Monasha Howell

Ģ������Ƶ’s Social and Human Services program prepares students for careers in counseling, rehabilitation and community‑based support.

The program is highlighted by graduates such as Monasha Howell, who says her path into human services began in childhood while accompanying her mother, a certified nursing assistant, to work.

“I was always with her on weekends when she went to work,” Howell said. “Watching how she interacted with patients and staff, I always knew that’s the kind of environment I wanted to be in.”

Howell initially pursued nursing and worked as a CNA at Vidant Hospital. She said the experience broadened her understanding of how many ways people can be supported through human services.

“There are so many different things you can do to help people in human service,” she said.

At Ģ������Ƶ, Howell discovered a passion for working with individuals navigating substance use recovery.

“I see the progress,” she said. “They become totally different people. They’re happier, motivated, and they finally feel heard.”

She credits former instructor Renee Pearson for preparing her for the field through hands‑on communication exercises.

“Ms. Pearson taught us how to communicate, listen, and be empathetic,” Howell said. “Those one‑on‑one exercises, where all eyes were on you, taught me how to hold my composure and do my job effectively.”

Ģ������Ƶ’s Social and Human Services program prepares students like Howell to assist in drug and alcohol counseling, prevention‑oriented education, rehabilitation with recovering clients, community program management, residential counseling and more. Coursework includes chemical dependency, psychological and sociological processes, intervention techniques and follow‑up strategies.

Takisha Jones, Social and Human Services instructor at Ģ������Ƶ and a graduate of the college, says the program is rewarding, and the skills gained may be used with several different populations.

“The Social and Human Services program at Ģ������Ƶ prepares students for meaningful careers serving individuals, families, and communities across North Carolina,” said Jones. “This type of degree gives you a foundation. It opens you up to anywhere you want to go.”

Howell now works for Monarch Behavioral Health in Rocky Mount, assisting patients through the call center.

“You deal with different personalities and walks of life,” she said. “You have to treat everybody the same and be the best version of yourself every day.”

For prospective students considering the program at Ģ������Ƶ, Howell said it is normal to be uncertain.

“Life changes you, and you’ll find your passion when the time is right,” she said. “Once you find where you fit–once you’re happy and comfortable–you’ll know this is more than a job. It’s your purpose.”

Graduates of Ģ������Ƶ’s Social and Human Services program also qualify for positions such as substance abuse counselors, mental health technicians, DWI counselors, group home workers, residential facility employees and substance education specialists. With additional educational and clinical experience, graduates may pursue certification through the North Carolina Addiction Specialist Professional Practice Board.

Jones also notes, “with emerging changes to North Carolina’s Qualified Professional (QP) requirements, graduates of the Associate in Applied Science in Social and Human Services may have an expanded pathway toward QP-level employment.” This means once these graduates gain the necessary experience, they could have more opportunities to be hired in QP-level jobs, gaining a higher level of pay.

For more information about Ģ������Ƶ’s Social and Human Services program, visit edgecombe.edu/human-services. Scholarships are available for qualified applicants.

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Ģ������Ƶ’s Barbering program was proudly represented at Rocky Mount High School’s Career Day held recently. Our students engaged with attendees, shared program information, and spoke with those interested in pursuing barbering as a career path. Participating students, pictured left to right, were Samerah Taylor‑Dodd, Jabaria Bowser, Jacob Pindea and Daniel Bridgers.

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Natural hair care graduates pictured (l-r) are: Shayln Richardson, Kenisha Shields, Jasmine Clark, Kennedy Bynum, Jalexus Waller, Kiara Brown and Mykea Nelson.

Nail technology graduates pictured (l-r) are: Takira Bellamy, Jennifer Solis, Deona Stephen, Christiana Joyner and Lekita Cobb.

Natural hair care and nail technology graduations took place Nov. 6 on the Tarboro campus. Students in the natural hair care program study and practice chemical-free hair styling. The courses are completed in four months for daytime students and seven months for students who take evening classes. In nail technology, there is instruction and practice in manicuring, nail building and pedicuring. Seven students graduated from the natural hair care program, and five graduated in nail technology.

