Craig Woodall

Craig Woodall gets emotional when he thinks about how far he’s come. The Air Force veteran and former call center director has decided to branch out and pursue entrepreneurship. His work with the Small Business Center at �鶹��ýӳ��, along with developing and repeatedly testing a new device, has led to his selection as one of 18 entrepreneurs statewide chosen for the first Small Business Center Network Startup Showdown, powered by the Wells Fargo Foundation.

“I was elated. I got emotional,” Woodall said of learning he had been selected for the inaugural statewide initiative launched through North Carolina’s 58 community college Small Business Centers. “I’ve been doing this, it seems like forever. Everything came full circle to, this is what you have been diligent about.”

The SBCN Startup Showdown was created to strengthen entrepreneurship pathways by combining direct coaching, structured pitch preparation and statewide visibility for aspiring business owners preparing to launch new ventures.

Led by the North Carolina Small Business Center Network, the program identifies, supports and elevates emerging business talent through a structured process of local engagement, regional review and statewide selection. The inaugural competition drew 316 applicants from across North Carolina and generated more than 1,050 hours of pre-application business counseling and technical support through local Small Business Centers. Entrepreneurs worked with counselors and directors to refine concepts, prepare submissions and advance through multiple stages of review.

Cohort participants will now begin an eight-week Pitch It! training experience designed to guide them through the steps of starting a successful business. The program includes hands-on activities that build practical knowledge, strengthen presentation skills, sharpen business messaging and prepare participants for their final pitch to Business Trailblazer program judges in August.

“Win or lose, we are all going to benefit from the process,” Woodall said of the 18 finalists. “Our pitches are going to be better, more defined or refined.”

Woodall has been working closely with Laura Brown Evans, director of �鶹��ýӳ��’s Small Business Center, to prepare for the competition.

“We have focused on refining Craig’s business plan and presentation skills,” Evans said. “Our preparation centered on building a compelling business case around his innovation, perfecting his Pitch Day delivery and helping him clearly communicate his market value.”

Woodall, whose mother served in the Navy, said his motivation for entrepreneurship was inspired by her.

“She was always pushing to do something other than what she had to do,” said Woodall, an Anderson, Ind., native. “That kind of planted the seed, but I have always kind of felt like I wanted to do something on my own.”

That drive reflects one of the core goals of the SBCN Startup Showdown — increasing the likelihood that aspiring entrepreneurs can bring their ideas to fruition.

“This program demonstrates what is possible when North Carolina’s community colleges work together statewide to create opportunity for entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, former president of the North Carolina Community College System. “The SBCN Startup Showdown is creating a new platform for identifying talent, supporting innovation and helping early-stage businesses build momentum in every region of our state.”

While it may be premature to share Woodall’s idea before the pitch, the 55-year-old said preparation and practice matter as much as the concept itself.

“If you’re worried about how you look and what the setup is going to be but then you deliver a terrible pitch, it will likely not work out,” he said. “I have to think about the whole process as a big picture. I’m tightening up the business plan, utilizing all of the sources. I’m just honestly feeling like I’m going to be prepared.”

The formal statewide awards event will be held Sept. 17. Final winners will be announced, and $60,000 in unrestricted startup funding will be awarded.

Evans said the recognition already benefits the county.

“It puts Edgecombe County on the map for economic development and shows local residents that high-level funding and statewide exposure are within reach,” she said. “Win or lose, this event proves that rural entrepreneurship can thrive and compete at the highest level.”

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Pictured l-r Jesus Cabrera-Hernandez, Daniella Ponce, Ajeda Thomas, Isabella De Leon and Alfredo Hernandez-Garcia

Five �鶹��ýӳ�� students returned home as national champions after competing in the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), held June 1–5 in Atlanta, Ga. Three students earned Gold Medals in the Career Pathways Showcase–Industrial and Engineering Technology. Isabella De Leon, Daniella Ponce and Ajeda Thomas claimed the Gold.

