s ongoing efforts to provide accessible, high-quality education and workforce development programs, ensuring students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in today's economy. Additionally, these gains contribute to the college’s overall enrollment growth of 53% between 2022 and 2024, which includes:
 

• Curriculum enrollment rising by 33%
• Continuing education enrollment surging by 102%
• GED/HSE (College and Career Readiness) enrollment skyrocketing by 200%

 
The impact of these increases is clear and measurable. Over the past three years, R-CCC has achieved:

• A 194% increase in its national graduation rate
• A 38% increase in retention rates
• Growth in 6 out of 7 key student success measures from 2022 to 2024
• Performance above the state average in 5 of the 7 measures used to assess all 58 North Carolina community colleges

 
Hertford County students continue to excel across multiple areas. From 2023 to 2024, they showed remarkable gains in:

• Credit Success in English and Math
• First-Year Progression (Persistence)
• Curriculum Completion (Graduation)
• Transfer Performance

 
Notably, in 2024, the success rates of Hertford County students exceeded those of R-CCC students overall in every area except college transfer, demonstrating the county’s strong commitment to academic achievement and workforce readiness.
 
Student Spotlights: Inspiring Journeys to Success
 
Aniqua Tyler – A Future Nurse in the Making
One shining example of R-CCC’s impact is Aniqua Tyler, a 2015 graduate of Hertford County High School who enrolled at R-CCC in Spring 2015 to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing. Nearly a decade later, Tyler is set to graduate in May 2025, a testament to her perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering support provided by R-CCC.
 
Tyler’s journey showcases the power of education, mentorship, and opportunity. By providing strong academic programs and student services, R-CCC continues to help students like Tyler achieve their educational and career aspirations.
 
Christopher Perrault – A Marine with a Mission
 
Another inspiring success story is Christopher Perrault, a dedicated member of the United States Marine Corps, who enrolled at R-CCC in Fall 2023 to pursue an Associate Degree in Mechatronics. With a graduation date set for December 2025, Perrault represents the determination and ambition of students seeking hands-on, career-focused education in high-demand technical fields.
 
Perrault’s success highlights R-CCC’s commitment to supporting veterans, career changers, and those looking to gain industry-relevant skills. His journey is a powerful testament to the college’s ability to offer flexible, high-quality education that meets evolving workforce needs.
 
A Commitment to Growth and Investment
 
R-CCC’s faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to secure nearly $20 million in extra funding to support:

• Academic programs
• Student scholarships
• Capital building projects

 
These funds help provide students with modern learning facilities, cutting-edge technology, and expanded educational resources, ensuring that R-CCC remains at the forefront of workforce training and higher education.
 
The college has also seen:

• A 17% increase in measurable skills gains for GED/HSE students
• Continued progress in key student success areas, proving the effectiveness of its student-centered approach

 
This sustained growth is a testament to the dedication of R-CCC’s faculty, staff and leadership, who continue to drive innovation and expand access to quality education. It also highlights the effectiveness of R-CCC’s student-centered approach, faculty dedication, and strong county partnerships.
 
A Future Built on Collaboration
 
The partnership between Hertford County and R-CCC is more than just numbers—it’s about creating real opportunities for individuals and strengthening the local workforce. By investing in education and training, the county and college are laying the foundation for a more skilled, prepared, and prosperous community.
 
With continued collaboration, the future looks bright for Hertford County students. Whether through degree programs, workforce training or continuing education, R-CCC remains committed to empowering students and transforming lives.
 
As R-CCC and Hertford County continue working together, their impact on students, workforce development and the local economy will only grow stronger. By investing in innovative programs, financial resources and academic excellence, the college is creating pathways for economic mobility, career readiness and lifelong success.
 
With a proven track record of enrollment growth, student achievement and financial investment, R-CCC is not just educating students, it is transforming lives and strengthening communities.

 
For more information about R-CCC programs, scholarships and student support services, visit www.roanokechowan.edu or contact the admissions office at (252) 862-1200.

Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission

Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”

Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243