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Community colleges provide hope and opportunity after failure
by Alli Lindenberg, EdNC Director of Engagement
Growing up, Patty Pfeiffer remembers walking to the Salvation Army and waiting in line for government cheese. One of three siblings born to a single mother suffering from severe mental illness, it didn’t take long for her to realize that the odds of success were stacked against her.
But Pfeiffer didn’t let the challenges from her upbringing stop her from creating a better life for herself. Through her own determination, time in the military and career in higher education, Pfeiffer overcame numerous obstacles on her path to become the person she is today: a wife, mother, veteran, and president of Wayne Community College.
When asked why community college was the the best decision ever, this is what she said:
“For me, our local community college provided me hope and opportunity after failure. Having failed out of college my first semester out of high school, I questioned whether I was truly cut out for college. Still searching, I joined the Army because it was the one thing I was successful at in college. The Army provided me structure and confidence, but I still dreamed about a career in healthcare. When my husband and I were stationed in North Carolina after serving in South Korea, Wayne Community College was there for me. It gave me a second chance and the belief that I was capable of achieving my dream,” said Pfeiffer.
Pfeiffer was an airborne rigger in the Army and jumped out of airplanes for six years while in service. But long before she was jumping out of airplanes, she was a student in an ROTC airborne unit in her home state of Pennsylvania. Pfeiffer excelled in ROTC and in high school overall, which led her to enroll as a pre-med student at a large university in Pennsylvania. That is where her academic career took a turn she wasn’t expecting.
Being the first in her family to pursue higher education, Pfeiffer didn’t have family knowledge or support she could rely on to help her navigate college. She had a rough first semester, struggled with the large class sizes, and ended up with a 1.41 GPA. She dropped out following that first semester and was lost as to what to do next.
“When I left college that December after my first semester, I was scrubbing floors and cleaning toilets in a rest stop, and I said [to myself], ‘I gotta do more than this…I wanted more in life,’ said Pfeiffer.
Pfeiffer remembered the fascination she felt watching students jump out of airplanes back in ROTC. That experience inspired her to join the Army. After six years of service, Pfeiffer moved on to her next dream of working in healthcare. She enrolled at Wayne Community College and earned her associate degree in applied science and nursing. With her new degree in hand, she became a nurse – directing patient care in labor and delivery and assisting the team in the orthopedic and surgical units at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Medical Center and Lenoir Memorial Hospital.
She went on to earn her bachelor of science in nursing from East Carolina University. Pfeiffer returned to Wayne Community College in 1994 to become a nursing instructor to teach and to help support students like her. Students that she knew would have their lives changed by community college. More than 30 years later, Pfeiffer remains at Wayne Community College, inspiring students and leading the college as its sixth president.
“All of us, every community college in this state has an opportunity to be that welcoming place for students who weren’t sure or aren’t sure that they can be successful, and here I sit as somebody who failed a couple of times and then had the opportunity to come back and do what I love,” said Pfeiffer.
Why leaders think community colleges are the ‘best decision ever’
“Whether a student completes a quick short-term credential that allows a quick pathway to a living wage job or if they choose to pursue a full two-year degree program leading on to a four-year degree or entry into the workforce, increasingly our students are saying that going to a community college was the best decision they ever made. You simply cannot argue against the return on investment our students receive when they invest in themselves through attending one of our extraordinary 58 community colleges!”
— Jeff Cox, President, N.C. Community College System
“There is no better investment North Carolina can make than in our community colleges. These institutions are our state’s greatest engine for economic mobility and opportunity. Our Great 58 prepare students for high-demand careers, while strengthening local communities. When a storm rages or a factory closes, they respond first and fast. When we invest in community colleges, we invest in a brighter future for our all of North Carolina. It is the best decision we can make as a state.”
— MC Belk Pilon, John M. Belk Endowment
“Coming to a community college is a decision to do more — and to become more — than you were before. Anyone who has spent time around a community college knows: everywhere you look, you see evidence of it being someone’s best decision ever. What drives that decision looks and feels different for everyone. But at the core of each story is the same foundation — growth and possibility.
It might be a new student enrolling to begin their college journey. It could be someone returning to school to gain new skills for a better career path. It might be a local business seeking training for employees ahead of their next big investment. Or, it could be someone joining the college as an employee, determined to make their community stronger. In every case, walking through the open door of a community college is a decision to move forward, to step up, and to climb higher.
Dr. Dallas Herring, often called the father of North Carolina’s community college system, was known for saying “we must take people where they are and carry them as far as they can go.” Wherever you live in North Carolina, you have a community college nearby doing exactly that — carrying people as far as they can go. The work isn’t easy. The road is sometimes rough. But when people choose to invest in themselves, their communities, and their future — when they make the best decision ever — there are truly no limits to what they, or a community college, can achieve.”
