Warren Jason Beck
President and CEO of Columbus Regional Health System
Class of 1997 – AAS, Respiratory Therapy

“I am a lifelong resident of Columbus County, NC. When graduating high school I knew I wanted to be in healthcare. Having asthma as a child led me to respiratory therapy. Like many young people in rural communities, I too heard time and time again that you must leave to be successful. I love being in a rural community and find that sentiment not to be true. There are opportunities! For those that have the calling to leave and seek a larger more urban environment that is great. However, those that have a desire to stay “home” have a tremendous opportunity through the community college system.

Rural communities need young talent and not only in healthcare.

The community college system plays a pivotal role in preparing one for a successful future. It is at RCC I began to realize the importance of education and what it means to be a lifelong learner. With great mentors throughout my education and professional career I learned that education has a far-reaching impact beyond preparing one for a career. It allows the student or learner to build a life skill to earn living wage and perhaps prepare for a more secure future, while for the community, your providing skills or services needed within the community.

With healthcare as an example, one can look at outcomes based on zip codes and find that rural communities typically do not have the same outcomes as more urban areas. Life expectancy should not be defined by one’s zip code.

Education is the foundation needed in rural communities to meet the growing needs of our rural communities. Healthcare was my calling and I have countless blessings of having the opportunity to care for someone when it was most needed.”                    – Warren Jason Beck

If you would like to be featured, or to nominate a fellow classmate for an upcoming alumni spotlight, please contact Chasity Skusa at cskusa@robeson.edu.