RCC’s Top 10 News Stories of 2024
For Robeson Community College, 2024 was a historic year filled with new ventures and newfound success. The college made headlines week after week, with stories ranging from the launch of athletics to the 50th Anniversary Fire and Rescue Conference.
In 2024, RCC was showcased on various media outlets, including The Robesonian, WBTW, WWAY, WMBF, WPDE, 100.9 The Cross and more.
Although you might argue that every story deserved to be in the Top 10, below are the stories that were the most shared and most talked about in 2024 about Robeson Community College across the region, the state, and beyond.
Top 10 stories of 2024
Soon, you’ll be able to say, ‘take me out to the ballgame,’ the RCC ballgame that is.
Robeson Community College has forged partnerships with Lumbee River EMC and the City of Lumberton that is paving the way for the college to begin an athletics program. A memorandum of understanding has been signed by RCC and the City of Lumberton concerning the shared use of Field 5 and the multipurpose field at Dr. Raymond B. Pennington Athletic Complex in Lumberton.
RCC will offer men’s baseball and women’s softball, slated to begin in late 2025. Initially the college was to offer women’s soccer but felt softball was more closely aligned with the resources currently available. RCC has hired an athletics director and coaching staff and has had 11 players commit to the inaugural baseball team, coming from across North Carolina. A survey to name the mascot was held for the community, and the new mascot will be unveiled in 2025.
WBTW
RCC to launch sports program in 2025
https://www.wbtw.com/sports/robeson-community-college-to-launch-sports-programs-in-2025
WPDE
New Athletics program coming to RCC
https://wpde.com/news/local/new-athletics-program-coming-robeson-co-community-college-new-opportunities-baseball-soccer-scholarships-partnerships-initiative-local-talent-skills-higher-education
WMBF
RCC launches athletics program
https://www.wmbfnews.com/2024/07/18/robeson-community-college-launch-athletics-program
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
RCC to launch new athletics program
https://bizfayetteville.com/more-news/2024/7/18/robeson-community-college-to-launch-new-athletics-program/3246
Robesonian
Stiles: Athletics program a win for RCC, Community
https://www.robesonian.com/sports/303532/stiles-athletics-program-a-win-for-rcc-robebeson-community
RCC to launch athletics program
https://www.robesonian.com/sports/303284/rcc-to-launch-athletics-program
Jones, RCC Fast at work building inaugural teams
https://www.robesonian.com/sports/309475/jones-rcc-fast-at-work-building-inaugural-teams
Jones named RCC’s first AD baseball coach
https://www.robesonian.com/sports/308198/jones-named-rccs-first-ad-baseball-coach
RCC seeks public input to name athletics mascot
https://www.robesonian.com/sports/304434/rcc-seeks-public-input-to-name-athletics-mascot
WWAY
RCC needs help choosing mascot for upcoming Athletic’s program
https://www.wwaytv3.com/rcc-needs-help-choosing-mascot-for-upcoming-athletic-program
100.9 The Cross
Eric Freeman talks Mascot, Athletics on 100.9 The Cross
https://www.robeson.edu/rccs-eric-freeman-talks-mascot-athletics-and-yard-sale-on-100-9-the-cross
RCC officially opened its A.S. Thomas Center in 2024 with a ribbon cutting ceremony being held in November. The Town of Pembroke allowed RCC to close the street off and officially made the day of the ribbon cutting, RCC Day.
The center initially opened in June but due to construction at 62 Union Chapel Road (in front of the store,) the ceremony had to be delayed. With a new location in downtown Pembroke, RCC increases its reach on the west side of the county and can assist curriculum and continuing education students with a one-stop shop.
In addition to the center, RCC will also be opening its new Barber Shop in 2025, located just two doors down.
