About the College

Reported in the 2021 Performance Measures for Student Success

The Performance Measures for Student Success Report is the North Carolina Community College System’s major accountability document. This annual performance report is based on data compiled from the previous year and serves to inform colleges and the public on the performance of our 58 community colleges. Baselines levels are set two standard deviations below the system’s average index score and excellence levels are set one standard deviation above the system’s average index scores mean. The average band is within 0.5 standard deviations above or below the average index score.

Each performance measure begins with a description/definition, the system baseline, mean and excellence level, and the College’s performance for that measure. Additional information related to these measures can be obtained through the College’s Vice President of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.  

• Basic Skills Student Progress.
  The purpose of this measure is to ensure that individuals with low literacy skills are progressing academically toward credential or employment. The measure is determined by the percentage of periods of participation (PoP) with at least one measurable skill gain (MSG). The system baseline is 0.527, the system mean is 1.003 and the system excellence level is 1.241. JCC’s performance on this measure was 0.780.
• Student Success Rate in College-Level English Courses.
  The purpose of this measure is to ensure students are successfully completing credit-bearing English courses within their first three academic years. The measure is determined by the percentage of first-time associate degree seeking and transfer pathway students passing a credit-bearing English course with a "C" or better within three years of their first term of enrollment. The system baseline is 0.723, the system mean is 1.004 and the system excellence level is 1.144. JCC’s performance on this measure was 1.049.
• Student Success Rate in College-Level Math Courses.
  The purpose of this measure is to ensure students are successfully completing credit-bearing Math courses within their first three academic years. The measure is determined by the percentage of first-time associate degree seeking and transfer pathway students passing a credit-bearing Math course with a "C" or better within three years of their first term of enrollment. The system baseline is 0.626, the system mean is 1.005 and the system excellence level is 1.194. JCC’s performance on this measure was 1.164.
• First Year Progression.
  The purpose of this measure is to ensure that first-year students are making progress toward credential completion. The measure is determined by the percentage of first-time fall credential-seeking students graduated prior to or enrolled in postsecondary education in the subsequent fall semester. The system baseline is 0.874, the system mean is 1.003 and the system excellence level is 1.0674. JCC’s performance on this measure was 1.113.  
• Curriculum Completion.
  The purpose of this measure is to ensure student completion and/or persistence toward a post-secondary credential in a timely manner The measure is determined by the percentage of first-time fall credential-seeking students who graduate, transfer, or are enrolled during the fourth academic year with 42 successfully completed non-developmental hours. The system baseline is 0.850, the system mean is 1.007 and the system excellence level is 1.086. JCC’s performance on this measure was 1.058.
• Licensure and Certification Passing Rate.
  The purpose of this measure is to ensure programmatic coursework prepares students to competently practice in their chosen profession. The measure is determined by the score of first-time test-taker results on licensure and certification exams. Exams included in this measure are state mandated exams which candidates must pass before becoming active practitioners. The system baseline is 0.806, the system mean is 0.982 and the system excellence level is 1.069. JCC’s aggregate performance on this measure was 1.055.
  
  Scores for specific programs are as follows:
  Basic Law Enforcement Training – 1.04
  Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - EMT: Basic– 0.91, EMT: Paramedic – 1.17
  Nursing, Registered – 1.17
  Nurse Aide – 1.21
  Radiography – 1.06
   
• College Transfer Performance.
  The purpose of this measure is to ensure the academic success of community college students at a four-year university or college. The measure is determined by the percentage of community college associate degree completers who have completed 30 or more credit hours who transfer to a four-year university or college and graduate with a bachelor’s degree or higher prior to the next subsequent fall semester or remained enrolled in any 4-year college or university the subsequent fall semester. The system baseline is 0.871, the system mean is 0.981 and the system excellence level is 1.036. JCC’s performance on this measure was 1.058.

Governance

State Board of Community Colleges

The State Board of Community Colleges is responsible for the North Carolina Community College System and its 58 institutions. The 21 members of the State Board are selected by the governor and the General Assembly, and the lieutenant governor and state treasurer serve as ex-officio members along with the president of the Community College Student Government Association. The State Board has three functions:  

1. assure equitable distribution of funds and fiscal accountability;
2. establish state regulations; and
3. provide educational program approval and accountability.

By law, the State Board is responsible for providing funds to meet the financial needs of the community colleges.

