“I was genuinely shocked and honored,” Tokura-Gallo said. “Receiving recognition was never my motivation for volunteering, so I never imagined that this award would come my way.”

She received the award for her work with the ANSWER Scholarship, a local program offering critical financial support, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to nontraditional female students who are mothers.

Susan Anderson, founder and executive director of the ANSWER Scholarship, presented Tokura-Gallo with the award in September, praising her years of service and commitment to empowering women through education.

“What made the moment even more memorable was that I was convinced the award was going to another volunteer,” Tokura-Gallo said. “As Susan described the recipient’s service and contributions, I kept smiling and looking around, expecting someone else’s name to be called.”

Tokura-Gallo’s interest in higher education and service began in her hometown, where she studied social psychology and sociology at Toyo University. After moving to the United States, she earned a master’s degree in neurolinguistics and developmental psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Tokura-Gallo was encouraged to continue her career in higher education when she discovered an open adjunct position for a psychology instructor at ������Ƶ.

“I applied, was hired, and the rest is history,” she said. “What started as a part-time teaching opportunity eventually grew into a career that has allowed me to teach thousands of students, serve in leadership roles and combine my passion for psychology with my commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals.”

Tokura-Gallo began her career at ������Ƶ over 20 years ago, teaching high school students at the Lincoln Campus. Her role quickly expanded to a full-time faculty position, and she now serves as department lead and program chair for the Associate in Science and Associate in Engineering programs. For more than 16 years, she has played a pivotal

role with the ANSWER Scholarship, currently serving as co-chair of the Selection Committee.

Since its founding in 2006, the ANSWER Scholarship has helped more than 160 local mothers continue their education, awarding over $1 million in scholarship support. In the 2025-2026 academic year, every ANSWER scholar graduated, showing the program’s importance and impact.

“The secret to that success is our support network,” Tokura-Gallo said. “Each scholar is matched with a mentor who walks alongside her throughout her educational journey, providing encouragement, guidance, and support during both the challenges and celebrations.”

While the program’s statistics impress her, Tokura-Gallo cherishes her work with the ANSWER Scholarship for the professional and personal development it creates for each student.

“One of our favorite sayings is, ‘We are small, but we are mighty,” Tokura-Gallo said. “We change one family at a time.’”

Tokura-Gallo’s dedication and leadership continue to inspire students and colleagues at ������Ƶ, embodying the college’s mission to educate and care for people.

FutureTEX will empower American textile manufacturing by adopting advanced technologies and techniques to enable manufacturing of new materials and improve capability industry-wide. The initiative is actively recruiting industry partners to be part of the project, and has already received more than 100 letters of support from industry organizations.

FutureTEX’s goal is to work with American manufacturing to capitalize on digital infrastructure and other emerging technologies making the domestic supply network more robust for the defense industrial base. Core partners in establishing FutureTEX include ������Ƶ, NC State, Drexel University, Georgia Tech, ISAIC and UMass Lowell.

This selection makes ������Ƶ the first community college in the nation to host a Manufacturing Innovation Institute. For ������Ƶ County, the Institute will create a national center of activity at the intersection of education, manufacturing, research, and economic development. It will attract companies, researchers, government leaders, and investment to the region while helping existing businesses access technologies, talent, training, and technical assistance.

One of the first objectives under FutureTEX will be for ������Ƶ and NC State to work together to establish a nonprofit organization that will assume administrative oversight of the initiative. This new institute will be housed at the ������Ƶ’s Kimbrell Campus in Belmont, N.C., with hubs in Raleigh, N.C., Philadelphia, Pa., Lowell, Mass., Atlanta, Ga.

“North Carolina and ������Ƶ County have deep roots in the textile industry dating back to the late 19th century, making it only natural that our state is anchoring an initiative aimed at strengthening advanced textile manufacturing and supporting warfighters,” says John Hauser, president of ������Ƶ. “With ������Ƶ’s deep-rooted commitment to workforce development and the textile industry, we are uniquely positioned to propel this manufacturing innovation institute forward with all of our partners.”

“North Carolina and NC State University have an enduring legacy with both the military and textiles industry, with NC State having the only college in North America dedicated to textiles,” says NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell. “We are honored to serve thousands of military affiliated students and participate in research partnerships that support our armed forces, like FutureTEX. I am proud our university will play a critical role in this national effort that will strengthen our economy and defense infrastructure.”