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
Ribbon Cutting in Pembroke begins new chapter in RCC’s History
https://bizfayetteville.com/business-education/2024/11/14/ribbon-cutting-in-pembroke-begins-new-chapter-in-rccs-history/3662
RCC’s AS Thomas Center in downtown Pembroke now open
https://bizfayetteville.com/business-education/2024/9/3/rccs-as-thomas-center-in-downtown-pembroke-now-open/3395
Robesonian
RCC and community leaders celebrate the ribbon cutting at the A.S. Thomas Center and RCC Barber Shop
https://www.robesonian.com/news/breaking-news/306915/rcc-and-community-leaders-celebrate-the-ribbon-cutting-at-the-a-s-thomas-center-and-rcc-barber-shop
Ribbon Cutting, Free haircuts planned at RCC’s Pembroke Location
https://www.robesonian.com/news/306893/ribbon-cutting-free-haircuts-planned-at-robeson-community-colleges-pembroke-location
RCC opens new branch in downtown Pembroke
https://www.robesonian.com/news/304374/robeson-community-college-opens-branch-in-downtown-pembroke
WWAY
RCC’s Thomas Center was featured on WWAY’s Carolina Beat
https://www.wwaytv3.com/the-carolina-beat-as-thomas-center
100.9 The Cross
Patricia Strickland talks Thomas Center on 100.9 The Cross
https://www.robeson.edu/rccs-patricia-strickland-talks-thomas-center-on-100-9-the-cross
It was the event of the year at Robeson Community College, a solar eclipse party hosted by the Science Department for the viewing of a rare solar eclipse that crossed over the United States. The event made headlines before, during and after the eclipse passed over Robeson Community College.
Although not in the path of totality, the main campus in Lumberton saw 85% coverage which made for an impressive, spectacular view. Telescopes and special solar glasses were made available so that everyone could watch the solar eclipse safely. The event drew students, faculty, staff and community members, as well as motorists off I-95 travelling from out of state who stopped to fuel up and saw the sign about the watch party and decided to check it out. The event was briefly live streamed by CBS across all affiliates as WBTW filmed the eclipse live on its YouTube channel.
WBTW
Photos: Here’s how News13 Viewers celebrated the eclipse
https://www.wbtw.com/eclipse-2024/photos-heres-how-news13-viewers-celebrated-the-eclipse/
Here’s what the Carolinas will see during the total solar eclipse
https://www.wbtw.com/news/state-regional-news/heres-what-the-carolinas-will-see-during-the-total-solar-eclipse/
Robeson Community College to host solar eclipse viewing party on Monday, April 8 from 2pm-4pm
https://www.wbtw.com/news/state-regional-news/robeson-county/robeson-community-college-to-host-solar-eclipse-viewing-party/
WPDE
Robeson County’s College Solar Eclipse Viewing party attracts large crowd
https://wpde.com/news/local/robeson-county-community-college-solar-eclipse-viewing-party-astronomy-sun-moon-total-north-carolina-04-08-2025
Robeson Community College to host solar eclipse viewing party on Monday, April 8 from 2pm-4pm
https://wpde.com/news/local/robeson-community-college-host-solar-eclipse-viewing-party-partial-moon-sun-astronomy-event-total-coverage-lumberton-telescope-binocular-glasses-vision-safety-proper-equipment-center-lawn-library-free-public
WFXB
Robeson Community College to host solar eclipse viewing party on Monday, April 8 from 2pm-4pm
https://www.wfxb.com/2024/03/29/robeson-community-college-to-host-solar-eclipse-viewing-party
WMBF
Robeson Community College hosts solar eclipse viewing party
https://www.wmbfnews.com/2024/04/09/robeson-community-college-hosts-solar-eclipse-viewing-party
RCC hosting viewing party for solar eclipse on Monday, April 8 from 2pm-4pm
https://www.wmbfnews.com/2024/03/30/robeson-community-college-hosting-viewing-party-solar-eclipse/
Robesonian
The Eclipse in Robeson County
https://www.robesonian.com/news/breaking-news/300146/300146
RCC invited public to eclipse viewing on Monday, April 8 from 2pm-4pm
https://www.robesonian.com/news/299801/299801
It was a historic day in June when Robeson Community College broke ground on its lineman pole yard. The Electrical Lineman program had been much anticipated and talked about, having been in discussions for several years. Thanks to a partnership with Lumber River EMC, the program became a reality, with the first class being held in July shortly after the pole yard’s construction was completed. The class graduated in October and held the first Electrical Lineman Rodeo, an agility test for students to display the skills learned during the inaugural class.
