ECC Hosts USDA and White House Officials
US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack speaks during the Investing in Rural America Town Hall held recently at Edgecombe Community College. Seated from left are White House Domestic Policy Council Director Neera Tanden and US Congressman Don Davis.
National and state officials converged at Edgecombe Community College last week for an Investing in Rural America Town Hall.
Held February 21 on the college’s Tarboro campus, the town hall featured remarks by US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, White House Domestic Policy Council Director Neera Tanden, and US Congressman Don Davis.
Vilsack and Tanden joined Davis in announcing more than $770 million in agriculture department funds that will help rural communities access affordable high-speed internet, improve water and wastewater infrastructure, and create jobs and economic opportunities.
ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod, who introduced several of the speakers, shared how the college works to support and fulfill the mission and vision of the USDA through its programs, resources, partnerships, and initiatives. The Small Business Center supports local entrepreneurs and start-ups, he said, and customized training programs strengthen local manufacturing through targeted workforce training.
In addition, Dr. McLeod highlighted the college’s robust program in agribusiness technology. Launched in 2020, the program has grown to about 50 students and offers degree, diploma, and certificate credentials. The curricula provide the entrepreneurial and technical skills necessary to manage a profitable, environmentally sound, community-based small farm or agricultural business.
During a meet and greet held prior to the town hall, officials met agribusiness student Jaileea Knight. A senior at Tarboro High School, Knight is taking ECC courses through the Career and College Promise Program, which enables qualified high school students to take college courses tuition-free.
She is studying toward a certificate in animal science. “I have taken four courses in this amazing program,” she says. “They have taught me so much, including introduction to animal science, animal nutrition and feed development, animal healthcare, and animal waste management. My instructors are the best.”
Knight plans to attend either NC State University or NC A&T State University to major in agriculture education.
The town hall was the first of the Biden-Harris Administration’s fourth Investing in America tour. Following the town hall, a resource fair was held and featured vendors from ten federal departments and agencies.