Shown from left are RM Rotary and Ģ������Ƶ representatives Jet Hatu, Tameka Kenan-Norman, Samanthia Phillips, Lyn Brown, Chayce Bryant, Dr. Greg McLeod, Anna Kate White, Sherlock McDougald and Kristen Brabble

Ģ������Ƶ was presented with a $35,000 check from the Rocky Mount Rotary Club during the recent Tackle the Tar Celebration. Ģ������Ƶ joined North Carolina Wesleyan University and Nash Community College for the annual celebration, where the Rocky Mount Rotary Club distributed a total of $105,000 evenly among the three local higher-education institutions.

“We are so honored to partner with the Rocky Mount Rotary Club and their members in support of our local students and are thankful to all of the sponsors, donors and runners who help make the Tackle the Tar 5K mud run a wonderful success,” said Ģ������Ƶ President Dr. Greg McLeod. “This gift represents more than financial support. It represents opportunity, encouragement and hope for students pursuing their educational and career goals.”

Since its inception in 2016, Tackle the Tar has awarded $825,000 in scholarships to local students. Encouraging recipients to pursue their higher education within the Twin Counties and remain in the region to build their careers remains a core mission for event chair Kristen Brabble and Rocky Mount Rotary Club members.

For students like Chayce Bryant, a 19-year-old freshman at Ģ������Ƶ, the scholarship provides a life-changing opportunity. Bryant, a Rocky Mount native pursuing a degree in business administration, aspires to enter the gaming industry or start his own business.

“Growing up, going to college was always a goal that my family and I talked about,” said Bryant. “Even as a child, I knew that getting a college education was important, but one of the biggest questions was how we were going to pay for it. Coming from a single-parent household, my mom and I knew that pursuing higher education would be a challenge financially.”

Bryant noted that the support from Tackle the Tar has allowed him to focus fully on his academic and professional goals without the overwhelming weight of tuition costs.

“Receiving the Tackle the Tar scholarship has made a tremendous difference in my life,” Bryant added. “It has helped relieve some of the financial burden and has allowed me to continue my education after high school and focus more on achieving my educational goals.”

The Rocky Mount Rotary Club will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Tackle the Tar event on May 15, 2027, at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. To learn more or to get involved, visit .

The post Ģ������Ƶ receives $35,000 from the Rocky Mount Rotary Club appeared first on Ģ������Ƶ.

Warren Accounting Group team placed first in the first flight (l-r): Rob Warren, Carl Warren, Raymond Cobb, Sylvia Cobb

The Ģ������Ƶ Foundation raised $42,109 during its 40th Annual Golf Tournament held Sept. 24 at Maccripine Country Club in Pinetops, providing critical support for scholarships, student assistance programs and Foundation initiatives.

The tournament drew 34 teams and 136 players, continuing a four-decade tradition of community support for Ģ������Ƶ students. Participants competed in a four-person scramble while enjoying a day of fellowship and friendly competition.

“This was an outstanding year thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, players and volunteers,” said Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of public information and institutional advancement. “The funds raised through this tournament help remove financial barriers for students and support programs that contribute to their success. From scholarships and emergency assistance to educational opportunities and student leadership programs, these dollars make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.”

BXT Capital Trading team placed first in the second flight (l-r): Josh Doughtary, Nichole Barker, Joe Butler, George Bell.

In tournament competition, Warren Accounting Group captured first place in the first flight, followed by Edmondson Insurance Agency and GH3. In the second flight, BXK Capital Trading earned first place, followed by Infinity Link and UNC Health Nash.

The Foundation also recognized the many businesses, organizations and individuals whose sponsorships and donations contributed to the tournament’s success. Corporate sponsors included Astemo and LS Cable & System USA. Top-level sponsors also included Brightspeed, Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant, Bojangles/Tands Inc., and numerous other community partners committed to supporting student success.

In addition to tournament play, participants had opportunities to win donated prizes through on-course contests and a raffle made possible by local businesses and supporters.

Photos from the tournament are available at edgecombe.edu/golf.

The 41st Annual Ģ������Ƶ Foundation Golf Tournament is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2027, at Maccripine Country Club, with a rain date of Oct. 21, 2027.

The post 40th Annual Golf Tournament Raises More than 42K for Ģ������Ƶ Students appeared first on Ģ������Ƶ.

“You are economic development!”

That was the resounding message delivered by Tracey Crenshaw to 130 scholarship recipients during the Ģ������Ƶ Foundation’s annual Scholarship Convocation on Sept. 17.

Crenshaw, director of existing industries and workforce development for the Carolinas Gateway Partnership, served as the keynote speaker for the event, which drew a crowd of more than 200 students, donors and community leaders.

In her address, Crenshaw highlighted how often prospective businesses ask her where regional employers will find skilled workers.