“FutureTEX is focused on creating a cutting-edge national ecosystem for defense textiles that simply doesn’t exist today,” says David Hinks, chief strategic partnerships officer of FutureTEX and the Prakash Chand Kochhar Dean of NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles. “This will involve commercializing applied research to help American textile manufacturing meet the needs of both the warfighter and the domestic textile industry.

“NC State is a leader in technology commercialization, and the Wilson College of Textiles is a leader in applied research and education, so we’re spearheading this project,” says Hinks. “Transferring administrative oversight to a new nonprofit organization will allow us to focus on our strengths – education, innovation, and commercialization.”

“Drexel embraces new models of innovation that eliminate borders between traditional disciplines,” says Genevieve Dion, director of Drexel’s Center for Functional Fabrics. “FutureTEX brings together a collaborative group dedicated to securing the future of textiles across the US supply chain. We are excited to join this crucial effort.”

“NC State is a national leader in technology transfer and industry collaboration,” says Krista Walton, vice chancellor for research and innovation at NC State. “Our extensive expertise in applied research is evidenced by the many products and successful companies that started at NC State – and as a member of more Manufacturing USA institutes than almost any other university in the nation, our long track record of leadership brings unique advantages to this initiative to advance the future of manufacturing.”

A strategic partnership between ������Ƶ, Lincoln County Schools, and Atrium Health Lincoln, the Academy was developed to bridge critical healthcare workforce gaps within the community. By identifying the most acute local needs, the partners designed a rigorous, accelerated pathway that allows students to graduate high school ready to enter the workforce immediately as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

“This graduation is a milestone for education and opportunity in North Carolina,” said Dr. John Hauser, President of ������Ƶ. “Through this partnership with Lincoln County Schools and Atrium Health Lincoln, we are proving that by aligning education directly with critical workforce needs, we can create life-changing, debt-free pathways for our students and build a stronger, more resilient healthcare future for our community.”

“The Lincoln County Health Academy represents exactly what is possible when education, higher education, and healthcare come together with a shared purpose,” said Dr. Aaron Allen, Superintendent of Lincoln County Schools. “These graduates are leaving high school with a diploma, an in-demand healthcare credential, and the confidence to make an immediate difference in our community. We are incredibly proud of this historic first cohort and grateful to our partners at ������Ƶ and Atrium Health Lincoln for helping create life-changing opportunities for our students.”

“Atrium Health Lincoln joined this partnership because we believe the future of healthcare begins by investing in the communities we serve,” said Michelle Reed, chief nursing officer of Atrium Health Lincoln. “Together, with Lincoln County Schools and ������Ƶ, we have created an innovative pathway that gives local students the opportunity to begin a meaningful nursing career while strengthening the future healthcare workforce for our region. Celebrating this inaugural graduating class is more than a milestone — it is the realization of a shared vision to grow the next generation of nurses who will care for our community for years to come.”

Seven students from various Lincoln County High Schools made up the inaugural cohort of the Academy. With the majority having already secured local healthcare roles following graduation, the program’s success has paved the way for expansion of the Academy beyond the LPN-only pathway. The third cohort, slated to begin in the Fall of 2026, will now have access to four pathways: LPN, Medical Assisting, Paramedic, and Foundations of Healthcare, all of which are designed to meet critical local workforce needs.

“This program was a major adjustment, but the support from our instructors, the administration, and my classmates made all the difference,” said Lincoln County Health Academy graduate Zoey Hoyle. “It’s exciting to be part of the first group to prove that high school students can handle this level of coursework. I’m looking forward to starting my nursing career soon in an inpatient setting and continuing my path toward becoming an RN.”

The Academy’s coursework is completed at ������Ƶ’s Lincoln Campus and clinical work is completed at Atrium Health Lincoln. Participation in the Academy is free, and through the utilization of the NC Pre-Apprenticeship program, many participants in the program are also eligible for continued tuition-waived education as they advance their careers.

“I had planned to take the traditional four-year college route, but this program changed everything,” said Lincoln County Health Academy graduate Justis Robinson. “It gave me the opportunity to start my career debt-free while still fulfilling my calling to help others. Knowing I can work while continuing my education toward my RN and BSN is an incredible head start.”

In May 2026, Parker’s dedication paid off as she became one of the first students ever to graduate from ������Ƶ with a degree in Respiratory Therapy. Her achievement not only marked a personal milestone but also signified a historic moment for the college and future healthcare professionals in the region.

