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JACKSON – Officials from Halifax Community College (HCC) spoke before the Northampton County Board of Commissioners during their meeting on March 3 to present their budget request for the upcoming fiscal year.

“It is good to be home,” said HCC President Dr. Patrena Elliott, a former resident of Northampton County who grew up in Severn.

Dr. Elliott’s presentation focused on highlighting success stories from the college, and their ongoing partnership with Northampton County.

The college hosts several local early college programs, including Northampton’s. She noted that students from Northampton County Early College (NCEC) currently make up 26 percent of HCC’s total of dually-enrolled students (that is, students who are earning a high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time).

She noted examples of student success, which included students regularly being inducted into the Beta Club as well as the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She also praised NCEC’s “Crossing of the Green” ceremony, which celebrates students as they reach the halfway point to earning their associate degree.

Dr. Elliott then recognized local students who received the competitive Golden LEAF scholarship, and shared information about the community service work students participate in.

“We are continuing our efforts to expand educational and workforce training,” Dr. Elliott continued.

Some of those projects include expanding the college’s nursing program to include evening/weekend classes, and creating a dental assistant program. She also noted that they plan to begin their CDL/Truck Driving program in the spring, and they will be constructing a skilled trades center building soon.

“We want to help ensure citizens have a chance to get a credential fast,” she emphasized.

Dr. Elliott also mentioned previous collaborations with Northampton County for apprenticeship opportunities and job fairs.

She concluded her presentation by making a request for $550,960 from the county for the upcoming fiscal year (beginning July 1, 2025), explaining that this amount would represent 26 percent of the college’s county budget and would match the 26 percent of Northampton County’s dually-enrolled students.

HCC’s allocation for the current fiscal year totaled $362,000, which Dr. Elliott said was 17 percent of the college’s county budget. She explained that the funds go to support operations (including salaries, security, and utilities) and capital outlay (including regular and ongoing infrastructure needs).

“Halifax Community College is your college, and we’re here to serve our community,” she concluded.

Board Chair Ed Martin thanked Dr. Elliott for her presentation. The board did not have any further questions or comments.