“I can look at a room like this today and say, they’re right here,” Crenshaw told the audience. “What happens at Ģ������Ƶ reaches far beyond this campus. The student studying here today may help a local company expand tomorrow. The person learning a technical skill may fill a critical position, and the person preparing for a new career may change the earning potential of their whole household.”

At the start of the fall semester, the Ģ������Ƶ Foundation awarded more than $170,000 in scholarship funds. According to Ģ������Ƶ Foundation Board President Jean Bailey, the college distributed 76 endowed scholarships and nine annual scholarships to support student success.

“To our donors, thank you for driving this momentum and investing in the future of our students,” Bailey said. “And to our scholarship recipients, congratulations! You have worked incredibly hard to reach this moment, and we are all in your corner as you take the next steps.”

Ģ������Ƶ President Dr. Greg McLeod noted that while tuition assistance is a primary goal, Foundation support reaches even further.

“Your contributions do far more than help pay for tuition,” McLeod said. “They also provide funding to purchase equipment and uniforms, pay for testing fees, and support educational field trips, internships and other hands-on experiences that prepare students to excel long after they leave.”

Recipients represent a wide array of fields, including nursing, applied engineering technology, welding, collision repair, business and more.

To learn about available opportunities or to apply, visit edgecombe.edu/scholarships and complete an Ģ������Ƶ Foundation Scholarship Application.

The post Over $170K Awarded at Ģ������Ƶ Scholarship Convocation appeared first on Ģ������Ƶ.

Pictured from left, front-Dr. Greg McLeod of Ģ������Ƶ and Robert Bass of Astemo. Pictured from left, back- Neill Nelson of Davenport Autopark of Rocky Mount, Tameka Kenan-Norman of Ģ������Ƶ and John Batts III of Astemo

The Ģ������Ƶ Foundation will host its 40th annual golf tournament on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Maccripine Country Club in Pinetops. Teams of four will compete for prizes, including a car.

Players will have a chance to win a 2026 Prelude Sport Coupe from Davenport Autopark of Rocky Mount and donated by Astemo. Valued at $42,000, the car will be awarded to one lucky player who makes a hole-in-one at a designated hole. Additional prizes will be awarded for closet to the pin on all par-three holes and more.

Raffle tickets may be purchased in advance or at the tournament. Prizes include a Turtlebox speaker, a gift basket from Stallings Drug, as well as gift certificates from Ribeyes, Flowers by Roberts, Piggly Wiggly of Pinetops, Western Sizzlin Steakhouse and Golden Corral. Prizes continue to be added.

The Ģ������Ƶ Foundation Golf Tournament supports student scholarships and the operations of the Ģ������Ƶ Foundation, which ultimately assist Ģ������Ƶ students.

“Approximately 90 percent of our students require financial aid,” said Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of Public Information and Institutional Advancement. “Support from events like the Ģ������Ƶ Foundation Golf Tournament is vital in closing the gap for students who receive no financial aid or only partial assistance. With donations from Ģ������Ƶ alumni, local companies and the community, together we can ensure that students get the resources they need to receive their degree and a seamless educational experience.”

Morning play begins at 8:30 a.m., and the afternoon start time is at 1:30 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided. Professional Long Driver Laura Wern will be featured in this year’s tournament. The cost for a team entry is $500, and sponsorships range from $150 to $15,000.

To become a sponsor, register a team, or to purchase a raffle ticket, visit edgecombe.edu/golf.

The post Ģ������Ƶ Foundation Gears up for 40th Golf Tournament, Featuring Valued Prize appeared first on Ģ������Ƶ.

The Ģ������Ƶ Foundation will recognize more than 130 scholarship recipients during its Scholarship Convocation, presented by Astemo, on Thursday, Sept. 17, in the Thomas S. Fleming Building on the Tarboro campus.

Tracy Crenshaw, an Ģ������Ƶ alumna and the director of existing industries and workforce development for the Carolinas Gateway Partnership, will serve as the keynote speaker. Crenshaw graduated from Ģ������Ƶ with an Associate in Applied Science in Office Management and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from NC Wesleyan University. In her current role, she serves as a liaison between industry, education, workforce partners and the community, helping employers address challenges, pursue growth opportunities and develop essential talent.

Tracey Crenshaw, 2013 graduate of Ģ������Ƶ

Crenshaw joined the Carolinas Gateway Partnership in 2013 and advanced from program coordinator to office manager and director of operations before being promoted to her current position in 2024. She is also the founder and executive director of Begin Again Literacy Ministry (BALM), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering adults through literacy, education, digital skills and personal development.

