THE SHELBY INDEPENDENT

By Paula Vess | Cleveland Community College Ai generated file photo CLEVELAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE – Three Cleveland Community College cosmetology students are proving that service goes far beyond the salon chair; it reaches into the heart of the community. Kenyatta Eskridge, Kallie McCoid, and Grace Pribble are representing CCC in the SkillsUSA Community Service Project competition, using their platform to support Washington Outreach Ministry, a local organization dedicated t

Staff Reports | Cleveland Community College Cleveland Community College is one of two new regional partners in an initiative led by UNC Charlotte that expands STEM pathways for academically talented, low-income students. UNC Charlotte recently received $2 million as part of a $5 million National Science Foundation grant to grow the successful partnership across the region. The new award builds on the earlier SPARC 4 initiative and launches SPARC 6, a five-institution collabor

By Jasa West | Cleveland Community College | Press Release file photo | The Shelby Independent Cleveland Community College has secured its place in the sixth cohort of NC Reconnect, a statewide initiative to engage more adult learners and provide them with fast, flexible, and in many cases tuition-free education and job training programs.  NC Reconnect is a collaborative effort first launched in 2021 by the John M. Belk Endowment  to address the state’s critical workforce

Staff Reports | Cleveland Community College Cleveland Community College – On Saturday, March 7, Cleveland Community College’s women’s basketball team captured the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Region 10 Championship with a victory over the Fayetteville Technical Community College Trojans. “This championship is a reflection of the work these players put in when nobody was watching,” said Head Coach Ford “Scooter” Lawrence. “They earned this

Staff Reports | Cleveland Community College Cleveland Community College (CCC) has received a $10,000 community investment from AT&T to expand its Digital Navigator Program, further strengthening digital access and literacy efforts for adult learners and community members throughout Cleveland County. CCC is one of only eight colleges selected to receive this funding. On Tuesday, February 24, Kathleen Evans, Regional Director of External Affairs for AT&T, accompanied by Chrisy

Staff reports | Cleveland Community College Cleveland Community College Cleveland Community College’s Collision Repair and Refinishing Program is proud to announce it has received a $5,000 Honda Benchmark Award grant from the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). This competitive award supports program maintenance and additions that enhance student learning and align with industry needs. “We are grateful for the support from CREF and the Honda Benchmark Award,” said

Staff Reports | Cleveland Community College CCC Cleveland Community College is proud to announce its participation in Careers Electric, a workforce initiative launched by the Siemens Foundation to expand access to high-quality electrical training and build the next generation of skilled electrical workers. According to a February 17 press release from the Siemens Foundation, Careers Electric aims to train 25,000 individuals over the next 10 years to address the growing demand

Staff reports Cleveland Community College recently announced a new partnership with The Forward Fund (TFF) to help students in the Electrical Lineworker Academy and the Heavy Equipment Operator Academy cover program costs and cost-of-living expenses during training. “Traditional financial aid does not usually cover short-term job training programs,” said Tony Fogleman, CCC’s vice president of workforce development. “Being able to offer this option to our students removes a b

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent Political Smackdown logo on C19TV, recorded in the John O. Harris Jr. studio Cleveland Community College C19TV’s Political Smackdown, hosted by Mike Philbeck -R, Betsy Wells -D, Wes Westmoreland -R, and Andy Dedmon -D, had their last regular episode of the year on the last Friday before Christmas. Former Shelby Mayor Mike Philbeck began the show by mentioning former North Carolina Governor James B. (Jim) Hunt, who recently passed aw

Staff Reports | Shelby Independent Cleveland Community College Santa isn't the only one that has made a list and checking it twice. Cleveland Community College President Jason Hurst has announced the President’s and Dean’s Lists for the Fall 2025 semester. To be named to the President’s List, students must carry a minimum of 12 credit hours and receive a perfect 4.0 Grade Point Average. The following students were named to the President’s List. (listed alphabetically): (Names

Staff Reports | The Shelby Independent Cleveland Community College plans to launch a new Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program to help meet the growing need for skilled laboratory professionals in our region. Pending approval by the North Carolina Community College System and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), CCC plans to begin offering courses in fall 2026. The associate degree program will complement CCC’s existing heal

Staff reports | press release Cleveland Community College is expanding access to nursing education with the launch of a new nights and weekends LPN-to-ADN program. It is designed specifically for working Licensed Practical Nurses who want to advance their careers and earn their Associate Degree Nursing. The first cohort will begin classes in January and graduate in December, completing the program in just one year. The enhanced format responds to the needs of today’s healthca

Staff reports | Cleveland Community College Cleveland Community College has joined other community colleges across the state in partnering with North Carolina State University on the Wolfpack Connect Guaranteed Admission Agreement. The agreement creates a seamless and supportive pathway for CCC students enrolled in eligible academic programs to transfer to NC State and complete their bachelor’s degrees. These students will be able to transition to NC State with guaranteed adm

Staff Reports | Cleveland Community College SHELBY — Cleveland Community College congratulates its long-standing partner, Greenheck Group, on receiving the Outstanding Employer Award from the North Carolina Work-Based Learning Association (NCWBLA). The award was presented during the Association’s annual conference held in Asheville on November 6. The Outstanding Employer Award recognizes organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to workbased learning and make a la

Dot Roark cuts the ribbon dedicating the new C19 studio and in honor of her plaque on the wall for the trust endowment she created for CCC's broadcast program and C19. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent Editor's note: Since the publication of this article on Aug. 29. 2025., Dorothy (“Dot”) Mulder Roark,101, passed away at home on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2025. The Shelby Independent extends our heartfelt condolences to her family. Cleveland Community College held a spec