Former PCC student and current Dean receives statewide TRIO award

Across North Carolina, only three individuals receive the annual North Carolina TRIO Achiever Award. This year, Piedmont Community College’s (PCC) Paulita “Tasha” Williams (pictured left), Dean, Enrollment Services, is one of the recipients, recognized for her academic and career achievements.

“The NC TRIO Achiever recipients are alumni of a TRIO program that demonstrated achievement because of the program or since their participation in a program,” said Rosalind Cross (pictured right), Director, Federal Programs at PCC. “There are so many individuals throughout the seven North Carolina TRIO programs that are doing great things and are deserving of this recognition, and we are so proud of Dean Williams’ success that led her to earning this achievement.”

Williams received her award at the recent TRIO Achievers Banquet Dinner at the North Carolina TRIO Fall Conference in Charlotte.

TRIO directors nominate achievers across the state that prove how TRIO services are monumental in supporting those who seek growth and success in their educational and professional life. Cross nominated Williams for her career success spanning more than two decades of work where she utilized the resources available to her.

“Dean Williams used TRIO’s Student Support Services as the gateway to the completion of her own personal and educational goals which led to a successful 24-year career in higher education with roles in administration, fiscal management, and leadership,” said Cross.

Williams utilized TRIO’s services while pursuing higher education as well as throughout her career where the program helped her in various ways, personally and professionally, with mentors acting as the foundation to prepare her to reach her academic and career goals.

“Participating in TRIO allowed me access to holistic workshops that covered topics ranging from academic to personal well-being,” Williams said. “The counselors were very supportive and made sure to keep me on track when things were overwhelming. The mentors within the program also encouraged me throughout my career journey, preparing me to meet my academic and career goals.”

“I am forever grateful for the support I received from PCC’s TRIO Student Support Services program,” said Williams.

About TRIO:

The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects.

The recipients of the grants, depending on the specific program, are institutions of higher education, public and private agencies and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth and secondary schools. Combinations of such institutions, agencies, and organizations may also apply for grants. These entities plan, develop and carry out the services for students. While individual students are served by these entities, they may not apply for grants under these programs. Additionally, in order to be served by one of these programs, a student must be eligible to receive services and be accepted into a funded project that serves the institution or school that student is attending or the area in which the student lives.

TRIO at PCC:

PCC’s TRIO Educational opportunity Center (EOC) office provides free counseling and information on college admission in 10 North Carolina Counties to help provide a smooth transition to higher education for prospective students. The team assists with the application process, financial aid options, basic financial planning, academic advising and more. The TRIO office is located in Building G, Room 208 on the College’s Person County Campus, 1715 College Drive in Roxboro.

With registration open for the Spring 2023 semester, PCC’s TRIO team is excited for the opportunity to help those who are ready to take the next step in their education and career. Get started at www.piedmontcc.edu/trio or call (336) 599-1181.