The North Carolina Community System Office provides support services for the program and service offerings of the 58 community colleges and assists in developing curricula and statewide data collection. 

Board of Trustees

Johnston Community College operates under the supervision of a 13-member local Board of Trustees. Each member serves a four-year term with four members selected by the Johnston County Board of Education, four members chosen by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners, and four members appointed by the governor of North Carolina. The Board of Trustees sets all local policy, and the board appoints the College president. In addition, the Board of Trustees has the authority to disperse funds as delegated by the State Board of Community Colleges. The board meets every other month in public and executive sessions.  

College President

The president operates and leads the College within state regulations and according to policies adopted by the Board of Trustees. All administrative decisions, such as faculty/staff employment, are made by the president, and all personnel are College employees. Dr. Vern Lindquist became president in January 2023.  

Sources of Funds

The College receives funds from five sources: state allocations, tuition/fee revenues, Johnston County, federal government, and private support. State funds are allocated to the community colleges based on a formula comprised of the average number of full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollments for the year, by direct appropriation, or in response to requests for proposals.

Accreditations/Approvals

Johnston Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Questions about the accreditation of Johnston Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).

In addition to the SACSCOC accreditation, Johnston Community College is accredited or approved by the following:  

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) - Associate Degree Nursing
• American Society for Clinical Pathology - Phlebotomy
• American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (EKG)
• American Society of Radiologic Technologist for Continuing Education - Mammography
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Review Board (MAERB)
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs - Diagnostic Medical Sonography –Abdomen Extended
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs - Diagnostic Medical Sonography –Adult Cardiac
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs - Diagnostic Medical Sonography –Vascular
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs - Diagnostic Medical Sonography –Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Commissions on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs - Emergency Medical Services –Paramedic
• The Joint Review Committee on the Education of Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
• North Carolina Division of Health Services Regulation Center for Aide Regulation and Education - Nurse Aide I
• North Carolina Board of Massage and Body Work Therapy - Therapeutic Massage
• North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission - BLET
• North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services
• North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Arts
• North Carolina Board of Nursing - Associate Degree Nursing
• North Carolina Board of Nursing - Practical Nursing
• North Carolina Board of Nursing - NAII

Johnston Community College is an approved teaching through the North Carolina Office of EMS. It is also recognized as a training center for the American Heart Association, and an approved teaching site through the National Association of EMTs.

Johnston Community College is a Qualified Paralegal Studies Program of the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification.

College Foundation

The College Foundation is established and operated as a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation subject to the provision of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and G. S. 55A-1-01 et seq. of the laws of the state of North Carolina. The College Foundation exists as per the authority of the Board of Trustees of Johnston Community College, which established the College Foundation in 1982. It is administered by an independent board of directors, community citizens who serve voluntarily and without compensation.  

The College Foundation and its board of directors, consisting of college and community volunteers, work with the college president, vice presidents, and resource development professionals to coordinate private giving to the college by identifying, receiving, and managing gifts, bequests, and financial resources from private and corporate sources.  The Foundation is a well-established, viable, and secure nonprofit organization serving current, past, and future students, faculty and staff. Steered by dedicated business, civic, and public leaders, the College Foundation provides a means for local and regional community-based citizens to take an active role in promoting the future of Johnston Community College and assuring its continued success.  

Purpose

The purpose of the Foundation is to promote and develop public gift support for Johnston Community College through solicitation of private gift contributions and the prudent management and investment of such gifts for enhancement and advancement of the College, its programs and activities, and for student educational loans, scholarships, and grants.  

The College Foundation values honesty and integrity in its relationships with the College, donors, and the community. The College Foundation will provide a portfolio of giving opportunities within a framework that respects the desires and charitable choices and preferences of our donors, including named endowment funds and named annual scholarship funds, special purpose funds, and general-purpose funds. The College Foundation aids prospective donors through a comprehensive program of tax-wise gift alternatives through planned giving and estate planning, while respecting the professional legal and fiscal counsel representing each donor.  

Assets Giving

As of June 30, 2022 assets of the JCC Foundation were almost $13 million with over $7.4 million invested for endowed funds. The Foundation assets also include annual scholarships and special purpose funds that direct resources to support and advance various initiatives such as the Arboretum, Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, Performing Arts, Johnston County Workforce Development Center, The Frank Creech Art Gallery, student leadership, the library, academic enrichment, and emergency student assistance.  

