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BCC Dedicates Alan Holden Public Safety Center

Mary Jane Kinkade — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:14:12 +0000

�山�� officially dedicated the Alan Holden Public Safety Center on June 11, marking a significant investment in public safety education, workforce development, and the future of emergency response throughout Brunswick County and southeastern North Carolina.

Community leaders, public safety professionals, elected officials, BCC trustees, faculty, staff, students, and supporters gathered for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the state-of-the-art facility and recognizing the service and leadership of its namesake, Alan Holden.

Designed to meet the growing demand for highly trained first responders, the Alan Holden Public Safety Center provides cutting-edge learning environments for students pursuing careers in emergency medical services, law enforcement, fire and rescue, and other public safety professions.

The facility features specialized classrooms, advanced simulation technology, tactical training spaces, and flexible instructional areas that mirror real-world emergency response environments. These innovative training resources will help students develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to serve their communities from day one.

“Public safety professionals are among the most essential members of any community, and they deserve access to the very best training environments available,” said BCC President Dr. Gene Smith. “The Alan Holden Public Safety Center will have a lasting impact on our students, our public safety partners, and the communities they protect.”

The center will serve not only new students but also current public safety professionals seeking continuing education, advanced certifications, and specialized training opportunities. Through its innovative design and training capabilities, the Alan Holden Public Safety Center positions BCC as a regional leader in public safety education and reinforces the College’s mission to provide workforce training that meets critical community needs.

The facility is named in honor of Alan Holden, whose decades of public service and leadership have made a lasting impact on Brunswick County and �山��. Holden has served on the BCC Board of Trustees, as well as on the Foundation Board. His service to the Town of Holden Beach includes roles as mayor, commissioner, and emergency director, and he is a former firefighter with the Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department.

Following the ceremony, guests toured the facility to experience firsthand the technologies and training environments that will prepare future generations of first responders.

As Brunswick County continues to grow, the Alan Holden Public Safety Center will help ensure that local communities are served by highly trained emergency responders equipped with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to answer the call when it matters most.

June 2026

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Brunswick Interagency Program Earns Reaccreditation

Mary Jane Kinkade — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:38:13 +0000

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Brunswick Interagency Program Earns National Reaccreditation The Brunswick Interagency Program (BIP) at �山�� has earned national reaccreditation through COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current, recognizing the program’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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The achievement reflects BIP’s dedication to helping its students build independence, confidence, and meaningful connections through vocational training, life skills development, community engagement opportunities, and supportive services.

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For years, BIP has empowered individuals to develop new skills, pursue personal goals, and actively participate in their communities. The program’s reaccreditation confirms that it continues to meet nationally recognized standards for quality services, effective operations, and continuous improvement.

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“BIP has a long history of helping individuals develop skills, pursue personal goals, and contribute to their communities,” said Greg Bland, Vice President of Continuing Education Economic & Workforce Development . “We’re proud to see that commitment recognized through this national reaccreditation. Congratulations to students, instructors, and staff.”

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COA Accreditation is awarded to organizations that demonstrate excellence in service delivery and a strong commitment to positive outcomes for the individuals they serve.

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To learn more about the Brunswick Interagency Program, visit www.brunswickcc.edu.

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June 2026

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BCC Celebrates Dedication of Dan and Linda Lynes Health Sciences Center

Mary Jane Kinkade — Wed, 20 May 2026 16:04:14 +0000

�山�� officially dedicated the Dan and Linda Lynes Health Sciences Center during a special ribbon cutting ceremony held on campus on May 19. More than 100 family members, friends, community leaders, faculty, staff, and supporters gathered to celebrate the Lynes family’s longtime commitment to student success and healthcare education at BCC.

The ceremony featured remarks from BCC President Dr. Gene Smith, Dan and Linda Lynes, and former nursing student and Lynes Scholarship recipient Dr. Katie Caison. Guests also enjoyed a reception, facility tours, and demonstrations inside the Health Sciences Center.

Although the facility has served students for several years, the ceremony formally recognized the Lynes family’s lasting generosity and impact on �山��.

“A building dedication is far more than placing a name on a structure,” said Dr. Smith. “It is about recognizing a legacy of generosity, vision, and belief in education that has changed lives and strengthened our community for generations to come.”

