Three Ģ������Ƶ respiratory therapy students have earned statewide bragging rights after capturing the 2026 North Carolina Society for Respiratory Care (NCSRC) Sputum Bowl Championship and securing a spot at the national competition in New Orleans this November.

The Sputum Bowl is a fast-paced academic competition that tests respiratory care students and practitioners on topics ranging from anatomy and physiology to mechanical ventilation, pharmacology, critical care, as well as neonatal and pediatric respiratory concepts.

Ģ������Ƶ’s championship team consisted of Madison Beasley, Marlee Holloman-Proctor and Ulysses Puente. The students competed against teams from six North Carolina community colleges during the NCSRC State Conference, held Sept. 24-25 at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. The victory marks Ģ������Ƶ’s first Sputum Bowl championship since the early 2000s.

“Our students have really taken the initiative and have been putting in some hard work for this competition and for our tests in class,” said Cecelia Aragon, respiratory therapy instructor.

Participation in the Sputum Bowl is voluntary, and only three students from each respiratory therapy program may form a team. To prepare, the Ģ������Ƶ team spent four weeks practicing with instructors, reviewing content areas, working through practice questions, and sharpening their response times using electronic buzzers to simulate the competition environment.

The championship run was particularly memorable because the team battled back after an early loss in the double-elimination tournament.

“Pure disbelief,” said Beasley, a second-year respiratory therapy student and Ģ������Ƶ team captain after winning the tournament. “We took a loss very early on and felt defeated. We rallied together, and we were able to come out of the losers’ bracket and bring home the win.”

Beasley said what began as a fun opportunity soon became much more.

“At first, I think we just decided to do it as fun,” said the 25-year-old. “As we began practicing each week for it, we began to see that we actually had a chance and used it as a challenge to help us dive deeper with our learning and understanding of respiratory topics.”

As state champions, the team received a championship trophy and scrub-store gift certificates. More significantly, the students earned the opportunity to represent North Carolina at the American Association for Respiratory Care National Conference in New Orleans, Nov. 14-16.

There, they will face approximately 30 teams from across the United States, including competitors from both community colleges and universities.

“I believe competing at the national level will help build my confidence in my abilities and better prepare me for my future career as a respiratory therapist,” Beasley said. “Being part of this team has already made my experience at Ģ������Ƶ more meaningful, and I’m excited to represent our school, make lasting memories, and continue growing in a program that I’m proud to be a part of.”

To help offset travel expenses for the national competition, the respiratory therapy program is hosting a fundraising campaign featuring a barbecue plate sale and raffle. Barbecue plates are $15 and may be ordered now for pickup or delivery from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 23. Raffle tickets are available for $3 with a plate purchase or $5 without a plate purchase.

to support the team’s trip to nationals.

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A former Ģ������Ƶ radiography student completes hands-on training in the program’s simulated lab.

Ģ������Ƶ has been awarded the maximum eight-year accreditation renewal for its radiography program from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. This recognition culminates with more than a year of rigorous preparation by the program faculty, supported by strategic institutional outreach and administrative collaboration.

JRCERT is the only organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit traditional and distance programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance and medical dosimetry.

Ģ������Ƶ’s radiography program earned accreditation with no recommendations for improvement.

“This accolade serves as the ultimate affirmation of our professional efforts,” said Desiree Duncan, program chair and director of the radiography program. “Our team invests countless hours into nurturing our students, enhancing course content and ensuring our laboratories foster effective learning. The recognition that a panel of national peers examined every aspect of our program and found no deficiencies is an extraordinary honor.”

JRCERT conducted a site visit in November 2025. Reviewers interviewed site supervisors and students to confirm that clinical training aligns with classroom instruction. According to Duncan, the team audited Ģ������Ƶ’s financial resources, operational practices, safety protocols, evaluation and survey data, program outcomes, and assessment plan, including graduates’ success rates on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification exams.

Before the visit, Ģ������Ƶ staff completed a self-study report detailing program operations, including student data audits, development of a clinical tracking system and extensive imaging and procedural simulations. Clinical partners from local medical centers confirmed that Ģ������Ƶ’s standards align with industry practices.