Alfredo Hernandez-Garcia won Silver in Principles of Engineering–Postsecondary, and Jesus Cabrera-Hernandez earned Bronze in Principles of Engineering–Secondary.

SkillsUSA is a premier showcase of career and technical education, drawing more than 19,000 students, advisors and industry leaders each year. �鶹��ýӳ��’s medalists received national recognition for excellence, and all five are members of crit�鶹��ýӳ��ly stable, the college’s high-altitude balloon team. They were accompanied by advisors Rebecca Stamilio Ehret, Dr. Johnica Ellis Kiser and Trey Cherry, who emphasized the personal, academic and workplace skills students gain through the rigorous competition.

“Our national medalists completed this work outside of their regular coursework, putting in long hours alongside their faculty advisors to achieve at this level,” said Cherry, who also serves as chair of Information Technology Studies.

The national conference follows the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, held April 15–17 in Greensboro. This year marked �鶹��ýӳ��’s largest participation, with 65 students competing and bringing home 19 medals, including four gold, four silver, three bronze, plus four fourth-place and four fifth-place finishes. Events showcased excellence in engineering, welding, cosmetology, carpentry and other technical fields.

“We are extremely proud of the medals our students earned this year,” Cherry said. “These results speak volumes about the extra time and effort that these students and their advisors put into preparing for competition.”

View the full list of national and state-level winners and advisors.

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A recognition event will be held Tuesday, May 19, from 3:30–5 p.m. in the Barnhill-Jenkins Center for Innovation’s Multipurpose Room. Students who competed at the state conference, held April 15–17, will be recognized for their achievements.

This year marked �鶹��ýӳ��’s largest team, with 65 students traveling to Greensboro. Participants brought home 19 medals, including four gold, four silver, three bronze, along with four fourth-place and four fifth-place awards. Competitions showcased excellence in career and technical fields such as engineering, welding, cosmetology, carpentry and more.

“I am grateful to our students for putting in the extra effort of preparing and competing, and to our advisors for spending extra time with these students helping them prepare,” said Trey Cherry, chair of Information Technology Studies. “I am also grateful for the ongoing support of our administration and our foundation donors who support our participation in SkillsUSA.”

Guests at the celebration will have the opportunity to meet many of the competitors and view several of their award-winning projects. Some local winners will advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, taking place June 1–5 in Atlanta, Ga.

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“Built here. Now what?” That was the message delivered by Ron Green, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region, during �鶹��ýӳ��’s commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8.

Green emphasized the role of community colleges in shaping students’ futures, telling graduates that being “built” at a community college carries meaning.

Tara Davis

“You see that word ‘community.’ It matters, because community colleges don’t just educate you. They elevate you,” Green said. “They don’t require perfection. They develop potential.”

Green, who has led the organization in the Tar River Region for 14 years, said he related to the graduates. He began his own academic journey at Itawamba Community College in Mississippi, an experience he said gave him confidence.

“It taught me that my starting point didn’t define my ceiling,” he said. “Where I began didn’t limit where I could go.”

�鶹��ýӳ�� awarded credentials to 553 graduates in the Class of 2026. The college conferred 207 degrees, 123 diplomas and 223 certificates. Another 55 students completed Adult High School Equivalency or Adult High School diplomas.

�鶹��ýӳ�� President Dr. Greg McLeod encouraged graduates to continue advancing toward their goals.

Eddie Batchelor IV

“Whether your next step is transferring to a four-year institution, returning here for another credential, or applying the training you have received in your career or business, don’t stop moving. Keep going,” McLeod said.

Among the graduates was Tara Davis, �鶹��ýӳ��’s Academic Excellence Award recipient. Davis earned an associate degree in applied science in surgical technology with a 4.0 grade-point average and is already working as a surgical technology associate at the ECU Health Heart Institute Cardiovascular Operating Room.

Other honorees included Eddie Batchelor IV, recipient of the Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award, which recognizes exemplary student leadership. Batchelor, a student ambassador and member of Phi Theta Kappa, will continue his studies at North Carolina Wesleyan University this fall.

