MCC Closes Out the Spring Semester with Student & Institutional Milestones

As the 2025 spring semester comes to a close, Martin Community College (MCC) reflects on the student achievements and institutional accomplishments made throughout the semester.

MCC celebrated its Spring Curriculum Commencement on Friday, May 16, 2025. The college concluded the 2024-2025 academic year with 214 graduates earning Associate Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates - the highest number of graduates in a decade. Of those, 165 graduates walked the stage in front of proud family, friends, and MCC faculty and staff. Graduates ranged in age from 15 years old to 62 years old, and there were at least two mother-son duos who walked the stage. This event was a major milestone for students as they take the next steps in their educational or professional journeys.

Among this year's highlights is MCC's first student to complete the Associate Degree - Nursing (ADN) program in collaboration with Roanoke Chowan Community College (RCCC), Allie Leggett. Allie began her education in a pre-nursing track at MCC and then transferred her credits to RCCC where she completed her ADN. She is the first student to complete this collaborative pathway. Allie was also awarded the DAISY Award, an international recognition award that honors nurses for their extraordinary compassion, clinical skills, and personalized care.

Earlier this spring, MCC hosted the 2025 NC State Horse Judging Contest, a signature event supported by NC State Extension's Equine Husbandry Program. This event was held on MCC's campus and welcomed more than 300 middle and high school students from across the state. The contest demonstrated to students how to evaluate horse conformation and performance classes, sharpen decision-making skills, and practice oral reasoning. MCC's Equine Program Director, Tammie Thurston, states that the contest is a "dual learning experience - not only for the students competing in the judging but also for our equine students who gain real-world experience preparing horses in such a large event."

Adding to the student achievements this semester, MCC equine student Ally Harris presented her research at CCURE - the Community College Undergraduate Research Experience at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). Her research, titled "The Effect of Lights on Estrus in Horses" explored how artificial lighting influences the reproductive cycles in mares. Ally states, "I truly enjoyed diving into the data, analyzing patterns, and forming conclusions. This experience has deepened my passion for discovery, and I'm excited to pursue future opportunities, whether through further research or a career in a related field."

In support of early career exploration, MCC welcomed 40 fifth grade students for a hands-on STEM Day Camp sponsored by NC East Alliance. The event gave young learners knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math while introducing them to career opportunities in growing fields. The STEM Day Camp reflects MCC's commitment to early career exploration and is made possible through partner organizations like NC East Alliance. MCC is offering two summer day camps for high school students - an Allied Health and Public Safety Day Camp on June 12 and an Advanced Manufacturing and Automotive Day Camp on June 16 and 17.

Adding to the institutional accomplishments, MCC attended the Strategic Planning Institute (SPI) at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. The SPI provides school leaders with the necessary tools to develop STEM education strategies that will prepare students for high-demand STEM industry jobs. Representing MCC was Happy Gingras, Vice President of Academic Affairs. Representatives from Martin County Schools also attended, and Gingras states that it was an "amazing opportunity to connect with Martin County Schools on a deeper level. I learned a lot about the K-12 system and am excited to see how the changes to the curriculum increase students' interests."

From student achievements to institutional accomplishments, Martin Community College brings the spring semester to a close. As the college looks ahead to the summer and fall semesters, MCC remains focused on its mission - to build better futures by providing affordable, accessible, quality educational programs and workforce development in a student-centered environment in order to meet the community's needs. Summer session begins Wednesday, May 21; and registration for the fall semester is ongoing. Stop by or call us at (252) 789-0200 to begin building your dream career!