“When hospitals hire graduates from Ģ������Ƶ’s radiography program, they can be assured these individuals have been trained to meet the highest national safety and educational standards,” Duncan said.

The accreditation reflects the work of Duncan; Deanne Swartout, clinical coordinator; and Kim Byron-Barnes, medical assisting and medical office administration chair. It also recognizes with logistical support from Tim King, respiratory therapy chair, and Nacole Everette, dean of health sciences and chair of health information technology.

For more information on Ģ������Ƶ’s radiography program, visit edgecombe.edu/radiography.

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Pictured from left are Ģ������Ƶ President Dr. Greg McLeod, Vichi Jagannathan and Jordan Blake during a recent cohort meeting in Georgia

Ģ������Ƶ is partnering with the Rural Opportunity Institute, Area L AHEC, Strategic Twin-Counties Education Partnership and other regional organizations to develop clearer and more supportive healthcare workforce pathways for local residents. The work is funded by a $50,000 grant from the Education Design Lab’s Strengthening the Rural Workforce through Collaborative Design initiative, which aims to improve career routes in rural communities across the Southeast.

Vichi Jagannathan, co-founder and co-CEO of the Rural Opportunity Institute, said students often express interest in healthcare careers but struggle to understand how to enter the field.

“We’ve been hearing from students about what healthcare jobs are available locally and what they can do,” Jagannathan said. “But there seemed to be a gap.”

That gap includes limited guidance on structured employment pathways that provide on-the-job learning opportunities.

Jordan Blake, regional coordinator for Area L AHEC, said employers across the region report ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining healthcare talent.

“Rural areas aren’t necessarily as attractive as urban areas might be to younger students,” Blake said, citing results from a survey conducted as part of the Health Talent Alliance statewide initiative through the NC Center on the Workforce for Health. “A lot of the talent trained here ends up in Raleigh and larger areas. This has been a significant issue.”

The Education Design Lab grant seeks to address persistent challenges in the region’s healthcare pipeline, including high attrition in training programs and confusion among students navigating complex credential sequences, or the order they must follow for training, degrees and licensures.

“Healthcare is one of the most critical workforce needs in our region, and too many individuals who want to pursue these careers struggle to understand the training routes or feel underprepared for the rigor of health-related programs,” said Ģ������Ƶ President Dr. Greg McLeod. “By strengthening these pathways and embedding learner voice more intentionally in program design, we can help students build confidence, complete credentials and transition into meaningful careers that support the well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
ROI, a trauma-informed nonprofit that has worked in Edgecombe County since 2017, serves as the coordinating organization for the collaborative. Its role includes convening partners, aligning employer demand with community college preparation, and coordinating shared measurement across the initiative.

“This work is incredibly timely,” Jagannathan said. She noted that while students frequently report confusion about accessing work-based learning, employers face shortages and high turnover in essential roles.

“This collaborative allows ROI and Area L AHEC to bring students, educators and employers together to design pathways that work for rural learners,” she said.

Area L AHEC convenes regional healthcare employers monthly to review workforce data, identify shortages and barriers to recruitment and retention through the Health Talent Alliance Collaborative that launched in December of 2025. It is aimed at addressing healthcare workforce shortages in North Carolina by understanding regional workforce needs and developing targeted programs to fill identified gaps.

STEP and Edgecombe County Public Schools support career exploration for high school students through job shadowing, career fairs and readiness programming, complementing Ģ������Ƶ’s health sciences programs and strengthening the incoming pipeline.

Students participate in STEP’s Healthcare Connections where they explore various medical professions.

“STEP is proud to serve as a connector—bringing together healthcare providers, educators and community partners to expand work-based learning opportunities and expose students to the wide range of careers in healthcare,” said Pamela Gould, executive director of STEP. “By strengthening these partnerships and supporting the reestablishment of Health Science programs in our high schools, we are creating earlier pathways for students to explore these careers and become stronger candidates for postsecondary credentials. Ultimately, our goal is to retain our own talent and build a healthcare workforce that serves our community.”

The partners are participating in an 18-month cohort led by the Education Design Lab. The cohort will guide the collaborative through student interviews, student journey mapping, employer-validated pathway design, and the launch of pilot work-based learning or apprenticeship models.

