A new Web page launched by Rowan-Cabarrus Community College provides information on three programs through which high school students can earn tuition-free college credits.
The new page, www.rowancabarrus.edu/gateway2college/, also gives phone numbers and e-mail addresses students can use to get more details about RCCC’s Gateway Programs.
Each of the programs, Rowan County Early College, Dual Enrollment and the Huskins Program, gives high school students the opportunity to get a jumpstart on their college studies or a technical career by earning tuition-free college credits.
“Our new Gateway Programs Web page is designed to give high school students and their parents a user-friendly and interactive source of information about these exciting and highly affordable opportunities,” said Kimberly Boling, RCCC director of academic advising. “While the Web page is clearly geared toward students, it’s easy for anyone to navigate and learn about the benefits of each program.”
Through RCCC’s Dual Enrollment Program, high school students age 16 and older can take any college-level course offered tuition free, provided they have completed the necessary high school pre-requisites.
Through the Huskins Program, high school juniors who are at least 16 years old can take tuition-free courses that will count as credit toward associate degree programs offered by RCCC. In many cases, Huskins students can earn half of the credits needed for a two-year associate degree while still in high school.
Rowan County Early College, starting up in August, gives Rowan County students the ability to earn a high school diploma and the first-two years of college credit simultaneously. Students enter Early College as ninth graders. When they graduate as seniors, they will have earned a high school diploma and two years of tuition-free, transferable college credits.
“RCCC’s Gateway Programs make sense for many students and their families,” Boling explained. “Students who want to get a head start on college and families concerned about the rising costs of four-year colleges and universities should take a look at our Gateway Programs.”
Kennedy-Hall awards
Kennedy-Hall American Legion Post 106 has awarded three $500 scholarships to local students for academic, patriotic and community service.
They are Jason Blymyer, Caleb Wittum and Cory Lingle.
Blymyer, son of Donald and Linda Blymyer of Cleveland, is a rising senior at Appalachian State University.
Wittum is the son of James Wittum and Cindy Rummage of Cleveland.
Lingle, son of Nelson and Terry Lingle of Mount Ulla, is also this year’s recipient of the Legion/JROTC Award.
China faculty member
Dr. Michael Thompson, associate professor of history and chair of the history and geography department at Pfeiffer University, was named an honorary professor of history at Shanxi University in Taiyuan, China, during a recent visit there.
Thompson was among a delegation of Pfeiffer students, faculty and staff who traveled to China as part of a 17-day cultural immersion. The cultural exchange and study abroad is part of an ongoing cooperative agreement between Pfeiffer and Shanxi universities that was established in 2006.
Thompson gave a lecture on the agricultural history and food culture of eastern North Carolina to approximately 250 students at Shanxi.
“Time and time again, while at Shanxi University, I was overwhelmed by the level of engagement of the students in their programs and the level of their interest in all things American,” Thompson said. “Our delegation was seldom without opportunities to talk formally and informally with our Chinese counterparts. This learning experience is one that professors often dream of, but rarely have the chance to be a part of. I won’t soon forget my time in Taiyuan.”
A faculty member at Pfeiffer since 2000, Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest and a master’s degree from the University of Mississippi. He earned a Ph.D. in American history from Miami University in Ohio. He and wife Molly live in Charlotte’s University City area with their two daughters.
Averett dean’s list
James Gwyn of Salisbury has been named to the spring semester dean’s list at Averett University in Danville, Va., for earning a 3.4 or higher grade-point average.
N.C. A&T dean’s list
Ten Rowan County students have been named to the spring semester dean’s list at N.C. A&T State University in Greensboro.
They are Maurice Adkins, Cordero Archie, Heather Bryan, Desiree Charleston, LaNette Chunn, Tanzanika Cowan, Gregory Jackson, Amiben Patel, Brooke Waller and Shirelle Wright.