Rise Up: A Community College Q&A from an African American Perspective
Register early for this FREE event!
Deciding what’s next isn’t always easy. Even if you know what you want to do, finding the right path to make it happen can be challenging. This is especially true for African American men, many of whom may appreciate seeing relatable examples of what that looks like and where to begin.
That’s why our four successful panelists are excited to share their higher education stories, all of which began at a North Carolina community college. Join us for this important conversation and Q&A session to gain valuable information, ideas and insights into how each of these accomplished men made it to where they are today—and how community college played a role.
Whether you’re looking to gain new skills or build on the ones you have, North Carolina community colleges offer hundreds of programs— everything from flexible online courses to hands-on training opportunities—that can help you accomplish your goals and get you hired. Learn more about what community college can do for you and get to know more about these impressive graduates and their unique paths to success.
Presenters:
Demetrius Deloatch, Moderator
Demetrius currently serves as a consultant at APCO Worldwide, where he focuses on serving North Carolina through public and government affairs. Previously, Demetrius served as a lobbyist at the NC League of Municipalities. He began his educational path at Halifax Community College before transferring to Elizabeth City State University.
Panelists
Xavier Johnson-Graham, Intern Producer at Studio 67/Big Bang Radio
Xavier began his higher education at Nash Community College and transferred his credits to East Carolina University where he received a bachelor’s degree in communications. He is now enrolled in another program at Nash Community College focused on broadcast technology so he can learn more about an industry he became passionate about during his studies. He currently serves as an intern producer at a sports radio show with Inner Banks Media.
Jordan McLean, SGA Vice President Fayetteville Technical Community College, YES Member, and Psychology Major
Jordan is currently enrolled in the Psychology program at Fayetteville Technical Community College and plans to transfer to a university to continue his education in pursuit of a master’s and PH.D. At FTCC he has become highly involved in campus life and was recently elected the Vice President of the Student Government Association where he assists students in staying connected despite the pandemic. He also is a member of the Male Mentoring Success Initiative, YES.
Michael Denning, First year medical student at Brody School of Medicine at ECU
Michael’s higher education journey began in high school where he was enrolled in the Career & College Promise program. He took college classes while still in high school and graduated with a high school degree, two associate degrees and a nursing certificate – all completely free. After graduation he went to East Carolina University to get his bachelor’s degree in science and public health and a master’s in business administration. Now he is a first-year medical student at ECU and has plans to become a pediatrician.
Christopher St-Hilaire, Central Piedmont Community College graduate, Princeton Student
Christopher began at Central Piedmont Community College after dropping out of high school at the age of 15. Central Piedmont prepared Christopher for the exam to get his GED and also helped him become involved in multiple extracurricular activities. After graduating with an Associate of Arts degree, he transferred to Princeton University where he now studies Philosophy. He was able to enroll in Princeton University with the classification of a junior and on a full scholarship. Once he graduates Princeton, he hopes to become an investment banker.
