GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Brittany Bell, a student in Wayne Community College’s Associate in Arts program, is the recipient of WCC’s 2025 Dallas Herring Achievement Award.

The award honors the late Dr. Dallas Herring, one of the earliest champions of the North Carolina Community College System. The winner is selected based on an essay that describes how the student embodies Herring’s philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.”

As a 35-year-old single mother working full-time, Bell said returning to school as an adult learner seemed overwhelming, but WCC gave her the confidence to believe in herself.

“Wayne Community College has been a game changer for me academically and in every part of my life,” Bell wrote in an essay.

Despite wanting to earn an associate degree, Bell faced challenges that threatened to prevent her from achieving her goal. Over the past few years, she has lost her parents and several other family members and friends. However, Bell never gave up on pursuing an education. “WCC has been the foundation that helped me keep moving forward, even when life was hard,” she said.

Bell was in special education throughout grade school and doubted her ability to succeed academically. She said WCC showed her how she learned differently, and she has grown and become successful through the support of her instructors.

After graduating from WCC in May, Bell plans to transfer to East Carolina University to earn a bachelor’s degree. Although her journey has been challenging, she believes WCC has prepared her for whatever comes next.

“I came to WCC unsure and battling many personal challenges, but now I’m confident, motivated, and ready to take the next step,” Bell said.

Bell will be recognized for the award at WCC’s Student Recognition Ceremony this month.