Congratulations to all of the graduates.

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Pictured l-r, front row: Dr. Mark Dickens, chaplain, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office; Tiffany Lawrence; Jaiydah Daniels; Amber Jones and Austin Glenn
Second row: Bernie Taylor, school director, Ģ������Ƶ BLET; Cole Stewart; Markel Freeman; Sean Bailey; Tyner Bell; Michael Rawlins and Al Braxton, assistant to school director, Ģ������Ƶ BLET

“This is a big day for us,” said Cole Stewart during the graduation ceremony for the 16th Basic Academy for Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) at Ģ������Ƶ. “As it says in our code of ethics, our fundamental duty is to serve the community. We have been given an enormous power and responsibility to give our hearts and minds to the people that we serve,” continued the academy’s platoon leader.

Stewart was one of nine who graduated from the academy on Nov. 25. The graduates gathered in the Fleming Building on Ģ������Ƶ’s Tarboro campus, surrounded by friends, family and officers from partnering law enforcement agencies who encouraged them throughout their arduous journey.

“We’re so proud of our graduates,” commented Dr. Greg McLeod, Ģ������Ƶ president. “We know it was not easy. In fact, this program is one of the hardest, if not the hardest program mentally, physically and also emotionally that you can take at any community college. We’re grateful to you for having chosen us and for having chosen this profession.”

The BLET Academy at Ģ������Ƶ prepares students for entry-level employment as a law enforcement officer with state, county or municipal agencies. This preparation includes training in high-risk calls, crisis intervention, as well as tests on tasers, pepper spray and expandable batons. According to Bernie Taylor, BLET school director, cadets commenced the 25-week class on June 9, 2025.

There were “long grueling days, endless hours of studying for tests, physical training rituals that began every morning at 5:15 a.m., and the countless practical scenarios every cadet has to complete,” recalled Taylor.

Thanks to Taylor and 47 instructors on the BLET training staff, all nine cadets passed the state comprehensive certification examination, and all nine have been hired by seven different law enforcement agencies.

The following graduated from Ģ������Ƶ’s BLET Academy and have been hired by the law enforcement agencies listed beside their name.

• Sean Bailey, Winterville Police Department
• Tyner Bell, Tarboro Police Department
• Jaiydah Daniels, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office
• Markel Freeman, Bertie County Sheriff’s Office
• Austin Glenn, Farmville Police Department
• Amber Jones, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office
• Tiffany Lawrence, Bertie County Sheriff’s Office
• Michael Rawlins, Pitt County Sheriff’s Office
• Cole Stewart, Belhaven Police Department

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Dr. Gregory McLeod

Students in Ģ������Ƶ’s nail technology program were pleasantly surprised to receive a visit from Ģ������Ƶ President, Dr. Greg McLeod, for a client service. McLeod also brought along his son to the Cosmetic Arts Building where the two were given manicures. Jordan received his manicure from Shadara Williams, while McLeod’s manicure was provided by Orinda Taybron.

Manicures are one of the many personal care services offered on Ģ������Ƶ’s Tarboro campus. Students are equipped with the skills to perform basic and gel manicures, as well as acrylic sculptured sets, full sets and fill-ins. A basic manicure in the Cosmetic Arts Salon is just $10. A client who opts for a gel manicure will pay $12. Students must complete at least 60 hours of hands-on training before servicing clients, and they are supervised by licensed instructors.

According to Georgina Bond, cosmetology chair at Ģ������Ƶ, choosing the college for beauty and personal care services is not only significantly lower in cost. It also gives students the training they need before beginning their career.

“Your visit gives them real-world experience they need to meet state licensing requirements,” says Bond.

Jordan McLeod

The nail technology (manicuring) program at Ģ������Ƶ requires 300 clock hours of training to meet North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Arts licensing standards. Clock hours include the time spent engaged in a learning activity, such as class hours, hands-on training, internships and more. The course provides instruction and clinical practice in manicuring, the application and maintenance of artificial nails and pedicuring. Nail anatomy, disorders of nails and theory are also covered. Students receive instruction from Sharonda Barnes, daytime nail tech instructor; Sharmane Mann, evening nail tech instructor and Mellissa Britt, weekend nail tech instructor.