WWAY
RCC’s Lineman Program is on WWAY’s Carolina Beat
https://www.wwaytv3.com/the-carolina-beat-robeson-community-colleges-lineman-program
Robesonian
RCC holds first electrical lineman rodeo for graduating students
https://www.robesonian.com/news/305134/rcc-holds-first-electrical-lineman-rodeo-for-graduating-students
Lineman Rodeo postponed, to be held October 1
https://www.robesonian.com/news/305044/rccs-lineman-rodeo-reschedule
RCC’s electrical lineman program holds its first class session
https://www.robesonian.com/news/303229/rccs-electrical-lineman-program-holds-its-first-class-session
Awake 58 Newsletter by EdNC
Lineman Rodeo | Robeson Community College is set to host its first electrical lineman rodeo this week. The rodeo will showcase student skills and what they have learned in class. Lineman families and employers will be onsite Oct. 1 for the event. Stay tuned for more from EdNC.
https://www.robeson.edu/rcc-students-to-put-on-a-show-during-the-lineman-rodeo/
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
LREMC and RCC partner to bring lineman program to the region
https://bizfayetteville.com/business-education/2024/5/30/lremc-and-rcc-partner-to-bring-lineman-program-to-the-region/3061
Laurinburg Exchange
LREMC, RobesonCC partner to bring Lineman Program to region
https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/news/282896/lremc-robesoncc-partner-to-bring-lineman-program-to-region
Robeson Community College launched a major campaign in 2024 — Better Jobs. Better Pay. Better Future. This campaign was aimed at targeting adult learners in Robeson County without a degree, with hopes that they will enroll at RCC so that new doors of opportunity could begin to open for them. The campaign continues and included a job fair held in October.
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
RCC kicks off Better Skills, Better Jobs, Better Future campaign
https://bizfayetteville.com/buisness-education/2024/4/24/rcc-kicks-off-better-skills-better-jobs-better-future-campaign/2937
Robesonian
RCC unveils new outreach efforts to attract, support more adult learners
https://www.robesonian.com/news/breaking-news/300493/rcc-unveils-new-outreach-efforts-to-attract-support-more-adult-learners
RCC launches new outreach effort to attract adult learners
https://www.robesonian.com/news/300451/robeson-community-college-launches-new-outreach-effort-to-attract-adult-learners
WBTW
Robeson Community College grant to help adults receive higher education
Story aired 4/18 during the 5pm and 6pm news, but no link/video is available
100.9 The Cross
RCC’s Dr. Johnny Smith talks Better Skills, Better jobs on 100.9 The Cross
https://www.robeson.edu/rccs-dr-johnny-smith-talks-better-skills-better-jobs-on-100-9-the-cross/
Robeson Community College hosted several “I’m Next” Fests during the summer months of 2024. The party included food, games, prizes, free t-shirts, and a chance to win a laptop computer as students applied, filed the FAFSA, and register for classes.
RCC held “I’m Next” Fest to increase awareness of the $3000 NextNC Scholarship that 80% of Robeson County qualifies for, which provides access to a college education for free for most students who attend. The “I’m Next” Fests saw 108 families in attendance and was declared a major success as enrollment soared during the Fall 2024 semester and continues to trend upward for Spring 2025.
Robesonian
Robeson Community College offering T-shirts and pizza during registration event; next event is Thursday, July 18 from 4pm-7pm
https://www.robesonian.com/news/302631/robeson-community-college-offering-t-shirts-and-pizza-during-registration-event
RCC assists new students in filling out financial aid forms and enrollment during the new scholarship event on June 11
https://www.robesonian.com/news/302325/rcc-assists-new-students-in-filling-out-financial-aid-forms-and-enrollment-during-the-new-scholarship-event-on-june-11
Scholarship open to many local students
https://www.robesonian.com/news/301995/scholarship-open-to-many-local-students
The Early Childhood Education program at Robeson Community College was selected to participate in a national project to better prepare early childhood education professionals.
