Erica McMillan Overcomes Adversity to Earn Degree in Criminal Justice at Robeson Community College
LUMBERTON, NC – As Robeson Community College prepares to celebrate its Class of 2025 on Wednesday, May 14th, one graduate’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of faith and community support.
Erica McMillan, a lifelong resident of Robeson County, will be walking across the stage with a well-earned degree in Criminal Justice, an achievement that seemed almost out of reach at several points in her journey.
“RCC initially appealed to me because of its location, but it quickly became much more than a convenient option,” says McMillan. “When I saw that it offered the Criminal Justice program, I knew it was the perfect fit.”
Inspired by her husband’s career in law enforcement, Erica pursued her studies with the goal of becoming a juvenile detective, determined to guide at-risk youth toward brighter futures. But she faced numerous hardships throughout her academic journey. Erica faced a series of daunting medical challenges, including a kidney transplant and a battle with kidney cancer that forced her to withdraw from classes multiple times. Despite these setbacks, Erica never gave up. She credits her faith, her family, and a strong network of support at RCC for helping her persevere.
There were moments in Erica’s journey when the obstacles felt too big and the path too uncertain. “My advisor, Dr. Dionne Pursley, constantly reminded me that I was closer to the finish line than I thought. My lead instructor, Mrs. Heather Monteiro, showed me compassion and flexibility during a very difficult semester,” she says. “They never gave up on me, even when I felt like giving up on myself.”
Support from RCC staff members like Ms. Betty McIntyre in the registrar’s office also left a lasting impact. “She laughed with me, cried with me, and prayed with me. I’ll never forget her,” says McMillan.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Erica became a proud member of the National Technical Honor Society, which she says gave her “a sense of pride” in her achievements. She believes the education and experiences she gained at RCC have provided a strong foundation for her future.
“I’ve gained knowledge, practical skills, and a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system. RCC truly helped me prepare for what’s next,” Erica explains.
Though she isn’t certain what the future holds, one thing is clear, Erica McMillan plans to make a difference. “I want to use my education to help others make better choices and to be a supportive presence in the lives of those who need second chances,” she says.
Her advice to current and future RCC students, “Never give up, even when things get hard. Use the resources RCC provides, ask for help, and know that it’s never too late to start or to start over.”
As Erica prepares to walk across the stage on May 14th, her story reflects not only personal triumph over adversity, but also the strength of Robeson Community College’s commitment to empowering its students.
###
For media inquiries, please contact Courtney Jacobs, Director of Governance and Marketing, at 910-272-3231 or cjacobs@robeson.edu.