Dan and Linda Lynes have supported BCC for more than a decade through scholarships, mentorship, and investments that help students pursue healthcare careers and other workforce pathways.

“We are incredibly honored by this recognition,” said Linda Lynes. “We believe education changes lives, and supporting students at BCC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives.”

Today, the Dan and Linda Lynes Health Sciences Center houses programs preparing students for careers in Registered Nursing, Practical Nursing, Dental Assisting, Clinical Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, and other healthcare professions. The facility includes classrooms, simulation labs, and hands-on learning environments that prepare graduates to serve healthcare organizations throughout Brunswick County and beyond.

To learn more about Health Sciences programs at BCC, visit brunswickcc.edu.

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A Graduation Surprise 22 Years in the Making

Mary Jane Kinkade — Fri, 08 May 2026 18:30:13 +0000

When Ann Faircloth arrived on campus for what she believed was a routine student profile interview, she was simply ready to share her story.

What she didn’t know was that this moment had been quietly set in motion by someone who knows her story best.

Her son, Charles V. Faircloth III, an active-duty Airman stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, wanted to make sure his mom’s graduation didn’t pass without the recognition she so deeply deserves. Though he couldn’t be there in person, he worked behind the scenes to create something meaningful, something worthy of the moment.

And it is quite a moment.

Ann’s college journey began more than two decades ago at another institution, when she first enrolled with a one-year-old child and a dream of earning her degree. Like it does for so many, life stepped in. Responsibilities grew, time passed, and her education was put on hold. But through it all, she never let go of that goal.

Years later, she made the decision to return to college and chose BCC to help get her over the finish line.��

While working full time, Ann enrolled at BCC to complete her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. She needed flexibility and found it through BCC’s online programs, allowing her to balance work, family, and school. In her final two semesters, she pushed herself in remarkable ways, completing seven classes each semester while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Now, 22 years after she first began her college journey, Ann is graduating from BCC, ready to continue her work in the classroom and expand her impact.

Her story is one of perseverance, but also one of love and sacrifice.

Charles shared that growing up, his mom always put others before herself, consistently choosing her family’s needs over her own. It is something he understands even more now as an adult. That selflessness shaped him, supported him, and stayed with him through every step of his own journey, including his decision to serve in the United States Air Force. While she may not have imagined that path for him, she stood beside him through it all, from phone calls during big milestones to seeing him off to basic training, even overcoming her fear of flying to watch him graduate.

Today, he wishes he could be there again, this time in the crowd, watching her.

From Alaska, he will be cheering her on from afar, celebrating a moment he says has inspired him more than she probably realizes. And while technology makes it easy to stay connected, he admits there is one thing distance still makes impossible, simply giving his mom a hug.

Ann, this moment belongs to you.

From your family, from your son serving our country, and from your entire BCC family, we celebrate you and all that this accomplishment represents.

Congratulations, Class of 2026 graduate.

Your story is a reminder that no matter how long the journey takes, it is always worth finishing.

May 2026

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BCC Named One of the 2026 Most Promising Places to Work

Mary Jane Kinkade — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:53:27 +0000

�山�� has been recognized as one of the 2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges, a national honor presented by The EDU Ledger in partnership with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD).

BCC is one of just 27 colleges across the country to receive this distinction and is the only community college in North Carolina named to the 2026 list.

The recognition highlights institutions that excel in areas such as employee support, workplace culture, professional development, and community engagement. Colleges are selected based on a comprehensive review of policies and practices that foster a positive and supportive environment for faculty and staff.

“This recognition speaks to the culture we have built at �山��,” said David Townsend, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer. “Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to student success and to supporting one another. Being named one of the most promising places to work affirms our focus on creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best work.”

Award recipients will be featured in the May 7 issue of The EDU Ledger and recognized at the NISOD Annual Conference in Austin, Texas, May 23–26.

April 2026

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BCC Receives Duke Energy Foundation Grant to Strengthen Electrical Technician Training

Mary Jane Kinkade — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:05:47 +0000

�山�� has been awarded a $25,000 Workforce Development Grant from the Duke Energy Foundation as part of a statewide $600,000 investment to strengthen North Carolina’s energy workforce.