For a listing of current Foundation scholarships, see the Student Development Services section of this catalog under the Financial Aid heading.

History

Johnston Community College (JCC) has been awarding associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas for more than 50 years to students pursuing occupational, technical, and continuing education skills.

Since 1969, JCC has maintained its small-town values while progressively meeting the needs of one of the fastest growing counties in the state. JCC serves an estimated 11,000 students annually in its curriculum programs and continuing education courses.

In September 1969, Johnston County Technical Institute was established as the fifty-first school of its kind in the state. The first campus opened in a former high school in Four Oaks under the leadership of the late Dr. John Tart, founding president. The College moved to its current location in Smithfield in 1976, gaining full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools the following year.

In 1980, the school was renamed Johnston Technical College, and in 1987 it became Johnston Community College. JCC witnessed tremendous progress under Dr. Tart’s direction, including the construction of a 1,000-seat performing arts auditorium through a private fundraising campaign and the launch of the college transfer program. After Dr. Tart’s retirement in 1999, Dr. Donald L. Reichard was selected to lead the College into the new millennium. During Dr. Reichard’s tenure, JCC focused on expanded opportunities for global education, diversity, biotechnology training, and innovative learning. Dr. Reichard retired in June 2009, and Dr. David N. Johnson was selected as JCC’s third president. In 2022, Dr. Kenneth Boham was named interim president. In 2023, Dr. Vern L. Lindquist was named the College’s fourth president.

JCC is located 30 miles east of Raleigh near the junction of Interstate 95 and U.S. 70 Business. Today, the two-year, post-secondary college offers over 35 occupational programs of study and numerous continuing education programs and community service activities on its 177-acre main campus. The College boasts state-of the-art facilities and has educational centers throughout the county, including the Johnston County Workforce Development Center in Clayton, a biosciences training center that houses classrooms and computer and science labs, the Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, a 2800-acre wildlife preserve, and teaching facility, as well as the Cleveland Center, which offers health sciences and continuing education courses. The College’s main campus is also home to a teaching arboretum, the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium, and the North Carolina Truck Driver Training School, the oldest truck driver training school in the United States.  

Six bond approvals since 1999 have allowed for upgrades to campus facilities and the construction and renovation of numerous buildings on the JCC campus, including the construction of the Roger A. Smith Building for physical education classes, the construction of the William R. Britt Building, which houses the advanced technology programs, and the construction of the Public Safety Services Building, which houses certified Nurse Aide, emergency medical services, fire services, law enforcement and other public service training programs. In fall 2009, an addition to the Health Sciences Building opened, creating more classrooms and specialized labs for health sciences programs. Meanwhile, renovations to the existing building have created upgraded learning space for the College’s early childhood and imaging programs. Bond monies also funded the College’s Learning Resource Center, which opened in fall 2011 and includes the library, distance learning classrooms and the Academic Skills Center. A bond also funded the construction of the Wood Building which opened in 2023.

Campus

The main campus of Johnston Community College is located near the center of Johnston County, North Carolina, near the intersection of Interstate 95 and U.S. 70 Business, at 245 College Road in Smithfield. The 177-acre campus of buildings and designated sites includes classroom and lab spaces and facilities for both curriculum and continuing education programs as well as the library, fitness center, art gallery, academic skills center, student lounge, auditorium, faculty offices, administrative and student support offices, and service spaces. The campus site includes scenic ponds, fountains, walking trails, thematic gardens, and courtyards through many native species plants and cultivated landscapes.  

Arboretum Complex

The 14 acres of the Arboretum Complex incorporates several facilities and spaces including a one-mile public walking trail, various thematic gardens, and a courtyard, plus a classroom building. Public functions are also held in these various facilities. The Arboretum houses our Culinary Arts, horticulture, and beekeeping courses.

STEAM Building

Built in 1987, the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) Building is home to the College’s engineering program. The 29,000-square-foot building also houses the Information Technology Department. The building was most recently renovated in 2006. In the fall of 2010, the museum-quality Frank Creech Art Gallery debuted in memory of the late Frank Creech, a local artist and longtime art instructor at the College. The 1,500-square-foot gallery contains state-of-the-art exhibition space and a 750-foot reception area for the public sale of artwork.  

