MEDIA CONTACT:
Kenyon “KJ” Askew, Jr.
Director, Marketing & Strategic Engagement
klaskew736@nashcc.edu
252-451-8235

Nash Community College SkillsUSA Builds on Legacy of Excellence 

ROCKY MOUNT, North Carolina (May 4, 2026) – Nash Community College continues to solidify its position as a statewide and national leader in career and technical education following another milestone year for its SkillsUSA chapter.

NCC’s SkillsUSA chapter has been named a Model of Excellence in Technical Skills, one of the highest honors awarded by SkillsUSA. The recognition places NCC as one of only eight schools in the nation and the only school in North Carolina, selected in the technical skills category, to receive the distinction in 2026.

The honor was awarded for the chapter’s NCC C.A.R.E.S. Kiosk Project, a collaborative initiative led by students across multiple programs. Welding students fabricated the kiosk stand, machining students created the component holders, and electrical systems students programmed, wired and assembled the final project.

The national recognition comes alongside a strong competitive showing for NCC students at the state level.

The college’s Welding Fabrication Team (consisting of students Rayna Griffin, Silas Finn and Jackson Stitt) earned first place in statewide competition and advanced to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference this summer in Atlanta. 

In total, Nash Community College students have earned 31 medals during the 2026 SkillsUSA season, marking the highest medal count in program history. Since 2013, NCC students have earned 195 total medals, including 58 gold medals, reflecting more than a decade of consistent excellence. 

“NCC College has built a culture where students are encouraged to lead, collaborate and apply their skills in meaningful ways,” said Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “These achievements reflect not only technical ability, but also the dedication of our faculty, advisors and students who continue to raise the standard for workforce education.”

NCC’s SkillsUSA chapter is recognized as the largest chapter in North Carolina and has earned Gold Chapter of Distinction status for several consecutive years, including 2026.

The chapter’s success extends beyond competition results.

In 2023, Nash Community College earned national recognition as a SkillsUSA Model of Excellence winner in the Workplace Skills category, placing NCC among the top SkillsUSA chapters in the country. That same year, NCC students and advisors earned multiple honors at the national level.

Additionally, NCC Department Chair of Applied Engineering Technologies and SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor, Wanda Tyson, previously received regional recognition for her leadership and service to SkillsUSA.

“I am incredibly proud of our students and what they continue to accomplish,” Tyson said. “SkillsUSA gives students the opportunity to grow not only in technical ability, but also in leadership, teamwork and professionalism. These accomplishments represent years of commitment, collaboration and a strong belief in student success.”

SkillsUSA serves more than 444,000 members nationwide, representing more than 5,000 schools across all 50 states and U.S. territories. The Models of Excellence program recognizes chapters that best integrate the SkillsUSA Framework through student-led initiatives focused on personal, workplace and technical skills.

As a 2026 Model of Excellence finalist, NCC will compete this summer in Atlanta for the opportunity to be named the No. 1 SkillsUSA chapter in the nation in technical skills.

NCC’s continued success has positioned the college as a benchmark for SkillsUSA achievement within the North Carolina Community College System, reinforcing its role as a leader in workforce development and hands-on education.

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About Nash Community College 
Nash Community College’s mission is to provide an affordable educational environment which prepares students for university transfer and rewarding careers. Through quality instruction and services, technology, work force development, and community partnerships, Nash Community College provides lifelong learning opportunities to individuals, communities, and organizations. Nash Community College is a public community college in Nash County, North Carolina. It is part of the North Carolina Community College System.