BCC is one of 20 community colleges across the state selected to receive funding, which supports hands-on training, equipment, scholarships, and program enhancements aligned with the growing energy sector.

“We are deeply grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for this generous $25,000 investment in our Electrical Technician program,” said Dr. Gene Smith, President of �山��. “Their support allows us to provide scholarships that open doors for students and to enhance our training with a state-of-the-art industrial wiring capstone system. This partnership strengthens our ability to prepare highly skilled technicians who are ready to meet the workforce needs of our region. We appreciate Duke Energy’s continued commitment to education, workforce development, and the future of Brunswick County.”

Duke Energy’s investment reflects a growing need for a skilled workforce as North Carolina continues to experience rapid population and economic growth, driving increased demand for energy infrastructure and services.

BCC’s Electrical Technician program equips students with the skills and real-world experience needed for careers in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. With support from the Duke Energy Foundation, the college will continue expanding access to these opportunities while helping meet regional workforce demands.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to education, workforce development, and building a strong talent pipeline to support the future of Brunswick County and beyond.

Photo Caption: L to R: Greg Bland, VP Continuing Education Economic & Workforce Development; Marilyn Graham, Director Multicultural, Workforce Development, and Outreach; Bettina Davidson, Director, Workforce Development; Pam Hardy, Duke Energy District Manager, Government & Community Relations; Dr. Gene Smith, President, �山��

April 2026

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Faith Farmer Named BCC Student of the Month

Mary Jane Kinkade — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:48:32 +0000

�山�� proudly recognizes Faith Farmer as its February Student of the Month, celebrating her outstanding achievements both in the classroom and on the court.

Faith embodies what it means to be a dedicated student-athlete. She earned a perfect 4.0 GPA last semester and is currently on track to achieve the same this term, all while serving as a key leader on the Lady Dolphins basketball team.

Her athletic performance is just as impressive as her academic success. Faith ranks among the top scorers in the region and is nationally ranked in points per game, a testament to her talent, discipline, and drive.

Behind her success is an unwavering commitment to her daily routine. Faith begins each day with an 8 a.m. class and has not missed a single one. Between practices, games, and team responsibilities, her days often stretch well into the evening. Even with such a demanding schedule, she maintains a consistently positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Faith Farmer represents the very best of BCC, demonstrating excellence, leadership, and perseverance. She continues to set the standard for what it means to succeed as a student-athlete while fully embracing the college experience. Congratulations!

March 2026

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Staff Spotlight: Meet Demaris Lance

Mary Jane Kinkade — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:45:24 +0000

For Demaris Lance, �山�� has been more than a workplace. It has been part of his life story. In April, Demaris will celebrate 20 years as a BCC employee, not counting the year he spent here as a student. Having first experienced the college as a student and later as a professional, he says BCC is a place where he truly grew up.

A Brunswick County native from the Calabash area, Demaris first attended UNC Pembroke, where he initially majored in Computer Science before switching to accounting. But home was never far from his mind. A self-described homebody, he found himself making the drive back nearly every weekend while also working part-time as a cook at a local restaurant. With a baby on the way, Demaris made the decision to return home, continue his education at BCC, and later earn his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Accounting from UNC Wilmington.

As luck would have it, BCC had an opening in its Business Office at just the right time. “I was really fortunate,” Demaris said. “BCC came into my life when I was going through a lot of change. I was starting a family and trying to finish my degree, and the support I found here made all the difference. It gave me the stability I needed and helped me keep moving forward.”

He began his career as a��Financial Aid��Accountant,��which he calls the “front of the house,” working directly with students and Student Services. “In that role, I was the connection point between departments and students,” he said. “I was close in age to many of them, and I think that helped. I understood what they were going through because I had just been there myself.”

Over the years, Demaris transitioned from Financial Aid to a Purchasing role and now serves as Accounts Payable/County Funds Accountant. Through all those changes, his appreciation for BCC has only deepened. “I’ve had the opportunity to watch this college grow in so many ways,” he said. “There’s so much here now that didn’t exist when I first started, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the level of support. That’s what really stands out, and I think it’s a big reason why students connect with BCC. It’s a place where people genuinely want to see you succeed.”

