Aug. 28, 2026
Information supplied by Rob Rhodes, BRCC Student Services Coordinator, Transylvania County campus
Blue Ridge Community College’s Transylvania County campus recently welcomed 121 dual-enrollment students from Transylvania County Schools as they began in-person classes aligned with the school system’s academic calendar.
Although Blue Ridge’s fall semester began Aug. 17, the late-start courses began on Aug. 24 after Transylvania County Schools students had their first classes.
Dual-enrollment courses allow high school students to participate in the statewide career & college promise program which allows eligible students to take college-level courses without having to pay any tuition.
Many of these courses are fully transferable to colleges in the University of North Carolina System and most private colleges and universities in North Carolina. Students may also enroll in career and technical courses that provide hands-on training to prepare them for future employment.
This semester’s dual-enrollment offerings include nurse aide I (preparation to become certified nursing assistants), engine performance I (introduction to diagnostic procedures used to restore performance in vehicles with complex engine-control systems), and basic transportation electricity (electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment and the diagnosis, repair and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators in various vehicles).
Introducing new student leaders
Helping welcome the students were the BRCC Transylvania County campus’s new Student Government Association officers and student ambassadors. Christian Adair serves as SGA vice president, and Lila Fox serves as SGA secretary. Cooper Weaver and Judson Weaver serve as student ambassadors.
Last week, these student leaders helped high school students locate their classrooms and set up their college email accounts. This summer, they began and completed training and orientation sessions to prepare for their responsibilities and received custom apparel, name badges, and leadership guides to better serve incoming high school classmates who are now fellow BRCC students.
“Being a student and student ambassador at Blue Ridge has helped me grow into a more confident, responsible and determined person,” Judson Weaver said in a news release. “This experience has strengthened my leadership, communication and teamwork skills while preparing me for my future.”
Fox, a dual-enrolled homeschool student who began taking college courses as a ninth grader, said the program has provided her with an important head start.
“Taking free classes at Blue Ridge has provided me with an incredible opportunity,” Fox said. “I will graduate high school at 18 with an associate degree, which will transfer to a four-year university. Serving as secretary for SGA has also allowed me to become more involved at Blue Ridge.”
Cooper Weaver said serving as a student ambassador has allowed him to grow as a leader and build connections with other students.
“Being able to represent Blue Ridge, connect with students and help others feel welcome and supported has been very meaningful to me,” he said. “I am truly grateful for the experiences, connections and memories I have gained through being a student and student ambassador.”
Throughout the year, these student leaders will help organize campus activities and assist with graduation, new student orientations, and other college events. They will also attend meetings of Blue Ridge Community College Board of Trustees. Those who successfully fulfill the responsibilities of their positions will receive a service scholarship at the end of each semester.