Lisa Leatherman, Nantahala District Manager for Duke Energy Carolina’s, has begun serving as Chair of the SCC Foundation Board as of August 4.
Leatherman, who has helped the SCC Foundation raise more than $22,000 since 2015, recently secured an additional $5,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation towardthe New Century Scholars (NCS) program. A collaborative effort between Southwestern Community College and public schools in Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties, NCS provides support, encouragement and financial assistance to high-achieving high-school students.
“The NCS program provides key support and assistance to talented students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to advance their education,” Leatherman said. “It’s so important for our local students to have this chance.”
Each year, seventh graders from throughout SCC’s service area (Jackson, Swain, and Macon Counties) are selected as New Century Scholars. These students receive last-dollar tuition assistance to attend SCC upon graduating high-school as long as they fulfill the program obligations, which include maintaining their grades, engaging in community service projects and participating in professional development and networking opportunities.
The program is funded entirely by annual donations from outside sources and private donors, including corporate contributors like Duke Energy.
“Duke Energy is proud to contribute to such a valuable and beneficial program in our communities, and it’s been an honor to work with SCC over the last five years and see first-hand how many lives we’ve helped change,” said Leatherman. “I’m honored to become Chair this year, and I can’t wait to see these students accomplish great things even in such unprecedented times.”
According to Brett Woods, Director of the SCC Foundation, NCS is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is continuing to thrive thanks in large part to the longstanding support of both Duke Energy and Leatherman. Since 1992, Duke Energy has donated more than $53,000 to the SCC Foundation to support student scholarships.
“We are truly grateful for Duke Energy’s continued support, for seeing the potential in this program and for helping our students accomplish their dreams,” Woods said. “Lisa is a true supporter of SCC and we’re excited for her to take on this role.”
For more information on New Century Scholars, contact Freya Kinner, SCC’s NCS Coordinator, at f_kinner@southwesterncc.edu or 828.339.4477.
To support New Century Scholars, visit “Give Now” at southwesterncc.edu, or contact Woods at b_woods@southwesterncc.edu or 828.339.4241