Upon graduation from the nail technology program, students receive a certificate. Graduates go on to sit for state licensing exams, and upon passing, qualify for careers in their chosen field.

“Students are trained in current techniques and sanitation standards,” says Bond. “If you’re considering where to go for your next manicure, Ģ������Ƶ is a great choice if you want affordable and up-to-date nail care while supporting future professionals.”

Manicure services are available Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. However, appointments are also accepted. To make an appointment, call 252-618-6604.

See a offered in the Cosmetic Arts Salon

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Pictured l-r: Dawson Hines, Ģ������Ƶ welding student; Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director; Dr. Greg McLeod, Ģ������Ƶ president; Bradley Moore, CEO of Top Dog Waste Solutions; Warren Lynch, lead instructor; Jean Bailey, Ģ������Ƶ Foundation board president; Ralph CiConta, welding instructor and Johnathan Bland, Ģ������Ƶ welding student

Top Dog Waste Solutions in Rocky Mount recently donated a total of $2,000 to the Ģ������Ƶ Foundation. The local trash and recycling company’s contribution will fund three distinct scholarships.

The Top Dog Welding Scholarship will provide $1,000 to students enrolled in the welding diploma program at Ģ������Ƶ. A $500 gift will support students in business administration’s marketing certificate program and is entitled the Top Dog Marketing Scholarship. The additional $500, also referred to as the Top Dog Finance Scholarship, will sponsor qualified students enrolled in the accounting and finance-excel certificate program.

“After meeting with Mr. Bradley Moore, the chief executive officer of Top Dog Waste Solutions, it was evident that that he and the team at Top Dog Waste Solutions care about the community and want to ensure that graduates possess the skills they need to thrive in the workforce,” says Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of public information and institutional advancement at Ģ������Ƶ. “We are thankful for his generosity and for understanding that education is a pivotal starting point for economic development.”

For more information about Top Dog Waste Solutions, visit . To give to Ģ������Ƶ, visit .

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Pictured from left to right: Dr. Greg McLeod, Ģ������Ƶ president; Greg Sessoms, Tarboro Rotary Club president; Bernie Taylor, BLET school director and Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of public information and institutional advancement. Not pictured: Adam Culbertson, Fire and EMS Coordinator.

On behalf of the Tarboro Rotary Club, president Greg Sessoms presented the Ģ������Ƶ Foundation with a $4,000 check benefitting Ģ������Ƶ’s public safety programs.

“Thank you for being consistently supportive, especially of our BLET and EMS programs,” said Dr. Greg McLeod, Ģ������Ƶ president.

Of the $4,000 contributed, $2,000 will be placed in an emergency fund for students in the Basic Law Enforcement Training program. Emergency funds allow the Foundation to provide eligible students with gas cards or other necessities that are essential in order for them to continue their educational pursuits. The remaining $2,000 will go into emergency funds for students in fire/emergency medical services programs.

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Ģ������Ƶ early childhood instructor, QuaShawnda Everett

When Ģ������Ƶ early childhood instructor, QuaShawnda Everett, first learned about Harvard University’s training on early language development, she was a little apprehensive. Training at the prestigious Harvard University would be exciting, but it would be Everett’s first time flying by herself, the first time she would travel out of state alone, and her first time visiting the university. The thought of trying to maneuver around such a large campus was also intimidating. But after the Bertie County native researched the opportunity, discovering that everything was in walking distance, the apprehensiveness subsided. Once she learned more about the training, she couldn’t contain her enthusiasm and was ready to arrange her travel plans for Cambridge, Mass.

The topic of the Harvard program was the Language-Rich Learning Environments and Experiences: Increasing Opportunities-to-Learn for Today’s Young Children. According to Harvard’s Graduate School of Education webpage, the program “explores the latest science of early language development among monolingual and multilingual learners.”

