Greenville, NC (April 10, 2026) — On April 1, Vance-Granville Community College leaders traveled to Greenville, North Carolina, for a bilateral agreement signing ceremony with East Carolina University’s College of Engineering & Technology (CET). The new partnership guarantees admission to ECU’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) program for qualified VGCC graduates with Associate of Applied Science degrees in technical fields.

The agreement underscores opportunities for those graduates to advance their careers with a four-year degree from ECU, expanding the possibilities provided by their Vance-Granville education. Such credentials can lead to higher-paying jobs and broader economic benefits for local communities and the region.

“The BSIT program was intentionally designed to turn the Associate in Applied Science into a powerful springboard to something beyond a four-year degree for working adults and technical professionals,” said Dr. Stephanie George, CET Interim Dean. “We celebrate these agreements that create clear, affordable, and achievable pathways for students, pathways that strengthen North Carolina’s workforce and support economic vitality across our state.”

ECU’s BSIT program offers seven concentrations: Architecture Design Technology, Bioprocess Manufacturing, Distribution & Logistics, Industrial Management, Industrial Engineering Technology, Information & Cybersecurity Technology, and Mechanical Design Technology. Five of those concentrations can be completed fully online, allowing VGCC graduates with jobs and families to earn their bachelor’s degrees on a flexible schedule.

“That’s the beauty of the transfer pathway,” said Dr. Allen Guidry, ECU’s Associate Provost for Learner Operations. “We provide an opportunity for students to start where they’re comfortable, to stay where they’re comfortable, and hopefully to remain where they’re comfortable through the duration of their careers if that’s what they want to do. That’s an important part, I think, of workforce development.”

Vance-Granville graduates who earn an Associate in Applied Science in one of seven technical fields and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA are eligible for guaranteed admission to ECU’s BSIT program, with up to 61 credit hours transferred. Those programs include: · Automotive Systems Technology · Biotechnology · Electronics Engineering Technology · Information Technology · Mechatronics Engineering Technology · Supply Chain Management — Global Logistics Technology · Welding Technology

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais noted how the partnership particularly benefits adult learners age 25 and older, helping them advance in manufacturing, biotechnology, and other STEM-related industries within the College’s four-county service area

“These are people who started late in life, went back to get their associate’s degrees as adults, were working in the field, and you provided a way for them to get there,” she told ECU administrators and faculty during the ceremony. “We just appreciate your willingness to partner with us, and we’re really excited.” The new transfer partnership coincides with the College’s continued development of its Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology (CAMAT). Once complete, the state-of-the-art training facility will equip students in electronics, fabrication, HVAC, industrial maintenance, mechatronics, and welding programs with skills for in-demand careers or further education at institutions like ECU.

To learn about additional transfer options available to Vance-Granville Community College students, visit VGCC's online Transfer Center or call (252) 738-3255.

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About Vance-Granville Community College: Your community, your college. Since its founding in 1969, Vance-Granville Community College has proudly educated, inspired, and supported a diverse community of learners to achieve professional and personal success. VGCC offers 40+ Curriculum programs, as well as short-term Continuing Education, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School Diploma programs. Located in North Carolina's Triangle region, VGCC serves the counties of Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren, and beyond!

For the latest college news, visit www.vgcc.edu or follow Vance-Granville on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Contact: Courtney Cissel, Public Information Officer cisselc@vgcc.edu • 252-738-3484

Creedmoor, NC (April 8, 2026) — North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt visited Vance-Granville Community College’s South Campus on March 31, touring key workforce training programs and meeting with students, faculty, and industry partners to learn more about the College’s role in the regional workforce.

The visit began with a meet-and-greet with local industry partners, including refreshments crafted by students in Vance-Granville’s Culinary Arts program. Representatives from Altec, Ontic, and Sunrock joined College leaders to demonstrate the importance of collaboration in aligning academic programs with real-world workforce needs. Ontic and Sunrock highlighted recent apprenticeships with VGCC’s Mechatronics Engineering and Heavy Equipment Operator programs, respectively, which offer students a clear pathway from the classroom to their future careers.

“As our region’s primary workforce developer, it was important for VGCC to showcase not only students and programs, but the public-private partnerships that connect our students with strong careers in our communities,” noted VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais.