“A keynote speaker is featured at every Scholarship Convocation, and we strive to select an alumnus who has advanced in our local area,” said Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of Public Information and Institutional Advancement at Ģ������Ƶ. “Tracy Crenshaw was the perfect choice. Her story is inspiring, and her work aligns with the mission of Ģ������Ƶ—enriching the educational, training and lifelong learning opportunities for our community.”

More than $170,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded to students at the start of the fall semester. During the Scholarship Convocation, each student will receive a certificate and have the opportunity to meet the donors who help make their educational goals possible.

Table sponsorships are being accepted. For more information, visit edgecombe.edu/convocation.

In Memory of C Rudolph Knight

The post Astemo presents Ģ������Ƶ Foundation’s Scholarship Convocation, with Keynote Speaker Dedicated to Workforce Development appeared first on Ģ������Ƶ.

Ricky Smith

Two Edgecombe County high school graduates will attend Ģ������Ƶ tuition-free after being selected as recipients of the Dr. Hartwell H. Fuller Jr. Endowed Merit Scholarship, provided by Roger and Gaile Taylor.

Gabrielle Allen of Edgecombe Early College High School and Ricky Smith of SouthWest Edgecombe High School received the scholarship, which covers the full in-state cost of an associate degree, including tuition, books and a laptop computer.

Named for former Ģ������Ƶ President Dr. Hartwell Fuller, who led the college from 1994 to 2004, Roger and Gaile Taylor endowed the merit scholarship in 2011 to honor Fuller. It is awarded annually to two graduating seniors from Edgecombe County public high schools who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.

“I feel amazing,” Smith said after learning he had been selected. “This scholarship lifts a burden financially, and it truly blesses me.”

At SouthWest Edgecombe High School, Smith was active in academics, athletics, leadership and community service. He was a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, served as a group leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and volunteered as a youth leader and social media coordinator at his church.

Smith also earned certifications in CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED), first aid and first aid for opioid overdose response.

His honors include the Animal Science Award, Public Safety Achievement Trophy, Edgecombe County Schools Golden Key Award, Rocky Mount Optimist Youth Appreciation Award, Mitch Mason Influence Award in football, Honor the Game Award in basketball, Sportsmanship Award in football and the 360ENC Internship and Volunteer Award for completing more than 115 hours of service.

“I can see myself working in a hospital or radiography facility,” Smith said.

The scholarship will help him pursue that goal as he begins his studies at Ģ������Ƶ.

Gabrielle Allen

For Allen, the scholarship removes financial concern as she works toward a career in nursing.

Allen, a Pinetops resident, said her desire to work in healthcare grew through both personal experience and hands-on training.

“My grandma’s cancer had progressed and she was put in hospice care,” Allen said. “In her final days, I became her primary caregiver. The night she passed, I thought about how fortunate I was to take care of my grandmother when she needed it most.”

Allen has already earned certification as a nursing assistant. She said caring for her grandmother reinforced her commitment to a career dedicated to helping others.

“Helping people is a passion of mine,” Allen said. “I knew that I wanted to go into nursing, and I didn’t want to stress about getting through nursing school and how I was going to pay for it.”

After Ģ������Ƶ, Allen plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and hopes to work as a pediatric nurse.

Her record of service and achievement includes induction into the National Honor Society during her junior year and participation in the Scholar Teacher Program. Through the program, she assisted a first-grade teacher at Martin Millennium Academy each week.

She also volunteered through ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital’s VolunTEEN Program, completed an internship at ECU Health Maynard Children’s Hospital and currently works as a certified nursing assistant at The Barclay House of Tarboro.

Applicants for the Dr. Hartwell H. Fuller Jr. Endowed Merit Scholarship must maintain a weighted grade-point average of at least 3.5 throughout high school, demonstrate active involvement in extracurricular activities and maintain at least a B average while enrolled at Ģ������Ƶ.

Students interested in applying for the scholarship should contact their high school guidance counselor. Applications are reviewed by the Ģ������Ƶ Scholarship Committee, and finalists participate in an on-campus interview.

Additional scholarship opportunities are available through Ģ������Ƶ. Information and applications can be found at edgecombe.edu/scholarships.

The post Leadership, Service Earn Full Scholarships for Two Incoming Ģ������Ƶ Students appeared first on Ģ������Ƶ.

Ģ������Ƶ President Dr. Greg McLeod; Jean Bailey, Ģ������Ƶ Foundation Board president; Eddie Stocks, vice president of member and industrial development at Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation; and Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of public information and institutional advancement

Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation has donated $1,000 to the Ģ������Ƶ Foundation to continue its annual scholarship. Two Ģ������Ƶ students enrolled in the Engineering or Electrical Systems Technology programs will receive $500 each.