“Because I teach a language and literacy class, and we basically talk a lot about language in a lot of the classes I teach, I was excited about the topic,” recalled Everett. “I knew I could learn something and bring back some type of resources to be able to share with the students.”

As an early childhood instructor, Everett is responsible for educating adults working to attain credentials for teaching children or engaging in another aspect of the early childhood field.

That’s why the Harvard program seemed like a perfect fit for the instructor, in her third year at Ģ������Ƶ. Participants learned about the importance of early literacy in young children, including the introduction of books, content posted in the classroom, and communication between the teacher and the children.

“They also discussed the introduction of different words and sophisticated language in children’s vocabulary, asking a lot of wh-questions (who, what, when, where, why, how) to expand children’s vocabulary and allowing them opportunities to communicate,” said Everett. She was also enthralled by the fact that the presenters of the training were actual professors at Harvard University. The added bonus was that Harvard offers an early childhood initiative program, providing graduates with a certificate in early childhood leadership.

Everette’s learning was reinforced during a break-out group session where she and her team were presented with a case study. Following presentations from the instructors, Everett communicated with her group members from places like Thailand, Hawaii, Brazil, Canada and New Zealand. Their assignment was to provide feedback on some of the road blocks that would hinder them from implementing these language-rich environments.

Supporting multilingual learners is also an aspect of these language-rich environments.

“All of these different children are coming into the classroom,” recognized Everett. “So, how can we make the environment friendly for all of these different languages, and how can we incorporate the parent and the family as a whole so that everybody is learning.”

Everette says the training was stimulating. While the significance of literacy for children and early brain development was all a refresher for the former elementary school teacher, she was most excited about the resources that can be used in her classroom and the strategies she learned to support children’s emerging language skills.

“The most interesting to me was the multilingual component,” shared Everett. “When you have all of these people you have to communicate with and you don’t know their language and they don’t know your language, that was what stuck out to me the most.”

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Ģ������Ƶ and ECU officials sign a bilateral agreement. Pictured l-r are Ģ������Ƶ President, Dr. Greg McLeod; Dr. Allison Danell, professor of chemistry and dean of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences at ECU; and Dr. Jeff Popke, chair for ECU’s Department of Geography, Planning, and Environment

Ģ������Ƶ signed a bilateral agreement with East Carolina University Monday, February 17 on the Ģ������Ƶ campus. The agreement will enable Ģ������Ƶ students to finish their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Geospatial Technology-Geographic Information Science, and complete their BS in either Geographic Information Science and Technology or in Geography at ECU.

“Anytime you can come together and either establish or grow a relationship with great partners like ECU, that’s a wonderful thing to do,” said Dr. Greg McLeod, Ģ������Ƶ president.

Geospatial Technology encompasses technology such as digital maps, Geographic Information Systems, satellite imagery and more. According to Trey Cherry, department chair for Information Technology Studies at Ģ������Ƶ, there are several options in the program, including attaining a college certificate, diploma or a two-year degree. Certificates are also offered to high school students who are dually enrolled in the program.

“The program is unique in that it is the only two-year geospatial technology program in the state of North Carolina,” stated Cherry. Additionally, Cherry noted that the program is offered 100 percent online.

Dr. Jeff Popke, chair for the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, acknowledged that students who hone their abilities in a particular field of GIS will be equipped with the knowledge for a beneficial career.

“Skills in geospatial analysis and the ability to use and apply geospatial technology are in high demand across a high range of careers,” said Popke. “So, we know that the knowledge and skills students are acquiring in the program here are setting them up for long-term career success.”

McLeod stated that this is not the first partnership with ECU. The Pirate Promise Program provides a seamless transition for Ģ������Ƶ students who complete an associate degree to transfer to ECU. The Information Technology Studies Department also has an existing agreement that allows graduates with an AAS in Information Technology-Networking & Security to transfer to ECU as well.

For more information about Geospatial Technology-Geographic Information Science at Ģ������Ƶ, visit edgecombe.edu.

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