Lt. Gov. Hunt’s tour included stops in the College’s lively mechatronics and electronics labs, where students demonstrated the skills they’re already putting into practice with local employers. The focus turned toward the future as VGCC leaders shared plans for the College’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology (CAMAT) and Transportation Training & Technology Center. Together, these expansion projects reflect the interconnected nature of the regional economy: CAMAT will prepare the next generation of manufacturers and engineers who produce goods, while the Transportation Center will train the truck drivers and mechanics needed to move those goods efficiently through the supply chain. The Lieutenant Governor also visited the VGCC Small Business Center and learned about its entrepreneurship initiatives.

The tour concluded with a hands-on demonstration of the College’s drone program, displaying VGCC’s continued investment in emerging technologies and innovative workforce solutions.

“I’ve been incredibly impressed by the public-private partnerships at Vance-Granville Community College,” Lt. Gov. Hunt observed. “This is exactly what it looks like when communities come together to expand opportunity by building workforce programs that prepare our students not just for today’s jobs, but for the future they deserve.” As the 13th stop on the Lieutenant Governor’s Future-Ready Community College Tour, the visit to Vance-Granville Community College highlighted the critical role institutions like VGCC play in preparing a skilled, adaptable workforce. Through strong industry partnerships and forward-looking programs, VGCC continues to equip students with the tools they need to succeed while supporting the evolving needs of the regional economy.

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Caption for photo “IMG_4418”: North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt (right) and Vance-Granville Community College President Dr. Rachel Desmarais join other local leaders in the college’s mechatronics lab to meet with current students.

Caption for photo “IMG_4552”: David Bullock, VGCC’s Department Chair for Applied Technology and Program Head for Mechatronics Engineering Technology, teaches Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt how to fly one of the College’s drones.

About Vance-Granville Community College: Your community, your college. Since its founding in 1969, Vance-Granville Community College has proudly educated, inspired, and supported a diverse community of learners to achieve professional and personal success. VGCC offers 40+ Curriculum programs, as well as short-term Continuing Education, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School Diploma programs. Located in North Carolina's Triangle region, VGCC serves the counties of Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren, and beyond!

For the latest college news, visit www.vgcc.edu or follow Vance-Granville on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Contact: Courtney Cissel, Public Information Officer cisselc@vgcc.edu • 252-738-3484

HENDERSON, NC (April 1, 2026) — Congratulations to Ann Sheteiwy, recently named among the 2026 North Carolina Community Colleges Academic Excellence Award winners! Ann is an Early College student at Vance-Granville's Franklin Campus who embodies a spirit of excellence and perseverance.

As she prepares to graduate with both her high school diploma and Associate in Science degree this spring, Ann reflects proudly on her journey of growth, both personal and academic. Though she has always aimed for perfection, an advanced mathematics course challenged her perspective. With support from VGCC tutoring services, she not only overcame the obstacle but now gives back as a peer tutor, helping others achieve success. “Academic excellence isn’t about perfect grades,” Ann shared. “It’s about growth, resilience, and the willingness to keep improving.”

Ann's growth-focused mindset has guided her through several leadership and service roles, including Student Health Advisory Council representative, yearbook committee member, campus ambassador, and student representative on the College’s Culture Development & Campus Climate Steering Committee. She has served on mission trips to Egypt and the Philippines, volunteered in local nursing homes, and received the Senior Girl Scout of the Year honor for her leadership and compassion. The Academic Excellence Award is the highest academic honor the North Carolina Community College System bestows on its students. Eligible students must be currently enrolled, have completed at least 12 semester hours in a curriculum degree program, and have a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.25. Each of the state's 58 community colleges selects one Academic Excellence Award recipient annually.

In recognition of the award, Ann will receive a plaque and medallion at the College's 2026 commencement. This year's commencement ceremonies will take place in Henderson on Thursday, May 14, and Friday, May 15.

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About Vance-Granville Community College: Your community, your college. Since its founding in 1969, Vance-Granville Community College has proudly educated, inspired, and supported a diverse community of learners to achieve professional and personal success. VGCC offers 40+ Curriculum programs, as well as short-term Continuing Education, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School Diploma programs. Located in North Carolina's Triangle region, VGCC serves the counties of Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren, and beyond! For the latest college news, visit www.vgcc.edu or follow Vance-Granville on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Contact: Courtney Cissel, Public Information Officer cisselc@vgcc.edu • 252-738-3484