“By the end of the initiative, we expect to move from fragmented but promising efforts to a structured, learner-informed, employer-backed pilot pathway with students at the decision-making table,” Jagannathan said.

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Amie Sasser

It’s not hard to understand why Ģ������Ƶ’s Amie Sasser recently received the coveted Imaging Professional of Excellence Award from the North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists (NCSRT). The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the medical imaging field.

The CT and MRI (Computed Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging) instructor and clinical coordinator has been working in the profession for 19 years. Since starting her job at Ģ������Ƶ five years ago, she has made strides in recruiting students to the CT program, which uses X-rays to take images of the body, and the MRI program, dedicated to creating detailed scans relying on magnets and radio waves.

Sasser was nominated by a colleague who wrote glowing remarks in a nomination letter.

“My nomination letter listed many things that I have accomplished working in the imaging profession,” said Sasser. “These were things I considered to be part of my job, but it made me realize that all of those little things added up, and more importantly, made an impact.”

Those efforts include expanding recruitment, building partnerships with major health systems such as Duke and WakeMed, and advancing imaging practices that improve patient care. Before joining Ģ������Ƶ, Sasser helped elevate the role of imaging in clinical decision-making.

“Many of my accomplishments have been behind the scenes,” she said. “Developing new protocols to lower radiation dose in CT, obtaining accreditation for scanners, implementing screening programs like Low Dose Lung Screening CT for early detection of lung cancer, and Coronary Calcium Scoring CT for early detection of stroke and heart attack.”

Sasser received the award during the NCSRT conference at the Great Wolf Lodge Conference Center in Concord. The organization is the state’s leading professional association for medical imaging professionals and radiologic technologists, promoting excellence in imaging and patient care.

A member of NCSRT for five years, Sasser was also elected to a one-year term as secretary during the group’s quarterly board meeting. She continues to serve as volunteer coordinator.

“The award I received was very humbling, but having the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors is truly an honor,” she said.

Sasser credits her colleagues, past and present, along with Rick Mastman, Ģ������Ƶ’s CT and MRI instructor and consortium director. Mastman was her instructor eight 18 years ago when she completed her CT and MRI degree at Ģ������Ƶ. “It is an amazing opportunity to be mentored by someone who has developed so many CT and MRI technologists across the state,” said Sasser.

As a member of the Board of Directors at NCRST, Sasser will now have the opportunity to connect more closely with instructors from other schools and with administrators from various hospitals across the state.

Sasser said, “while we do already have the best CT/MRI program, this networking will only improve it.”

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Appalachian State University is offering a new transfer pathway for Ģ������Ƶ graduates in health-related fields. Ģ������Ƶ students who earn an Associate of Applied Science degree can now transfer to App State to complete the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences.

The pathway is made possible through an agreement between App State, Ģ������Ƶ and the North Carolina Community College System. Eligible graduates must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.25 to be admitted. The program has no waiting list or admission cap, and students can complete the degree online or in person in two years or less.

“This partnership with Appalachian State University is a wonderful addition to our growing list of transfer opportunities for Ģ������Ƶ students,” said Ģ������Ƶ President Dr. Greg McLeod. “Healthcare is one of the fastest growing fields in our region, and this agreement offers our students a seamless pathway to continue their education, build advanced skills, and prepare for meaningful careers that support the well-being of our communities.”

App State’s health sciences program prepares graduates for careers in public health, management and higher education. Health information technology, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, medical assisting and medical office administration are among the Associate of Applied Science degrees offered at Ģ������Ƶ that qualify for transfer.

For a list of eligible degrees and more information, visit edgecombe.edu/transfer.

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Respiratory therapy graduates and their instructors

Twelve respiratory therapy students from Ģ������Ƶ were honored during a recent pinning ceremony, marking completion of the educational requirements needed to sit for the national board exam and become registered respiratory therapists. The graduates will enter the healthcare field prepared to treat and support patients with cardiopulmonary diseases.

“This year’s class is truly exceptional,” said Tim King, program director and chair of the respiratory therapy program. “They have navigated shifts in modern healthcare protocols and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to both their studies and the well-being of their patients. Their ability to support one another through class, labs and clinical rotations shows they are not just knowledgeable clinicians, but deeply compassionate caregivers.”

