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

Nash Community College Students and Faculty Earn National Recognition at SkillsUSA Conference

ROCKY MOUNT, North Carolina (July 9, 2025) – Nash Community College proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of its students and faculty who represented the institution and the state of North Carolina with excellence at the 60th Annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, held June 23-28 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Six NCC students earned national recognition in their respective career and technical fields, competing against the top students from across the country:

• Mitchell Jones (Computer Engineering Technology) won a silver medal in Technical Computer Applications and received a Skill Point Certificate.
• Brandy Ward (Electronic Engineering Technology) placed fourth in the nation in Electronics Technology.
• Emily Wheeler (Cosmetology) placed sixth in the nation in Nail Care and received a Skill Point Certificate.
• William Medford and David Tyson (Electrical Systems Technology) placed seventh in the nation in Robotics and Automation Technology.
• Brennan Brown (Computer Integrated Machining) placed 11th in the nation in CNC 5-Axis Milling Programmer and earned a Skill Point Certificate.

Skill Point Certificates are awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in industry-recognized competencies, serving as a strong endorsement from business and industry leaders that a student is workforce-ready.

“I’m incredibly proud of our students—not just for how they placed, but for their commitment and courage to step outside their comfort zones and grow,” said Wanda Tyson, department chair of applied engineering technologies and SkillsUSA advisor at NCC. “SkillsUSA pushes them to do things they never thought they could. I’m thankful every day for the way Nash Community College supports us as we guide students through these life-changing opportunities. CTE isn’t just preparing them for jobs; it’s changing their future, and I get to see that in action every day.”

Tyson herself was honored at the national event as a Region 2 finalist for the SkillsUSA Advisor of the Year, placing her among the top five SkillsUSA advisors in the country. She also presented during the Academy of Excellence | SkillsUSA Advisor of the Year Panel, sharing best practices in career and technical instruction and student engagement.

Professional Development 

In addition, NCC faculty made professional development contributions at the conference. Amber Greer, Director of Medical Assisting at NCC, Tyson and Wil van der Meulen, Postsecondary Support Director for SkillsUSA North Carolina, co-presented a session titled:

“Empowering Employability: Practical Integration of the SkillsUSA Framework in College Postsecondary Instruction.”

The national conference brought together more than thousands of career and technical education students from across the country. North Carolina’s delegation included 303 student competitors representing 38 high schools, four middle schools and 29 community colleges. The state earned 78 national medals, with 171 students placing in the top 10, ranking second in the nation for total medal count.

These achievements reflect Nash Community College’s ongoing commitment to student success, technical excellence, and leadership development through SkillsUSA and career and technical education.

For more information on Nash Community College’s technical programs and career pathways, visit www.nashcc.edu.

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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.