When admissions officials at Purdue University started looking over Riley Shannon’s academic history, they promptly put in a call to Southwestern Community College to verify his application’s accuracy.
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Through the Jackson County Early College, Sylva resident Riley Shannon earned associate’s degrees in civil engineering, surveying and college transfer – along with a certificate in welding – by the age of 19. He’s been accepted to Purdue University, where he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering this fall. |
It’s not every day they come across a teenage applicant with three college degrees and a certificate – in addition to a high school diploma. A Sylva resident, Shannon accomplished all that by the age of 19 and plans to build off his educational foundation this fall by pursuing a four-year degree in mechanical engineering at Purdue.
“It was a great experience,” Shannon said of his five years in the Jackson County Early College, which is at SCC’s Jackson Campus. In May, he received associate’s degrees in civil engineering technology, surveying and college transfer – along with a certificate in welding.
“Picking out your own classes gives you a sense of independence,” he added, “and it’s a chance to push yourself academically.”
The accomplishments of Shannon and others through the Early College prompted Dr. Don Tomas, SCC’s president, and Dr. Michael Murray, superintendent of Jackson County Public Schools, to co-sign a memorandum of understanding that will maintain the same level cooperation they’ve had since the program was established in 2008.
Jackson County Early College allows students to earn up to two years of college credit, tuition-free, while they work toward their high school diploma in a post-secondary atmosphere.
“We’re pleased to continue our Early College partnership with Jackson County Public Schools,” Tomas said. “There is no better value for students who want to get a head start on their college education. The benefits to their families and our community are immeasurable.”
Early College students like Shannon can choose whether to enroll in the program for four or five years, depending on their academic goals.
Southwestern also offers Early College opportunities at its Macon County Campus as well as at Blue Ridge Early College in Cashiers.
“Jackson County Public Schools is honored to work collaboratively with SCC to create this wonderful opportunity for our students,” Dr. Murray said. “Our partnership continues to benefit both institutions and will allow our students to gain the skills needed to compete in a 21st century global environment.”
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Dr. Don Tomas (left), Southwestern Community College president; and Dr. Michael Murray, superintendent of Jackson County Public Schools, signed a memorandum of understanding that will maintain their current level of cooperation on the Jackson County Early College. |
Jeanette White, program coordinator of Southwestern’s civil engineering technology program, said the Early College had Shannon as well prepared for college studies as her adult students.
“He is highly intelligent and has excellent analytical skills that clearly assisted him in the difficult course work here at Southwestern,” White said.
Shannon may have earned enough academic accomplishments to cover the walls of a Purdue University dorm room, but he’s the first to acknowledge the Early College takes diligence, discipline and hard work.
“You can get out of it what you put into it,” Shannon said. “For people who truly want to be in the program, you can accomplish anything you want.”
For general information about SCC’s programs for high school students, contact Cindy Thompson at (828) 339-4610 or cindy_thompson@southwesterncc.edu.