Respiratory therapists serve on the frontline of cardiopulmonary care, managing acute asthma attacks, trauma cases and ventilator support, King noted.

Ģ������Ƶ congratulates the following graduates, who will begin practicing in local hospitals and clinics: Keyshanna Baker, Mikaela Brake, Emma Camp, Nikita Davis, Cloey East-Garris, Catherine Johnson, JaMeshia Johnson, Kristen Joyner, Kaylee Richardson, Keri Stewart, Elizabeth Strickland and La’Tanya Willoughby.

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Pictured l-r (center) Kimbely Byron-Barnes, program chair for medical assisting, Leaha Foltz, Taylor Batts, Je’Shayron Williams, Kathy Cruz and Julie Walker, instructor

Ģ������Ƶ recognized its medical assisting graduates on May 7 during a pinning ceremony in Barnes Auditorium on the Rocky Mount campus. The four graduates recited the Medical Assisting Creed, affirming values such as trust, loyalty, service, compassion, courage and faith.

The ceremony marked the culmination of classroom instruction, laboratory experience and clinical training that prepare students for a rewarding healthcare career.

“Through dedication, hard work and hands-on training, the 2026 graduating class developed the knowledge, skill and confidence needed to begin successful careers in healthcare,” said Kimberly Byron-Barnes, program chair for medical assisting. “They consistently demonstrated compassion, professionalism and a commitment to learning while preparing to make a positive impact in the lives of their patients and communities.”

Medical assisting students are trained in clinical, administrative and professional competencies. Byron-Barnes noted that graduates learn to administer injections and medications, perform phlebotomy and specimen collection, manage patient information, process medical insurance and billing, and more.

Ģ������Ƶ congratulates its 2026 medical assisting graduates: Taylor Batts, Kathy Cruz, Leaha Foltz and Je’Shayron Williams.

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Pictured l-r are: Lauryn King, Karlee Hammack, Jasmine Kearney, Jessica Lopez-Riano, Dori Sullivan, Kaitlyn Green, Alexis Clemmons and Anna Blair

Amie Sasser, a CT/MRI instructor and clinical coordinator at Ģ������Ƶ, delivered her remarks to the eight graduates who were pinned May 6 during Ģ������Ƶ’s Radiography Pinning Ceremony. Sasser urged Ģ������Ƶ’s Radiography Class of 2026 to pursue success while keeping a greater purpose at the center of their work. She framed her message around three words: precision, patience and purpose.

“You did not choose an easy path,” Sasser told the graduates. “You chose a profession that lives at the intersection of technology and humanity. You chose a field where a fraction of a millimeter matters, where timing is everything, and where the images you produce can change the entire course of someone’s life.”

Sasser reminded the graduates that integrity, resilience and compassion remain essential in every environment. “You’ve learned protocols, anatomy, pathology and physics,” she said. “But beyond all of that, you’ve learned something even more important—how to care for people in moments of vulnerability.”

Desiree Duncan, radiography program chair, shared that sentiment.

“Eight strong, this year’s radiography class stood out not just for sharp minds and fearless critical thinking, but for a natural, generous leadership that lifted everyone around them,” said Duncan. “They challenged the status quo with genuine curiosity, taught me more about AI than I ever expected to learn, and turned innovation into everyday practice. I see this group setting a new standard for patient centered imaging in our community—safer, smarter and more compassionate—because they don’t just master the technology; they humanize it.”

Seven of the eight graduates already passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam on their first attempt, according to Duncan. The last graduate will take the test later this month. Graduates must pass this national exam to become registered radiographers. Passing earns them the title of R.T.(R)(ARRT). This title shows they are registered radiologic technologists with the ARRT. Once certified, these versatile professionals can work in a variety of healthcare settings. These places include hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, labs, government agencies, and other healthcare settings.

Following a student address to classmates by class president Karlee Hammack, the eight radiography graduates received their pins from faculty members Deanne Swartout, Melissa Davis, Denise Spence and Kimberly Brayboy.

