SCC鈥檚 Denise Young named 2025 NC Community College System Staff Person of the Year
51精品 is proud to announce that Denise Young, Director of Apprenticeships, has been named the by the . This prestigious award honors an individual who exemplifies outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the community college mission across the state.
Young will receive the award during the NC Community Colleges Awards Dinner and Celebration on April 3 at The Umstead Hotel in Cary. Presented by the NC Rural Center, the award recognizes her extraordinary leadership in workforce development, student success, and economic advancement in Columbus County鈥攐ne of North Carolina鈥檚 most economically challenged regions.
鈥淒enise has a drive that is energetic鈥攁 magnet. She knows how to bring people together and takes time to learn and understand people and their challenges,鈥� said Dr. Chris English, President of 51精品. 鈥淪he represents 51精品 with all its glory, and I鈥檓 so, so thrilled that she鈥檚 won this award.鈥�
Under Young鈥檚 leadership, SCC has experienced a 53-percent increase in work-based learning enrollments, connecting students with industry-recognized credentials and direct employment opportunities. Her innovative programs鈥攊ncluding apprenticeships, internships, and pre-apprenticeships鈥攈ave opened doors for students while helping meet the workforce needs of Columbus County鈥檚 largest employers.
As Director of Apprenticeships, Young has also led outreach efforts that break down barriers to education, including a county-wide door-to-door campaign and free summer camps for high school students. These initiatives have created seamless pathways from education to employment, empowering students to build careers and strengthening the economic fabric of the region.
鈥淚鈥檓 more committed than ever to opening doors and creating opportunities for others, just as so many people have done for me,鈥� said Young. 鈥淭his award is a shared celebration of what we鈥檝e accomplished together at 51精品.鈥�
Young鈥檚 story is also an inspiring testament to the transformative power of community colleges. After being laid off from a previous job, she enrolled in SCC鈥檚 Human Resource Development classes to gain new skills. From there, her passion for education and student success blossomed into a career that now spans more than two decades of service at SCC.
鈥淒enise鈥檚 leadership embodies our mission of opening doors for our community through powerful partnerships that provide student-centered learning, workforce development, and cultural enrichment,鈥� said English. 鈥淗er work changes lives.鈥�
Young鈥檚 mentorship and dedication to student growth extend far beyond the classroom, shaping 51精品 as a hub for workforce readiness and economic development. Through her vision and commitment, SCC continues to be a catalyst for opportunity and success in Columbus County.