Erma Battle-Mills received the Dallas Herring Achievement Award, presented to a student who exemplifies Herring’s philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.” Battle-Mills earned her high school equivalency at age 76 and is enrolled in �鶹��ýӳ��’s digital navigator’s course.

Erma Battle-Mills

Three graduates were recognized for having the highest grade-point averages in their academic divisions: Alfredo Hernandez Garcia (Arts and Sciences), Ashley Culbertson (Business, Industry and Technologies) and Taylor Batts (Health Sciences).

Green closed his remarks by encouraging graduates to remember the childhood game rock, paper, scissors as a metaphor for navigating life’s challenges.

“When life looks at you and asks ‘now what?’ remember this,” he said. “The rock—find the person who will hold you down. The paper—keep sharpening your pencil because your story is still being written. Scissors—identify the people, places and things you need to cut out of your life to reach your dreams.”

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New to �鶹��ýӳ�� this year are the First Flight and Esports Scholars Scholarships. High-school graduates with an unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.6 may apply for the First Flight Scholarship. Students who enroll in a degree program at �鶹��ýӳ�� could receive $500 their first year, awarded at $250 each fall and spring semester.

�鶹��ýӳ�� launched the Esports gaming program in the fall. Seeking to build a league of gamers who will compete against other colleges in the state, this scholarship totals $2,000 per year for two years. Recipients must be 2026 high-school graduates of Edgecombe County or a surrounding county, with an unweighted GPA of at least 2.6.

These new scholarships are added to other existing scholarships, making college at �鶹��ýӳ�� even more affordable. For example, qualified students who receive the EDGE scholarship get a fully-funded education for up to two years. Based on in-state tuition, the EDGE Scholarship provides a financial aid package covering tuition, books and fees. Recipients must be current high-school graduates of either Edgecombe County or a surrounding county with an unweighted GPA of at least 2.8. Students must have completed at least six credit hours through the NC Career and College Promise Program or an approved Continuing Education Program with 96 or more contact hours.

The Eagle Mascot Scholarship was established in 2021. The mascot performer delivers excitement as he/she represents �鶹��ýӳ�� at on-campus and community events. The ideal student must take a minimum of six credit hours and maintain a GPA of 2.6 or higher for the $1,000 annual scholarship.

For more information about the Edge, First Flight, Esports Scholars and the Eagle Mascot scholarships, visit .

The �鶹��ýӳ�� Foundation also offers a number of annual scholarships and endowments totaling awards of approximately $100,000 each year.

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Paige Ashman

Paige Ashman, a six-year employee of the college, received the 2025 �鶹��ýӳ�� Staff Award. The award is given annually to an �鶹��ýӳ�� employee who displays initiative, innovation and leadership in the workplace; and shows commitment and contribution to the mission of the institution and the North Carolina Community College System. Among other criteria, the nominee must also demonstrate efficient use of time, money, technology and/or other resources for the benefit of the institution, its students and the community.

“I’m extremely honored to be named the recipient of �鶹��ýӳ��’s 2025 Staff Award,” said Ashman. “This award is a reflection of the continuous support I receive from administration and my colleagues in the Continuing Education Department. Congratulations to all the nominees, who are all very deserving and great people to work with.”

Ashman is a member of the �鶹��ýӳ�� Foundation board and has played a key role in leading the Steps4Growth initiative, as well as developing continuing education classes and summer camps.

“As part of her work (Steps4Growth), she has been instrumental in establishing pre-apprenticeship opportunities with a local industry partner, Astemo,” reads Ashman’s nomination form. “These opportunities provide a valuable pathway for participants, many of whom are offered full-time employment upon completion, resulting in positive outcomes for both students and the college’s business and industry partners.”

The �鶹��ýӳ�� Foundation also presented the Eagle Pride Department of Excellence Award to the Division of Health Sciences during the kickoff event. Only in its third year, the award is given annually to a department or team that demonstrates a high degree of excellence in teamwork and collaboration with other groups or departments.