The members of the Radiography Class of 2026 are Lauryn King, Karlee Hammack, Jasmine Kearney, Jessica Lopez-Riano, Dori Sullivan, Kaitlyn Green, Alexis Clemmons and Anna Blair.
The Academic Excellence Award was presented to Karlee Hammack, the radiography student with the highest-grade point average. Dori Sullivan received the Lynwood D. Twisdale Memorial Award, presented to the best all-around student who demonstrates the best attitude, best performance, and excellent proficiency.

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Ģ������Ƶ’s largest Associate Degree Nursing graduates were pinned two days before commencement

Ģ������Ƶ recognized its Associate Degree Nursing graduates on May 6 during the annual pinning ceremony on the Tarboro campus. The 54 graduates were pinned two days before Ģ������Ƶ’s commencement ceremony.

“This year’s ADN pinning ceremony was especially meaningful as we celebrated 54 graduates — the largest graduating class in our program’s history,” said Ami Denton, director of nursing programs. “Their dedication, resilience and compassion represent the future of nursing, and we are incredibly proud to welcome them into the profession.”

All graduates have met the education requirements to take the NCLEX-RN, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

During the ceremony, graduates heard an inspiring message from Dr. Sherri Smith Hamiel, DNP, RN. Hamiel is a nursing instructor with more than two decades of experience in healthcare. She began her career as a certified nursing assistant in high school and has since worked in several specialties, including cardiopulmonary, telemetry, gastrointestinal, school nursing and clinical education.

Hamiel is an Ģ������Ƶ alumna who earned an associate degree in nursing. She later completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing Education and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

As part of the ceremony, Mishay Wheeler and Brianna Dawson received DAISY Awards. Established in 1999, the DAISY Award recognizes nursing students who demonstrate compassion, advocacy and leadership. The award was created by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 from an autoimmune disease. His family established the foundation to honor the nurses who cared for him.

Pictured l-r Instructor Lisa Jenkins, Brianna Dawson, Mishay Wheeler and Renee Mayo, vice president of patient care services, CNO at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital

Ģ������Ƶ congratulates the Associate Degree Nursing Class of 2026:

MD Jubayer Alam
Ashanti Anstead
Kimberly Battle
Jayla Boyd
Katrina Broadie
Jazmine Casanova
Maira Caudle
Fatou Cham
Baylee Clark
Emily Colt
Nicole Coombs
Takia Daniels
Hannah Davis
Brianna Dawson
Tamara Dildy
Squia Eatmon
Willette Edge
Olivia Edwards
Stacy Exum
Montressee Ferrell
Latisha Godard
Jarell Ham
Nyesha Hardy
Amberly Harris
Bailey Hicks
Casey Holmes
Luv Hope
Quinisha Horne
Tasha Hunter
Mya Johnson
Alexis Knight
Caroline Matia
Jeannette McDaniel
Malinda Mitchell
Debrisha Morris-Hardy
Serena Petway
Lakesha Powell
Lillie Ribeiro
Shannon Ricks
Trudy Roberson
Sainabou Samba
Sarah Shelton
Tiffany Speight
Shaqina Spencer
Tyvon Sumler
Alina Timberlake
Alana Tyson-Paredes
Melissa Vega
Tiara Webb
Mishay Wheeler
Devan Whitehurst
Requita Williams
Shakelia Williams
Taylor Williams

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Under the agreement, students can complete general education courses at Ģ������Ƶ before applying to Martin Community College’s two-year Physical Therapist Assistant program. Martin will accept two qualified Ģ������Ƶ students each year. Graduates will receive an Associate in Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant from Martin Community College.

“This partnership adds to the many exciting career pathways we offer our students and also helps us meet the growing need for physical therapy care here in Edgecombe County and across our region,” stated Dr. Greg McLeod, Ģ������Ƶ president. “Our high-quality general education courses combined with Martin Community College’s strong PTA curriculum and specialized equipment will help ensure that our students will thrive in this field.”

Upon graduation, students may be eligible to take the licensure examination administered by the NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Employment is available in general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, extended care facilities, specialty hospitals, home health agencies, private clinics and public-school systems.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Martin Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085. For specific admission requirements, students should contact an Ģ������Ƶ counselor at (252) 823-5166.

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