ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ is excited to welcome Tanner Bullard as the new head coach of the Dolphins softball program. Bullard brings several years of collegiate coaching experience and a passion for helping student-athletes succeed both on the field and in the classroom.

Before joining BCC, Bullard spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Converse University, where he helped guide the program through one of the most successful periods in its history while contributing to both the team’s athletic and academic achievements. He previously served as a graduate assistant coach at UNC Pembroke, helping develop student-athletes who earned conference and regional recognition.

“We’re excited to welcome Tanner to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­,” said BCC Athletics Director Robbie Allen. “He brings a strong coaching background, a passion for developing student-athletes, and a vision for building a competitive program rooted in discipline, teamwork, and academic success. We look forward to the future of Dolphins softball under his leadership.”

Bullard said BCC’s close-knit community and untapped potential made the opportunity an easy choice.

“I’ve always viewed BCC as a hidden gem with tremendous potential,” Bullard said. “My goal is to build consistency among our student-athletes, both on the field and in the classroom. I want to create a culture where our players compete at a high level, support one another, and graduate prepared for whatever comes next.”

July 2026

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ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ is pleased to welcome Gabriella DiSisto as the new Executive Director of The Foundation of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­.

With more than a decade of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience, DiSisto brings a passion for connecting generous people with meaningful opportunities to make a lasting difference. Throughout her career, she has helped nonprofits strengthen donor relationships, grow philanthropic support, and expand opportunities for the people they serve.

Now, she’s excited to help create those same opportunities for BCC students.

“Working in the nonprofit world has always been incredibly rewarding because every day I have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life,” said DiSisto. “Foundations like ours open doors for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue their education and career goals. Being part of that journey is what motivates me, and I am absolutely thrilled to join ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ and become part of this community.”

As Executive Director, DiSisto will lead The Foundation’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts, working alongside alumni, businesses, community members, and philanthropic partners to increase scholarships, enhance programs, and expand educational opportunities for students across Brunswick County.

BCC President Dr. Gene Smith said DiSisto’s passion for helping others makes her an ideal fit for the College and its mission.

“The Foundation plays a vital role in creating opportunities for our students, and Gabriella shares that commitment wholeheartedly,” Smith said. “Her passion for serving others, combined with her experience building strong relationships, will help us continue expanding the Foundation’s impact for our students and our community. We are excited to welcome her to the BCC family.”

The Foundation of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ helps remove financial barriers, supports innovative educational programs, and creates opportunities that empower students to achieve their academic and career goals. Through scholarships, grants, and generous community support, the Foundation changes lives every day.

DiSisto looks forward to building relationships throughout Brunswick County and inviting others to become part of that mission.

To learn more about The Foundation of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­, make a gift, or explore ways to support student success, contact Gabriella DiSisto at disistog@brunswickcc.edu or (910) 755-6530.

July 2026

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ΒιΆΉΣ³»­’s Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Class 75 has reached an outstanding milestone, achieving a 100% pass rate on the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission State Comprehensive Exam.

The rigorous four-hour, 300-question exam is the final academic requirement for aspiring law enforcement officers in North Carolina. Passing the exam demonstrates a graduate’s knowledge, skills, and readiness to serve their communities, making Class 75’s perfect first-attempt pass rate an exceptional achievement.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our students,” said BLET Program Director J.D. Smith. “A 100% pass rate reflects the dedication, discipline, and perseverance these students demonstrated throughout the program. It also speaks to the commitment of our instructors, who work tirelessly to prepare future law enforcement officers for success both in the classroom and in the field.”

BCC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in criminal law, patrol procedures, investigations, ethics, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency response, driver training, and community relations. Graduates must successfully complete all Commission-mandated coursework and pass the State Comprehensive Exam before becoming eligible for certification as North Carolina law enforcement officers.

Class 75’s achievement continues BCC’s tradition of excellence in public safety education and reinforces the College’s commitment to preparing highly qualified officers to serve communities across North Carolina.

Congratulations to every member of BLET Class 75 on this remarkable accomplishment. We look forward to seeing the positive impact each graduate will make in the communities they serve.

July 2026

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The annual rankings recognize nursing programs that demonstrate excellence in preparing future nurses through strong academic outcomes and quality instruction.

“This recognition reflects the outstanding work of our Practical Nursing faculty and the dedication of our students,” said Dr. Robert Robinson, Dean of Health Sciences. “Our faculty are committed to preparing compassionate, highly skilled nurses who are ready to provide exceptional patient care from day one. We are incredibly proud of this achievement.”

BCC’s ACEN-accredited Practical Nursing program combines rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences that prepare graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination and begin rewarding careers in healthcare. Students gain valuable experience using advanced simulation technology and industry-leading equipment in the Dan & Linda Lynes Health Sciences Center, helping build confidence and clinical decision-making skills before entering the workforce.

“We congratulate our Practical Nursing faculty, students, and alumni on this well-deserved recognition,” said Dr. Gene Smith, President of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­. “Their commitment to excellence, combined with our investment in state-of-the-art facilities and technology, ensures our graduates are well prepared to meet the growing healthcare needs of our region.”

BCC offers a wide range of Health Sciences programs, including Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), LPN to ADN Bridge, Paramedic to ADN Bridge, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Nurse Aide, and more.

Prospective students are encouraged to attend an information session, explore program options, or schedule a campus tour by contacting OneStop Student Services at onestop@brunswickcc.edu or (910) 755-7320.

Learn more about BCC’s Health Sciences programs at brunswickcc.edu.

July 2026

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ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ 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 ΒιΆΉΣ³»­. 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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ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ 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 ΒιΆΉΣ³»­.

β€œA building dedication is far more than placing a name on a structure,” said Dr. Smith. β€œIt 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.

β€œWe are incredibly honored by this recognition,” said Linda Lynes. β€œWe 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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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.ΜύΜύ

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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ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ (BCC) 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.

β€œThis recognition speaks to the culture we have built at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­,” said David Townsend, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer. β€œOur 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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ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ (BCC) 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.

β€œWe 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 ΒιΆΉΣ³»­. β€œTheir 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, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­

April 2026

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