— Jeremy Gibbs, Finalist for President of Mayland Community College
“Our community colleges offer accessible, affordable, and highly skilled programs for North Carolinians all across our state. On my Future-Ready Community College tour, I have heard directly from students how community college has changed their lives and afforded them new opportunities, particularly in high-demand areas like nursing. I am excited to champion these schools and look forward to working with the community college board to ensure this work is supported.”
— Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt
“North Carolina’s community colleges are one of our state’s best assets! They offer an incredible investment opportunity for our people and economy. Their call to action is to “meet students where they are and take them as far as they can go,” geographically, financially, and academically. Our colleges provide education to help launch individuals into higher-wage jobs. Whether it’s training our future nurses, educators, linemen, tradesmen, coders, or entrepreneurs, our community colleges are engines of opportunity. They also serve as a powerful gateway to four-year degrees, feeding talent directly into the UNC System and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, which are economic engines for our local communities and providers of workforce talent. Community colleges are ground zero for reaching the state’s educational attainment goal — 2 million North Carolinians with an industry-valued credential or degree by 2030. This can begin in high school through dual enrollment, or for adult learners who enter later in life. This isn’t just education — it’s transformation, delivered campus by campus, career by career, life by life.”
— Cecilia Holden, myFutureNC
“At NC State, we see firsthand the transformative power of North Carolina’s community colleges — not just as institutions of access, but as gateways to student success. The Belk Center partners with community college leaders statewide to strengthen institutional capacity through leadership development and action-focused research and evaluation to ensure more students who transfer are prepared to thrive as they continue their educational journey. We know that students who begin at a community college and transfer to a university like NC State bring academic talent, strengthen our workforce and demonstrate that community college isn’t just the first step — it’s the best decision they’ll ever make.”
— Audrey J. “AJ” Jaeger, Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research
“I come from one of the greats within the fifty-eight — and I am writing this on behalf of the experiences that changed my life. I was a self-supporting, unaccompanied youth who was struggling to survive. My father passed away in 2015, my mother was battling her own struggles, and I was left to fend for myself.
In short, my life has been about defying the odds and transforming my challenges into stepping stones. One of my first stepping stones was when I walked through the doors of Southwestern Community College and asked for help. I was greeted with smiling faces, a warm welcome, and I was listened to — but more importantly, I was heard and understood.
I was paired with an advisor who helped me register for classes and connected me with financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and work-study positions. I received guidance on how to navigate college life, manage my time, and set realistic goals. I was given access to counseling services during moments of stress, and staff consistently checked in on me to make sure I was okay. I was also referred to the food pantry when times were tight.
Whenever I thought I had reached a breaking point, someone at SCC stepped in to remind me that I was not alone. I received every ounce of support I needed. Without that support, my life would be completely different. Today, I maintain a 3.9 GPA, a healthy support system, and connections that will last a lifetime. I have been accepted to North Carolina State University as a transfer student and plan to continue my educational journey this fall.
That is why North Carolina’s community colleges are among the best decisions anyone can make. These colleges open doors to education and opportunity, stability, and a better future. They meet students where they are and walk with them toward where they want to be. Whether fresh out of high school, returning to school later in life, or simply trying to find your next step, community colleges offer flexible, affordable, and life-changing pathways to success.
For students like me, it is more than just a school — it is a lifeline, a launchpad, and a home. A foundation of success that would otherwise be unknown to me — and Southwestern Community College was the catalyst that helped me build that foundation not just for school, but for life. It set my course toward a brighter future and gave me the tools to keep going. So, if you’re wondering whether a community college can make a difference, I’m living proof that it absolutely can.”
— Zyla Young
“After high school, I chose Robeson Community College because I couldn’t afford a four-year university right away — and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. Community college offered me something I desperately needed: affordability and flexibility. I was able to take classes while working part-time, which helped me support myself financially. But more than that, RCC gave me a community. The small class sizes, caring faculty, and personal support made me feel seen, valued, and encouraged. It felt like family.
Thanks to the credits I earned at RCC, I transferred to UNC Pembroke and completed my degree faster and with less debt than if I had gone straight to UNCP. Without that opportunity, attending the university might not have been possible.
Today, I’ve been proudly serving North Carolina as a public school educator for 16 years. I work as a P.E. teacher and athletic director, and I tell my students — my “gym kids” — that community college is a smart, strong start. It opens doors, saves money, and surrounds you with people who believe in your future.
North Carolina’s community colleges change lives. They changed mine and that’s why they’re the best decision ever.”
— Jermie Oxendine
“Community college is the best decision ever because the return on investment is unparalleled. These institutions open doors to opportunity, provide individuals with purpose, and transform entire communities. They are a beacon of light and hope and are a place where the impossible become a reality for many. At Halifax Community College, we don’t just prepare students for the workforce; we prepare them for life.”
— Patrena Elliott, President, Halifax Community College
“I am a parent of children who attended a community college in eastern NC (COA) and it was the best decision ever for us and for our kids…
Choosing community college was one of the best decisions we ever made for our children. Through the Career and College Promise program, both of our kids were able to earn college credits for free while still in high school — saving us thousands in tuition costs. Even more importantly, they learned valuable college study skills, how to manage their time, and what to expect from a college-level course. When they transferred to a four-year university, they were confident, prepared, and already ahead of the game. Thank you to the wonderful faculty and staff who supported them!