“Engineering and Electrical Systems Technology are high-demand fields, and scholarships like this help our students gain the skills they need to succeed,” said Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of public information and institutional advancement. “We are grateful to Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation for consistently supporting Ģ������Ƶ and recognizing the importance of preparing students for careers.”

Eddie Stocks, vice president of member and industrial development at Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation agreed, stating, “As a member-owned electric cooperative, we believe in investing back into the communities we serve. Supporting Ģ������Ƶ helps strengthen local workforce development and ensures students have access to the training and opportunities needed for high-demand careers right here at home.”

Students interested in applying for the Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation Scholarship can visit edgecombe.edu/scholarships and complete the Ģ������Ƶ Foundation Scholarship Application.

The post Local Electric Membership Corporation Funds Scholarships for Ģ������Ƶ Students appeared first on Ģ������Ƶ.

Pictured l-r-Ann Cobb Warren, vice president of the Ģ������Ƶ Foundation Board; Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director; Anna Kate White, donor and community engagement coordinator; Tyler Wooten, president of Wooten Foods; and Dr. Greg McLeod, president of Ģ������Ƶ

A partnership between the Ģ������Ƶ Foundation and Jersey Mike’s in Tarboro raised $3,400 to support students.

The fundraiser, held May 5–7, featured Ģ������Ƶ coupons that allowed customers to purchase a regular sub for just $5. Jersey Mike’s donated 100 percent of the proceeds to the Ģ������Ƶ Foundation.

“We are grateful to Jersey Mike’s and to the faculty, staff, students and community members who purchased coupons,” Kenan-Norman said. “Their support allows the Foundation to direct all proceeds toward scholarships, internships, mission trips, emergency assistance and other programs and initiatives that benefit our students.”

For more information on how you can support students at Ģ������Ƶ, visit .

The post Jersey Mike’s Partners with Ģ������Ƶ Foundation to Change Lives appeared first on Ģ������Ƶ.

Pictured are siblings Trishonda Roberson (center), Hanks M. Roberson (back) and Latasha Roberson Manley (right)

Trishonda Roberson remembers her father, the late Hanks Roberson, as a man who never hesitated to help others. A self-taught and highly respected mechanic, he built a reputation not only for his skill but for his generosity.

“We saw our dad work hard,” Trishonda recalls. “He worked on cars for people who couldn’t afford to pay him. He was always about helping, about community, and about making sure people learned the trade.”

That care inspired Trishonda, her mother Gladys and her siblings to establish the Roberson Auto Repair Legacy Scholarship at Ģ������Ƶ. Their $500 gift will support a full-time student in the Automotive Systems Technology program. (The family plans to increase this amount at a later date). Applicants will submit a one-page essay describing their passion for automotive work, why they chose the field, and how the scholarship will shape their future.

“My dad always wanted to teach others the trades,” Trishonda says. “This scholarship is a way to support someone who shares that same interest.”

The family chose Ģ������Ƶ not only because of its strong automotive program, but also because of Trishonda’s personal connection to the college. A Rocky Mount native, she completed several health sciences programs at Ģ������Ƶ, including certified nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse and registered nursing.

“I wanted this scholarship at the school that shaped so much of my career,” she explains. “It was an easy decision.”

Today, Trishonda serves as a staff pastor at Word Tabernacle overseeing the Center of Community Transformation and Outreach. She also leads SHE Empowers, a nonprofit focused on the spiritual and emotional development of women and supporting women entrepreneurs. Reflecting her passion for women’s empowerment, she hopes the scholarship will encourage more women to enter the automotive field.

“A lot of my work centers on empowering women,” she says. “We see many men in auto mechanics, but not nearly as many women.”

For more information about the Roberson Auto Repair Legacy Scholarship, visit , or call (252) 618-6526. Males are encouraged to apply as well.

The post A Family’s Tribute: Roberson Scholarship Honors a Father’s Legacy of Service and Skill appeared first on Ģ������Ƶ.

The Rocky Mount Rotary Club is gearing up for the annual Tackle the Tar 5K Obstacle Course Race on Saturday, May 16, 2026 — and we need YOUR help to make one of the biggest community events in Eastern North Carolina happen!

It takes nearly 200 volunteers to pull off this incredible Rocky Mount community fundraiser that helps provide scholarships for students attending Nash Community College, Ģ������Ƶ and NC Wesleyan University. Race day would NOT happen without our amazing volunteers!

We are currently looking for help with:

1. Course Marshals
2. Registration & Check-In
3. Water Stations
4. Obstacle Assistance
5. Event Set-Up & Breakdown Crews

It’s all happening at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Whether you’re a student needing volunteer hours, a local business wanting to give back, a civic group, church group, sports team or just someone who loves supporting the Rocky Mount community — we would LOVE to have you join us!

The post Volunteers Needed for Tackle the Tar appeared first on Ģ������Ƶ.