Even though he no longer works directly with students every day, Demaris still makes a point to engage with them whenever he can. “Even in my current role, I try to take time to speak with students when the opportunity comes up,” he said. “Those conversations matter. It’s important to stay connected to the people we’re here to serve.”

When he is not at BCC crunching numbers, Demaris spends time with family, staying active in his church, and enjoying time in the kitchen, especially when he is cooking something fun with his granddaughter. He also lights up when talking about one of his longtime favorite pastimes: bowling. “Bowling has always been something I really enjoyed,” he said. “I spent years in a league and even managed to bowl a 300 game, which is something I’ll always be proud of.” Although he has taken a break from the sport, his enthusiasm has not faded. “I definitely miss it,” he added with a smile. “It might be time to get back out there.”

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Dolphins Head to NJCAA National Tournament

Mary Jane Kinkade — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:14:47 +0000

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�山��’s men’s basketball team is heading back to the national spotlight, earning the No. 19 seed in the 24-team NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship in Hutchinson, Kansas.

The Dolphins (28–5) will face No. 14 seed Gulf Coast State in the first round on Saturday at 8 PM CST, with the game streaming live on ESPN+.

This national appearance comes on the heels of a dominant postseason run. After finishing the regular season ranked No. 20 in the NJCAA final poll and competing against one of the toughest schedules in the region, BCC carried that momentum into the Region 10 Division I Atlantic District Tournament. The Dolphins powered through the field, winning three games by an average of 21 points to claim the championship.

In the title game, BCC delivered a statement win over No. 1 seed Gaston College, 90–76, securing their place on the national stage.

Under Head Coach Walter Shaw, who now holds 524 career wins in his 26th season, the Dolphins have built a legacy of excellence. This year’s title marks the program’s second consecutive Atlantic District championship and the third since 2021. It is also BCC’s fifth Region 10 Tournament title and their fourth trip to Hutchinson, all under Shaw’s leadership.

With the victory, BCC made history as the first Region 10 program since 2019 to win back-to-back championships and earn consecutive automatic bids to the national tournament.

This season’s success has been fueled by depth, balance, and a true team-first mentality. With only four returning players, the Dolphins embraced the mantra “Strength in Numbers,” averaging 94 points per game. Ten players contribute between 5 and 13 points per game, and nine different players have led the team in scoring throughout the season.

Standout performances have also earned individual recognition. Darius Kane was named First Team All-Region 10, while Alius “Junior” Bowser and Linwood Rowe earned Second Team honors. Kane and Bowser will continue their careers at North Carolina Central University, while Rowe, the team’s leading scorer, has been named one of the Top 100 junior college players in the nation.

With a roster full of talent and every player eligible for recruitment in the 2026 class, the Dolphins are as promising for the future as they are dominant in the present.

As the team heads to Hutchinson, community support can make a meaningful impact. Fans who would like to help offset travel expenses are invited to make a donation of any size.��

SUPPORT THE TEAM

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BCC to Host Job Fair on April 8

Mary Jane Kinkade — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:36:29 +0000

If you’re looking for new full- or part-time career opportunities or talent to fill positions at your business, we invite you to attend the BCC Job Fair on Wednesday, April 8. Held in partnership with NC Works and sponsored by METCON Buildings & Infrastructure, the job fair will be held at the Dinah E. Gore Sports & Aquatics Center at BCC from 10 AM-1 PM.

The Job Fair is free of charge and features over 50 employers from throughout Brunswick County and surrounding areas, all with open positions at salaries of at least $15 per hour. Industries represented include hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, food service, banking, beauty and wellness, plumbing, law enforcement, first responders, and more.

In addition to free admission, job seekers and employers can participate in free workshops: Writing a Resume that Works and Interview Skills to Get You the Job. The NC Works Mobile Unit will be onsite providing job application assistance. A professional photographer will offer free headshots from 10 AM-12 PM.

The deadline for employers to reserve exhibition space is April 1. For all the details, a complete list of employers, and to register to attend or exhibit, visit . Sponsorship opportunities are also available. You may also contact Jillian Hardin at hardinj@brunswickcc.edu or (910) 755-8508.