William R. Britt Advanced Technology Center

Named for the late William R. (Billy) Britt, a Smithfield attorney and longtime member of the College’s Board of Trustees and member of the North Carolina Legislature, the William R. Britt Advanced Technology Center opened in the fall of 2004. The 28,000-square-foot facility houses several advanced technology programs including applied engineering, welding, machining technology, and air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration technology. The building also includes faculty offices and a welding lab, and machine shop for student use.  

Elsee Building

Named for the late Walter B. Elsee, a former member of the College’s Board of Trustees, and honored by the College Foundation as Distinguished Citizen, the building was constructed in 1978. Major portions of the building were renovated in 2006. Basic skills programs, developmental studies, Early College classes, and continuing education offerings are in the 20,000-square-foot Elsee Building. Other continuing education programs and offerings are held at the College’s off-campus centers, the Public Safety Services Building, and additional community sites.  

Health Sciences Building  

Constructed in 1998, the two-story Health Sciences Building is home to various health sciences and education programs. The 38,000-square-foot building includes classroom, lab, and computer space for biology, nursing, medical assisting, medical imaging, therapeutic massage, and early childhood education programs. The facility also has a five-star rated, nationally accredited Child Development Center lab school, which serves students, faculty, staff, and the public. In fall 2009, a 28,000-square-foot, $7 million addition to the Health Sciences Building opened featuring additional classrooms and labs for health, early childhood, and natural science classes, as well as a therapeutic massage spa.  

Learning Resource Center

The 33,000-square-foot, two-story building is the College’s first environmentally constructed, or LEED-certified, building. The facility, which opened in the fall of 2011, meets the needs of the College’s increasing student body and provides updated space for the library, distance learning programs, and the Academic Skills Center. In addition to housing a state-of-the-art distance learning suite, the building also features themed rooms displaying special library collections such as children’s books, Johnston County and North Carolina historical materials, and music and media collections.  

Public Safety Services Complex

The 18 acres of the Public Safety Services Complex includes the 27,000-square-foot Public Safety Services Building which opened in early 2008. The Public Safety Services Building houses the certified Nurse Aide, emergency services, fire services, law enforcement, and other public services training programs. The Public Safety Services Complex also includes the Fire & Rescue Training Grounds, complete with outdoor training apparatus and various physical structures and units to train and practice fire simulations and search and rescue scenarios. This area has served as a Johnston County fire and rescue training ground since 1998.  

Smith Building  

The Smith Building, which opened in 2003, is named after Roger A. Smith, a Goldsboro farmer, insurance business owner, and landowner who died in 1973. Smith’s son, William, gave some 40 acres to the College in his father’s memory in 1993. The 28,000-square foot building houses college transfer classes, such as history, English, mathematics, psychology, sociology, and physical education, a fitness center, and the Johnston County Early College Academy.  

Tart Building

The Tart Building is named for the founding president of Johnston Community College, the late John L. Tart, who was also a member of the North Carolina Legislature, and served from 1969 until his retirement in 1998. The 51,000 square-foot Tart Building includes a public-use auditorium, media services staff, classroom space for various academic programs and the Student Success Center. The building is also home to the box office and the Great Hall which is used for a variety of college and public functions. The 1,007 seat Paul A. Johnston Auditorium serves as the site for many local and regional events, such as recitals, pageants, band concerts, lectures, and other special community events.  

Transport Technology Building

Constructed in 1982, the 16,000-square-foot Transport Technology Building is home to the North Carolina Truck Driver Training School, the oldest truck driver training school in the United States. In addition to classrooms and office space for the TDT program, the building, which most recently underwent renovation in 2005, also includes classrooms for the Diesel & Heavy equipment Technology program. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) refresher training classes are also held in the Transport Technology Building.  

Wilson Building  

Originally constructed in 1976, the Wilson Building was named for the late M. Brack Wilson Sr., the first chair and a member of the College’s Board of Trustees. As the first main building on the campus, the Wilson Building has experienced two renovations and a major addition since 2005. Now with 64,000-square-feet, the Wilson Building is the largest structure on the campus and is readily visible with the large flag poles near the main entrance. The first floor of the two-story building houses many administrative services, student and public use functions, and administrative offices, along with the cosmetology program. The second-floor houses faculty offices, classrooms, business education programs, and computer labs. It is home to the Small Business Center, offering free counseling and seminar courses for small business owners.