�鶹��ýӳ�� Division of Health Sciences

“Receiving the department award at our fall semester kickoff is truly a special moment,” stated Nacole Everette, dean of the Division of Health Sciences. “It highlights the dedication, teamwork and passion our faculty and staff bring to the college every day. This recognition not only celebrates what we’ve accomplished together, but also strengthens our commitment to empowering students, advancing health education, and making a meaningful impact in the community we serve.”

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Lorrie Coltraine

Lorrie Coltraine became slightly emotional after her name was called during �鶹��ýӳ��’s fall semester kickoff. The English and humanities instructor was presented with the Astemo Endowed Faculty Chair Award, rewarding excellence in teaching.

Coltraine’s emotions prevented her from speaking much during the Aug. 11th event, but afterwards, the 10-year �鶹��ýӳ�� employee stated, “I am honored to be amongst faculty that have received this award. I thank everyone that has helped me during my 10 years at �鶹��ýӳ��. This college consists of some of the best people I have been blessed to be around. I look forward to the 2025-2026 school year at �鶹��ýӳ��, and I strive to be the one that is deserving of such an honor.”

The Astemo Endowed Faculty Chair Award is the highest distinction the college can bestow on a member of its faculty. Winners receive $2,500 and a chair with an engraved brass nameplate. Coltraine was selected by a committee of �鶹��ýӳ�� personnel from a pool of several nominees who submitted a performance portfolio, an essay and a philosophy of teaching.

Coltraine’s philosophy of teaching read, in part, “my personal objective in my courses is to implore students to use their voice. We all have something of value to say, but many do not feel that they are included in that statement. I want my students to genuinely feel and own their social importance, and they are required to use that voice in the classroom and in writing.

In addition to working as an instructor for �鶹��ýӳ��, Coltraine has served as a founding member of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE), a co-host with Lynn Huff of a professional reading series at CTLE, as well as a member of the Distance Education Committee and the Faculty Leave Committee.

Coltraine received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in English, both from East Carolina University.

Coltraine is the eighteenth Astemo Endowed Faculty Chair Award winner at �鶹��ýӳ��.

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SmartAsset, the online site for financial information and advice, evaluated 585 two-year schools offering associate’s degrees with at least 500 full-time students. Ranking criteria aimed to capture a variety of important components for students, including tuition and fees, student-to-faculty ratio and retention rates of full-time students.

Smartasset.com highlights that in-state tuition and fees for two semesters at �鶹��ýӳ�� is only $2,640. The college’s student retention rate of 84 percent is the highest mark among all of the NC colleges, and ranks in the top 1 percent for all colleges in the study. �鶹��ýӳ��’s low student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 also contributed to its lofty ranking.

For more information on Smart Asset’s Best Community Colleges-2025 study, visit https://smartasset.com/data-studies/best-community-colleges-2025

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The schools were ranked using a star system, with five being the highest. �鶹��ýӳ�� was one of seven schools in the state to receive a five-star score.

�鶹��ýӳ��’s short-term workforce and customized training programs are a reason for this ranking. There are a variety of programs enabling students to get their credentials in a year or less, such as forklift training, the notary public education course, welding and real estate pre-licensing, construction, collision repair, natural hair care, nail technology and more. In many cases, students have begun taking more than one course, or stacking credentials, to make them more attractive to potential employers.

For more information on the ranking in USA Today, visit . For more information on �鶹��ýӳ��’s short-term training programs, visit .

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“We are honored that WalletHub and many other publications recognize our college,” said �鶹��ýӳ�� President Dr. Greg McLeod. “These recognitions are a positive reflection of the excellence, hard work and dedication demonstrated by our employees, students, trustees, foundation board members, community partners, donors and friends. While we are thankful to be recognized, we continuously strive to be all we can be in order to maximize the positive impact we can have on the communities and students we serve.”

Fifty-one of the 58 public community colleges in the state were included in the ranking. The list was based on data collected as of July 15, 2025 from the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Campaign for Free College Tuition and Council for Community & Economic Research.

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