Yesterday, Nov. 13, Robeson Community College gathered college faculty, staff, students and community members to celebrate two new business ventures in downtown Pembroke – the A.S. Thomas Center and the new RCC Barber Shop.

Union Chapel Road in front of the storefront was blocked off to incoming traffic to celebrate the special occasion, with the RCC’s EMS Simulator, Electrical Lineman Bucket Truck and the Truck Driving Academy Tractor Trailer on display, showcasing the short-term training opportunities available. A tent was also set up with Just Love Coffee and The Wing Company serving up free hors d’oeurvres for those attending the event. 

“We are over the moon about this new location,” RCC President Melissa Singler said at the event, according to a press release. “I would like to thank the Town of Pembroke for allowing us to close this street off and officially making this RCC Day, at least on this street in beautiful downtown Pembroke.”

According to RCC Board Member Faline Dial, this new chapter was spearheaded by the college’s president. 

“It was the vision of our wonderful President, Melissa Singler, and her executive staff… they found the perfect place and just the perfect opportunity for RCC and for Pembroke for that expansion,” shared Dial in a press release. “The initial vision for the Thomas Center here was to extend services to the western side of the county. The goal was to create a central hub where citizens, students, prospective students would be able to access various services such as admissions, financial aid, counseling, assistance with course schedules, scholarships and grants.”

“Today is about the partnerships we are building with local businesses and the continuous work that we are doing to help families and create opportunities for a brighter tomorrow… it’s only through the collaborative efforts that we have been able to achieve this,” stated Patricia Strickland, who oversees the center, in a press release. “This center represents the epitome of RCC’s one college model, as we work to assist both curriculum and continuing education students.”

Just two doors down from the A.S. Thomas Center sits the new RCC Barber Shop, which will serve as the new classroom and lab setting for the barbering program beginning in January.

“Having the barbershop here at the Thomas Center allows for students to be able to meet people, engage in the community, and hopefully prepare themselves for their future career,” Dial said in a press release. “The presence of RCC here in Pembroke and at the Thomas Center also provides good foot traffic for the existing businesses… I mean, if they’re here visiting RCC, hopefully, most likely, they’re going to visit the other businesses here on the street.”

As the ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting, many headed over to the new barber shop to

get a free haircut. As patrons arrived, there were 13 students waiting to serve visitors in the new facility.

“This is a new beginning,” Connie Baker, the instructor for the barbering program, said in a press release. “This is a big investment in the program. Our program is very affordable, and we have a great success rate for students passing the State Board Examinations.”

The new shop has 10 chairs, allowing for two students per station, for a maximum of 20 students per class. The program will be launching a new night program in January, increasing the number of students who can progress through the program. The night program will meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and every other weekend from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

“We are so excited about the new barber shop and the start of our night barbering program,” stated Angela Dennis, the program director for health and beauty occupations, in a press release. “This is going to bring more attention to our barbering program and allow our students to complete the program in a real-world setting, shining the light on our services and quality education that can be received right here in the middle of downtown Pembroke.”

Latisha Stanley, a barber student, stayed busy providing free haircuts to those attending the ceremony.

“This program provides a good foundation and allows you to master cutting hair,” Stanley said in a press release. “You gain experience with shears, cutting with clippers, working with chemicals and so much more… it’s a great program, and we’re glad to be here in Pembroke.”