Wood Building  

The 50,000 square foot Wood building houses labs, offices, interactive classrooms, and more. The state-of-the-art facility will support the college’s expanding Associate in Engineering (AE) program and STEM-related disciplines.

Other Campus Buildings and Sites

Sports & Recreation Complex

This 14-acre property currently includes a softball field and outdoor volleyball courts, as well as open fields for intramural and student-sponsored field games such as soccer.  

Sanders Building

This building is named after Gabriel “Gabe” Sanders, the first employee to retire from the College. Built in 1995, the 13,000-square-foot building includes a maintenance shop, a construction area for the residential construction classes, and storage for grounds and surplus equipment.  

Off-Campus Centers

Cleveland Center

The Cleveland Center is located on Cleveland Road about 15 miles west of the main campus. The 7,000-square-foot building offers English as a second language (ESL), nurse aide and phlebotomy courses.  

Johnston County Workforce Development Center

The Johnston County Workforce Development Center, located on Best Wood Drive in Clayton, is a 30,000-square-foot educational and technical skills training center. The center offers workforce training in biotechnology, wastewater, Notary Public, and other professional development courses.  

Rudolph Howell & Son Environmental Learning Center – Howell Woods

Howell Woods, located approximately 15 miles southeast of the main campus on Devil’s Racetrack Road, consists of 2,800 acres of pristine hardwood, pine forest, and wetlands. Howell Woods provides a facility for workshops, seminars, and classes.

Vision, Mission, and Goals

Vision Statement

Johnston Community College will be the recognized leader in North Carolina for academic success and workforce development and will be known as an institution with students, faculty, and staff who value individuals as equally important, offer equitable treatment, and foster a sense of belonging for all partners.

Mission Statement 

Johnston Community College provides accessible, equitable, high-quality educational and community enrichment opportunities for the successful development of learners.  

Institutional Goals

1. Ensure student achievement of academic goals, enhanced employment opportunities, or transfer to four-year colleges.
2. Collaborate with appropriate agencies and groups to meet workforce and community needs.
3. Provide and support personal and cultural enrichment, outreach, and community-based programs, activities, and events that reflect the diversity within the community.
4. Provide specialized training to ensure future institutional leadership.
5. Promote and recognize the diversity and achievements of faculty, staff, and students.
6. Create, maintain, and enhance a safe environment conducive to learning.
7. Ensure the efficient, appropriate, and effective use of all available resources.
8. Secure and maintain appropriate technology to support the needs of faculty, staff and students.
9. Secure alternative sources of funding.
10. Ensure high quality and continuous improvement in all programs and services by engaging in strategic planning, assessment, and data-informed decision-making.

2021-2026 Strategic Goals

1. Engage students.
2. Empower employees.
3. Strengthen communication.
4. Enrich programming.
5. Augment resources.

​Excellence

• We value continuous growth and improvement in every area of campus life. We will strive to provide adequate resources so that, over time, such improvement can be seen and measured.
• We value teamwork, cooperation, collaboration, innovation, and creative problem solving as part of our continuous improvement efforts.
• We value freedom to instruct students using various techniques and to develop methods that will help them achieve their maximum potential.
• We value the courage to provide leadership, to take risks, to welcome change and to persevere.

Honesty and Integrity

• We value honesty and integrity and believe that academic and personal honesty are essential elements in education.
• We believe that integrity binds us to fairness, to truth, and to actions and philosophies that meet the highest ethical standards.
• We value intellectual honesty and academic freedom and pledge to foster an environment of trust and responsibility in the learning community.

Community

• We value prompt, fair, friendly, courteous, and people-centered service to our communities and to each other. We value the many opportunities we must help make our community, state, nation, and world a better place to live.

Learners

• We value learning as a lifetime endeavor.
• We value the input of learners as we assist them in achieving their goals.
• We create a nexus for learning in this community to include meeting the changing needs of the learner.

Respect

• We value our faculty, administration, support staff, and maintenance and operations personnel. We respect their diverse life experiences, appreciate their contributions to our learning community, and encourage their individual, personal, and professional development.
• We believe that all people should be treated with respect, creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that supports a balanced lifestyle as well as opportunities for life-long learning.

Communication

• We value open and honest dialogue, feedback, and active listening, flowing in all directions.

Team Spirit

• We value team spirit, whereby each member operates unselfishly for the benefit of the cause.