I now work at the community college and take great pride in supporting students along their educational journeys. I’m a passionate advocate for all things community college and love cheering on the success of our students every step of the way.”
— Maria Mandis
“I was a college drop-out. My local community college was an opportunity to go back to school while raising a family and working a full-time job. The night and weekend programs being offered were a tremendous asset to our community. The adjunct teachers were community partners, K-12 teachers, and business owners. They brought a real-world perspective to their teaching philosophy, and it made you aspire to be just like them. Some things you just can’t get from a book, being taught Marketing by someone who owned a small business right up town, being taught Accounting by someone who worked uptown at the accounting firm, seeing these very individuals out in the public (grocery store, Walmart, etc.) was inspiring. It helped when you wanted to give up or felt that one more thing on your plate would just send you over the edge. And no, I did not complete the 2-yr. college in 2 years but that was the beauty of the community college, you could chip away at it one class at a time. There was not any time clock, slow and steady wins the race. It was a springboard for me to pursue my advanced degree once I saw that it was possible to do it all. I went on to get my bachelor’s degree with the benefit of a night/weekend program being offered at a CAPE center 2002-2003 (with the credit from my initial 4-yr. college and my associate degree I only needed one more year) and master’s degree 2004-2006. So, Roanoke Chowan Community College was the best decision ever!”
— Kimberly Lassiter
“North Carolina Community Colleges provide an accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that meets local workforce needs. Whether a young person is seeking skills for their first career, or an adult learner is returning to the classroom, that student will gain a valuable education that impacts their lives in countless ways. By partnering with local businesses and industries, community colleges help drive economic development and foster lifelong learning – making them the most impactful part of strong, resilient communities.”
— Gene Rees, Chair, NC Association of Community College Trustees and a Trustee at Surry Community College
“Since its inception, the North Carolina Community College System has remained focused on providing access and opportunity. In my opinion, there are no other institutions that are better positioned to support students, both inside and outside the classroom, than each of the 58. As a reflection of each unique service area, community colleges strive to maintain educational quality and student success while effectively supporting economic and workforce development through teamwork and partnerships. While identifying and meeting local needs, community colleges provide an invaluable service for citizens, businesses, and industries within North Carolina.”
— David Heatherly, President, Coastal Carolina Community College and President of the NC Association of Community College Presidents
‘Best decision ever’ as students pursue dreams while supporting family
by Julie Woodson, the president and CEO of the NC Association of Community College Trustees
In 1967, my father graduated from Broadway High School, located in a small town adjacent to Sanford. He was fresh-faced, just featured as the senior “Most Likely to Succeed” in the yearbook, and was ready to head to NC State University where he had been accepted into the engineering program.
However, he had to grow up quickly and step back onto the family farm when his older brother was drafted into the Vietnam War. As the only son left at home, my father’s parents depended on him to help manage a 100-acre farm that included tobacco, soybeans, cattle, and pigs. With one son in the military, my grandparents said they wanted my father to pursue his dream, but they would be unable to keep farming if they didn’t have his daily support.
He didn’t go to NC State. He stayed on the farm. But he didn’t give up his dream of becoming an engineer.
Central Carolina Technical Institute — which eventually became Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) — had opened a few years earlier on Kelly Drive, just 15 minutes way from the crops and dust of the fields.
My father registered, graduated with a certificate in drafting, began working in private industry part-time, and returned to the farm each evening to prime tobacco, plow the fields, and feed the livestock.
When his brother came home from Vietnam in 1970, my father continued to work after hours on the farm but was able to work full-time in private industry in the Sanford community. He served as a draftsman, tool designer, and mechanical engineer, eventually moving into research and development. Over two decades, he worked at Roberts Company, Betta Mold and Tool, Federal Molding Company, and Static Control Components. Along the way, he kept up with the latest technologies by taking additional classes at CCCC and was among the first engineers in the area to embrace computer-aided drafting (CAD) and manufacturing.
While working in private industry, he began working closely with the community college to develop programs for students, so they, too, could get good jobs in the local community. He connected with Dr. Marvin Joyner, the president of CCCC at that time, and when a teacher in the engineering program retired, Dr. Joyner asked my father to apply.
He got the job.
My father worked at CCCC for 18 years in several different roles and retired in 2009 as the lead mechanical engineering instructor. Students still tell me how much he taught them. In addition to serving as an instructor, he was the advisor for the robotics club and won several state and national awards. During the summer, he organized and led CAD-Camps for middle schoolers, so they could see the fun in the manufacturing software.
My father, who passed away in 2001, was extremely proud to work at CCCC. He said he felt like he had come “full circle” as he was able to support students at the community college, just as the community college had supported his dreams decades earlier.
He didn’t have to choose between his family and his career. Central Carolina Community College made that possible.
