Commencement Profiles
Medical Lab Technician Student Dan Nielson Conquers Self Doubt, Redefines Career
April 16th 2025 Dan Nielson will be the first to tell you that his inner critic is tough to beat. The 54-year-old veteran, who is graduating this May with an associate’s science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, has battled PTSD and negative self-talk for more than half of his life.
Cardiovascular Sonography Student Jair Lopez Credits Success to Strong Family Ties
April 16th 2025 If you had told Jair Lopez at age 15 that one day he’d be working in an American hospital, operating an ultrasound machine, and helping to diagnose heart conditions, the native Honduran likely wouldn’t have believed you.
Nicholas Sutton Receives Goodnight STEM Scholarship to North Carolina State University
May 9th 2024 Nicholas Sutton, 20, came to A-B Tech two years ago with the long-term vision of pursuing a career in a STEM field. Skilled at math, the Canton native enrolled in the university transfer program, knowing that he wanted to go on for his bachelor’s degree.
Jason Anthony Boucher Named as 2024 Academic Excellence Award Winner
May 8th 2024 Boucher was honored recently at the spring awards ceremony. Only one student from each of the 58 state community colleges receives this award.
Human Services Technology Student Jessica Borroel Nominated for 2024 Dallas Herring Achievement Award
May 8th 2024 The Dallas Herring Achievement Award was established by the North Carolina Community College System in 2010 to honor the late Dr. Dallas Herring, one of the state’s earliest advocates of community colleges. The award is bestowed annually upon a current or former student who embodies Dr.
Radiography Student Damaris Pierson Nominated for Robert W. Scott Leadership Award
May 8th 2024 In 2004 the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents created the Governor Robert W. Scott Leadership Award as a way to recognize student leadership on a statewide level while also honoring former governor Bob Scott.
For Early Childhood Center Director Leondra McDay, Success Meant Taking It Slow
May 7th 2024 Like many early childhood education teachers Leondra McDay, 34, came to A-B Tech to take a basic education class required for her teaching position; state-licensed centers receive extra points for having credentialed teachers.
Counselor Amanda Killian Reignites Self Worth by Serving Others
May 7th 2024 For Amanda Killian, 42, education has extended far beyond the classroom’s four walls deep into her own life experience.
Naidelyn Aguilar-Martin Empowers Immigrant Families
May 7th 2024 As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Buncombe County Early College senior Naidelyn Aguilar-Martin, 18, saw from a young age the struggles her parents faced in the United States.
Tiffany Dill: From Artist to Cardiac Sonographer
May 7th 2024 After twelve years of working as a professional artist, Tiffany Dill, 58, was craving a change.