Halifax Community College and East Carolina University formalized a new academic partnership during the ECU–HCC Dental Hygiene Articulation Signing Day held on Wednesday at the Advanced Manufacturing and Corporate Training Center on HCC’s campus.
HCC said the event marked a significant step forward in expanding educational pathways for students pursuing careers in dental hygiene and related health sciences fields. The articulation agreement establishes a seamless transfer opportunity for HCC students to continue their education at ECU, strengthening the pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals across the region.
The program opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Levy Brown, vice president of academic and student success, followed by special partnership remarks from Dr. Allison Danell, dean of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences at ECU, and Dr. Amy Shannon, director of university studies at ECU. Halifax Community College President and CEO Patrena Elliott delivered presidential remarks emphasizing the importance of collaboration in higher education and workforce development.
“This agreement represents a powerful alignment between our academic programs and student success goals,” said Brown. “It creates a clear, structured pathway for our students to continue their education while ensuring they are well prepared to meet the demands of today’s healthcare workforce.”
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to student success and to meeting the growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals,” said Elliott. “By creating clear and accessible pathways, we are empowering our students to advance their education and careers while strengthening the communities we serve.”
The program also featured a student perspective from Shaniya Pernell, a first-year dental hygiene student, and remarks from Amber Patterson, RDH, a past graduate and current clinical adjunct, highlighting the impact of HCC’s dental hygiene program on student achievement and career readiness.
The official signing of the articulation agreement was conducted by Elliott and Danell, symbolizing the partnership between the two institutions.
Lisa J. Santiago, dental hygiene program director at HCC, emphasized the importance of the agreement for students pursuing long-term career growth. “This articulation agreement provides our students with expanded opportunities to continue their education beyond the associate degree,” she said. “It strengthens the foundation they build here at HCC and supports their transition into advanced study and leadership roles within the dental hygiene profession.”
Shreail Hinton, dean of admissions and enrollment management at HCC, highlighted the impact on student access and enrollment pathways. “Creating clear transfer opportunities like this is essential to helping students see what is possible beyond their starting point,” she said. “This agreement removes barriers and provides a direct route for students to continue their education with confidence.”
Dr. Julie Galvin, dean of career and technical education and health sciences at HCC, noted the broader workforce implications of the partnership. “Healthcare remains one of the most critical workforce needs in our region,” she said. “This partnership not only enhances educational opportunities but also helps ensure that our communities have access to highly trained dental hygiene professionals.”