“I knew I wanted to be in the medical field but was not sure what I wanted to do,” Parker said. “But when I saw what RT’s do firsthand, that helped me make my decision.”

Parker initially began the program as part of an Instructional Service Agreement between ������Ƶ and Catawba Valley Community College but transferred here in the summer of 2025 to complete it and earn her degree.

Earning her associate’s degree and helping to establish a new program at ������Ƶ is just the beginning for Jenna. This fall, she will continue her academic journey at UNC Charlotte, determined to further her education and broaden her impact in the medical field.

“I ultimately want to work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU,)” Parker said, “or the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with adults.”

Throughout her time at ������Ƶ, she found inspiration in her teachers and classmates, who encouraged her to push forward and ‘own her momentum’. Their support and guidance played a crucial role in shaping her path and fueling her passion for patient care.

“������Ƶ has helped me work harder towards my goals and has helped guide me over the past two years,” Parker said.

In the fall of 2024, both of Marr’s interests merged when she joined ������Ƶ’s softball team and became a full-time student at the college.   

“I decided to go to ������Ƶ to further my academic and softball career,” Marr said. “It was the best opportunity for me to follow my future goals.”    

On the field, Marr played as an infielder and helped ������Ƶ achieve a record-breaking year last season, finishing fourth in the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series. This year, she returned to help the Rhinos secure back-to-back Region and District Championships and once again return to the World Series.   

“The best part of ������Ƶ for me was being able to play softball with the best teammates I could have asked for,” Marr said.   

After contributing to two of the most successful years in ������Ƶ softball history, Marr graduated in May with an associate in science degree. She now plans to continue her education toward a four-year degree at N.C. State University, majoring in animal science.  

“Maybe I’ll become a veterinarian,” Marr said. “I am still not fully sure of what I want to do exactly, but I know that I want to work with animals in some way.”   

“������Ƶ helped me build momentum towards my career goals by providing me with an education that has truly helped me learn and come out of my comfort zone,” Marr said.

When Alycia Evans was discharged from her final duty station in Virginia with the United States Navy, she knew two things. She wanted to start a life in North Carolina and further her education.  

“My girlfriend, now wife, recommended ������Ƶ, so I enrolled,” she said. “I started at ������Ƶ two weeks after relocating here in August 2024.”  

The change of scenery and the transition from the military to the role of a student was tricky for Evans to master at first.  

“One thing that makes my journey at ������Ƶ special is how quickly my life transformed,” she said. “Within months, I transitioned out of the military, moved to a new state, became a wife and a mother, and started college all at once.”  

Smaller class sizes and an encouraging atmosphere allowed Evans to grow without feeling overwhelmed.   

“It pushed me to adapt, stay focused, and fully commit to the path I chose,” Evans said. “Looking back, what stands out most is not just what I’ve accomplished, but how much I’ve evolved as a person.  

Although there was a learning curve with the start of her journey at ������Ƶ, Evans quickly became a strong student with guidance from the college’s TRiO program and its staff, even earning the ������Ƶ Dallas Herring Award for 2026.  

“With the support and resources offered here at ������Ƶ, such as TRiO,” she said, “I was equipped with everything needed to quickly adapt and overcome those challenges.”  

Through TRiO, Evans earned a SAEOPP (Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel) Adult Learner Scholarship for this coming fall.   

“My advisor, Adele, has been a huge supporter throughout my time here, helping me stay focused and believe in my potential,” she said. “Balancing school with my responsibilities, especially as a parent, has also strengthened my discipline and resilience.”  

Evans graduated in May with an Associate of Arts degree and plans to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to pursue a bachelor’s in data science. With this degree, she hopes to become a professional sports analyst.  

“I’ve always been extremely passionate about sports,” Evans said, “and with my attention to detail, I feel like this career pursuit perfectly aligns with my strengths and interests.”  

Evans describes her experience at ������Ƶ as empowering and feels like she ‘owns her momentum’ by achieving career milestones and setting new objectives.  

“Overall, ������Ƶ has given me the support, confidence, and direction I needed to keep moving forward and take ownership of my future,” she said. “I didn’t just find my path at ������Ƶ, I proved to myself that no matter how much life changes, I have the strength to rise, adapt, and succeed.”  

When Jennifer Edens decided to go back to school, finding a balance between her studies and personal life was non-negotiable. Despite facing challenges, she wanted to grow both personally and professionally. 

“Being close to home made it possible for me to manage everything I had going on, especially being a mom and running my own business,” Edens said. “It felt like the right place to start building something better for my future.”  

Jennifer graduated in May with an associate degree in Criminal Justice Technology - Forensic Science. She was drawn to the program by the level of mystery involved in everyday work, and she hopes to unlock the truth behind difficult cases.  

“I’m really interested in how investigations work and how evidence can tell a story when people can’t,” Edens said. “It’s not just about solving cases to me—it’s about finding answers, bringing clarity, and being part of something that matters. I wanted to go into a field where I could make a real difference, and this path felt like the right fit.”  

After graduation, Jennifer plans to gain real-world experience in her field and is excited to put her studies to use.  

“I feel like I need to step into the next phase and apply everything in a real setting,” Edens said. “That being said, I’m definitely open to continuing my education in the future if the opportunity feels right.”  

Jennifer hopes to make a difference in criminal justice and wants to keep balancing her professional dreams with her family life.   

“My goal is to build a career where I’m doing something meaningful and making a real impact. I want to be in a position where I can help uncover the truth and be part of something bigger than myself,” Edens said. “At the same time, I want to continue growing the life I’ve built—being a good mom, running my business, and creating stability for my family. For me, success isn’t just about a job, it’s about building a life I’m proud of.”  

Jennifer’s path at ������Ƶ challenged her skills, and she summarized her time at ������Ƶ down to one word: resilience.  

“My time here hasn’t been easy, but I didn’t give up. I’ve had to push through personal challenges, loss, and the everyday responsibilities of life, all while staying committed to school,” Edens said. “There were moments where it felt overwhelming, but I kept going. That’s what this experience represents for me—learning how strong I really am, even when things aren’t easy.”  

������Ƶ taught Jennifer to navigate difficult situations with discipline, focus, and to keep ‘owning her momentum’.  

“There were times I doubted myself, but continuing to show up and complete my goals helped build my confidence,” Edens said. “It reminded me that I’m capable of more than I sometimes believe, and that I can keep moving forward no matter what.  

“This experience changed me,” Edens said. “It taught me how to keep going even when things feel overwhelming, and it showed me that no matter what life throws at me, I have the strength to keep moving forward.”  

Mikhaela Gene Abarientos has been intrigued by movies and how they are made since she was a child. As a native of the Philippines and now a ������Ƶ graduate, she’s on her way to follow her dreams in her home country. 

“I am passionate about filmmaking and that is the path that I want to take,” Abarientos said. “I want to be a film director somewhere in the future. I want to work at a studio and create my first feature film that would win many awards and inspire other people to pursue their dreams even though it seems impossible.”  

She graduated from Hunter Huss High School in 2024, with plans to pursue her interest in filmmaking, and it all came together when she received a scholarship to ������Ƶ for an audio and video production technology degree.  

“I got some scholarships for different schools, but it was not enough to cover the costs,” she said. “But then I discovered ������Ƶ and got the GC Promise Scholarship. That’s when I knew that this was the place I would go and the place where I would excel.”  

The GC Promise Scholarship helped cover in-state tuition and fees not covered by other aid. With the help of this scholarship, she immersed herself in the school’s audio and video production technology program and quickly connected with the curriculum.  

“I saw how hands-on it was and the skills I would learn and use in the future when I get to be a part of the filmmaking industry, hopefully, or anything related to the entertainment industry,” Abarientos said.  

She recently showcased her talents representing ������Ƶ at SkillsUSA in Greensboro. Abarientos shared that one of her professors, Ms. Kate Carmody, encouraged her to take on this challenge, and she is grateful for the extra push.   

“At first, I was worried about the competition; it seemed terrifying to me. Ms. Carmody encouraged me that I could do it and that our team would do well,” Abarientos said. “With that, our team just did amazingly. We work great as a team, and I am truly grateful for her believing in me.”  

Abarientos and her classmate, Erika Danielle Shelton, placed first in the Video Production category and now have the chance to compete at SkillsUSA Nationals in June.  

“I am so proud to represent ������Ƶ in the SkillsUSA Challenge. It is truly an honor, and I will forever be grateful,” she said. “As a Filipina, I am so proud to represent my country, the Philippines, and our excellence.”  

After the competition concludes, Abarientos plans to travel back to her homeland to further her studies.  

“I am going to the Philippines to study mass communications or filmmaking at a university there,” she said. “I am excited to apply and hopefully get into the universities there.”  

Abarientos reflects on how this career path has motivated her to represent herself, her community, and her heritage.  

“Everything happens for a reason, and the special thing about my journey here at ������Ƶ is the connection that I have created with people here,” she said. “The people around me were truly amazing and I will cherish it forever.”  

“I chose my program because I enjoy working with my hands,” Balbosa said, “and I know this program would give me a way to turn that passion into a career.”

When he graduates in May, he’ll be looking to enter the workforce and use his diploma in welding technology, but he’s got his eye on the future, too.

“My current career goals are to become established with a fabrication company and gain experience and knowledge, then maybe one day open up my own business,” Balbosa said.

Even though his interest in welding technology brought him to ������Ƶ, it was the college’s work-based learning and placement program, which provides opportunities to connect students with local employers, that really helped him ‘own his momentum.’

“I learned a lot during those two months,” Balbosa said, “and it really helped me get a feel for a real work environment.”

The career experience created a real environment for Balbosa to grow in his field and hone his skills, and the encouragement from his instructors and classmates helped him feel comfortable and motivated him to grow his skills.

“I would say the best part of my experience with this school would be the people I’ve met and the instructors that have taught me what I know,” Balbosa said.

As he reflects on his journey and upcoming graduation, Balbosa shared that he is honored to be a ������Ƶ graduate.

“I am definitely grateful to everyone who helped me through this journey, and I’m proud of the choice I made to go to ������Ƶ.”

The new award marks the fourth NSF grant supporting the SPARC initiative at ������Ƶ and launches a collaborative partnership with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Cleveland Community College, South Piedmont Community College, and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Together, the five institutions will work to increase student success and degree completion in high-demand STEM fields.

The five-year project builds on more than a decade of work at ������Ƶ and focuses on improving retention, transfer, and graduation rates in disciplines including biology, computer science, and data science. The grant will provide scholarships and comprehensive academic support for students across the partner institutions.

Dr. Patricia Williams, the grant’s principal investigator, shared, “I am excited about the opportunities this award creates for our students and faculty. This funding will help us implement innovative, evidence-based strategies that support retention, academic achievement, and transfer success. It is especially meaningful because it reflects a shared commitment to expanding access and excellence in STEM.”

Students selected as SPARC Scholars will complete associate degrees at the participating community colleges and will have the opportunity to transfer directly to UNC Charlotte to pursue bachelor’s degrees. Each community college partner will award five to ten scholarships annually, creating supportive cohorts of STEM students. The first group of scholars will begin the program in fall 2026, and at least 120 students are expected to receive scholarship support during the five-year project.

In addition to financial assistance, students will benefit from proactive advising, faculty and peer mentoring, undergraduate research opportunities, and cohort coursework designed to support persistence.

The project also includes a research component that will examine factors influencing successful transitions from community colleges to four-year universities. Researchers will explore the roles of mentoring relationships, social and cultural capital, academic integration, and professional skill development in supporting transfer student success. Findings from the project will help inform national best practices for strengthening STEM transfer pathways.

The new grant builds on the strong outcomes of ������Ƶ’s previous SPARC programs. Among earlier SPARC cohorts at ������Ƶ, 83 percent of students completed their associate degrees and 87 percent successfully transferred to a university, with many going on to complete bachelor’s degrees or higher.

Dr. Heather Woodson, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who has been directly involved with SPARC since its inception, shared that “The strong outcomes of our earlier SPARC cohorts provide evidence that financial support, mentorship, and holistic support for students leads to exceptional academic success. Past participants have successfully completed their education to become doctors, attorneys, engineers, teachers, and more. These graduates are fulfilling vital roles in our community, and we are proud to continue to support additional students through this new award.”

������Ƶ graduate Jesus Vina Moreno is now in his second year at UNC Chapel Hill Medical School. A participant in the SPARC initiative at ������Ƶ, Moreno credits the program for helping shape his path, “SPARC was more than just a program; it was a launchpad. By providing the mentorship and tools I needed to thrive, it allowed me to dedicate myself fully to my studies without distraction. Looking back at my journey, I know that my current success is a direct result of the opportunities SPARC opened for me.”

Through the expanded SPARC consortium, partner institutions will collaborate on joint programming, including regional undergraduate research symposia, faculty development workshops, field trips, and a shared orientation for participating students. Faculty will also work together to develop research-based courses aligned with statewide articulation agreements, helping ensure smoother credit transfer and stronger pathways from community colleges to four-year universities.