The project, supported by a one million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, is guided by the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (FPG). FPG and RCC colleagues are working together on Supporting Change and Reform in Preservice Teaching in North Carolina (SCRIPT-NC), focusing on helping early childhood professionals with associate degrees to better meet the needs of all young children, including children with diverse cultures, languages, and abilities, and their families.
Through the project, Robeson Community College in partnership with SCRIPT-NC and UNC Chapel Hill’s Frank Porter Institute, offered two free workshops in STEM for educators in September.
The first workshop included RCC’s Education faculty and faculty from UNCP and the Lumbee Tribe joined an all-day training event on “Preparing Educators Who Can Support Each and Every Child and Family: Building a Repertoire of Effective Practices.”
During the second workshop, approximately 40 educators gathered for “Strategies and Resources for Ensuring Inclusive Early STEM Learning Experiences for ALL young Children.” Many of the attendees were graduates of RCC’s Education program.
EdNC
RCC’s Early Childhood Education program selected to participate in national project with UNC
https://www.ednc.org/robeson-community-colleges-early-childhood-education-program-to-participate-in-national-project-with-unc/
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
RCC’s Early Childhood Education program selected to participate in national project with UNC
https://bizfayetteville.com/business-education/2024/2/27/rccs-early-childhood-education-program-selected-to-participate-in-national-project-with-unc/2741
Robesonian
RCC’s Early Childhood Education program selected to participate in national project with UNC
https://www.robesonian.com/news/299009/robeson-community-colleges-early-childhood-education-program-selected-to-participate-in-national-project-with-the-university-of-north-carolina
RCC offering free workshop in STEM for educators, September 7
https://www.robesonian.com/news/304253/rcc-offering-free-workshop-in-stem-for-educators-sept-7
RCC’s first medical sonography class has graduated and completed the requirements of the 2-year program. The program started in January 2022 as demand in the local workforce increased and the program was greatly needed. Since 2022, two other cohorts have been added and RCC will welcome it’s fourth cohort in August 2025.
WWAY
RCC’s Medical Sonography is on the Carolina Beat!
https://www.wwaytv3.com/the-carolina-beat-robeson-med-sonography
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
Medical Sonography students make history at RCC as first graduating class
https://bizfayetteville.com/achievers-accolades/2024/10/23/medical-sonography-students-make-history-at-rcc-as-first-graduating-class/3581
Robesonian
Medical sonography students make history at RCC as first graduating class
https://www.robesonian.com/news/306219/medical-sonography-students-make-history-at-rcc-as-first-graduating-class
Robeson Community College’s Criminal Justice program was ranked as one of the best schools for online degrees in a public service field by STEPS (Student Training & Education in Public Service). Only 13 percent of colleges and universities in the U.S. earned a spot on the rankings for 2024.
Robeson Community College ranked in the top 20 for the best online criminal justice degree, and in the top 50 for best online public service degree among community colleges in the United States.
WWAY
RCC’s Criminal Justice program is on WWAY’s Carolina Beat
https://www.wwaytv3.com/the-carolina-beat-robeson-community-college-criminal-justice-program
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
RCC’s Criminal Justice program ranks in Top 20 of Best Online Criminal Justice Degrees across US
https://bizfayetteville.com/printstory/2745
Robesonian
Robeson Community College ranks in Top 20 of Best Online Criminal Justice Degrees across the US
https://www.robesonian.com/news/298948/robeson-community-college-ranks-in-top-20-best-online-criminal-justice-degrees-across-the-us
One of the most iconic legends of all time visited the campus of Robeson Community College in December – Santa Claus. The anticipation in waiting for Santa grew high as children of all ages waited for the famous man in the red suit, and when he did arrive, he received a ‘rockstar’ greeting.
Robesonian
Santa Claus visits Robeson Community College, getting a rockstar greeting
https://www.robesonian.com/307415/santa-claus-visits-robeson-community-college-wednesday-getting-a-rockstar-greeting
100.9 The Cross
RCC’s Sherry Lofton talks Santa Landing, Holiday Craft Fair, and more on 100.9 The Cross!
https://www.robeson.edu/rccs-sherry-lofton-talks-santas-upcoming-visit-the-holiday-craft-fair-and-more-on-100-9-the-cross/
Other noteworthy stories from 2024 include:
