Awards
System Awards
The North Carolina Community College System offers several awards to recognize and support students, faculty, and partners.
Academic Excellence Award
- Awarded to one student from each of the 58 community colleges.
- Candidates must be currently enrolled, have completed at least 12 semester hours in an associate degree program, and have a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.25.
- Recipients receive a plaque and medallion in honor of their academic accomplishments.
Dallas Herring Achievement Award
- Established in 2010 to honor Dr. Dallas Herring, an advocate of community colleges.
- Awarded annually to a current or former student who best embodies Dr. Herring’s philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.”
Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award
- Created in 2004 by the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents to recognize student leadership and honor former Governor Bob Scott.
- Designed to highlight outstanding curriculum student leadership and service.
State Board Awards
Each year, the State Board of Community Colleges bestows a series of awards to recognize excellence and commitment to the community college mission. The 2024 Award Process opens on August 25, 2023, with nominations accepted through October 13, 2023. The awards include:
Distinguished Partners in Excellence Award
Recognizes an exemplary employer, business, or industry group that has demonstrated commitment to the professional development of its employees and/or to the development of North Carolina's workforce through its partnership efforts with community colleges.
Excellence in Teaching Award
Provides statewide recognition of faculty members who exemplify the highest quality and standards of instruction throughout the NC Community College System.
I.E. Ready Award
An honorary award given to those who have made a significant statewide contribution to the Community College System.
President of the Year Award
Encourages, identifies, and rewards outstanding leadership and commitment to the community college mission among the presidents of the institutions of the North Carolina Community College System.
Staff of the Year Award:
Recognizes excellent performance and commitment to the community college mission by the non-teaching staff of the institutions of the North Carolina Community College System and the System Office.
Application Process & Timeline
- The nomination period for 2024 awards will be from August 25, 2023, through October 13, 2023.
- Committee reviews will be conducted from October 16, 2023, to October 31, 2023.
- Interviews will be scheduled between November 1, 2023, and December 1, 2023.
- The State Board of Community Colleges will make announcements about the awards after the January 2024 State Board meeting.
- The award dinner is scheduled for April 2024.
For more information on eligibility criteria, guidelines, and the nomination process, please refer to the respective award sections or contact SBCCAwards@nccommunitycolleges.edu.
