Transferring VGCC student among first in ECU Honors College

Vance-Granville Community College student Rolando Rosado of Louisburg was recently accepted into the Honors College at East Carolina University, starting in the fall of 2021. Rosado is one of just 10 students who are the first ever admitted into the competitive honors program while transferring into the university.

Rosado originally came to VGCC to work toward an Associate in Science degree in the college transfer program after first attending Wake Technical Community College and working at a car dealership as a lube technician and a service technician. “In my experience as an automotive service technician, I was exposed to electronics and electrical circuitry,” he recalled. “I found a passion in electricity that intrigued me to pursue a degree in engineering, and then a career in engineering in the aviation field.” He also found the VGCC Associate in Science degree intriguing due to his interest in engineering and his belief that VGCC could prepare him to transfer to a university.

Rosado excelled academically at VGCC, earning President’s List and Dean’s List honors while taking most of his classes at the college’s Franklin County Campus. He made his choice of where to continue his education after he attended a meeting with ECU representatives on VGCC’s main campus. “I was impressed with the material that was presented there, which solidified my decision to transfer to East Carolina,” Rosado said. “I chose East Carolina particularly because I found the commitment and diversity of their student body and the diversity of the programs offered attractive. Furthermore, I find the average student GPA and graduation rate appealing. Their reputation based on statistical rankings within North Carolina made it easy to choose East Carolina University.”

After being admitted to the university, ECU’s associate director of transfer recruitment referred Rosado to the separate process of being selected for the Honors College. Now, he looks forward to both majoring in electrical engineering and participating in unique opportunities provided by the Honors College. “I will have the chance to be part of a growing community of diverse, innovative, curious, and creative students,” he said. “I will get a chance to acquire high-impact experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. The honors college will give me the opportunity to experience the full effect of the institution at East Carolina. These are the experiences I am looking forward to.”

Rosado and his fellow transfer students will be ECU “Centennial Fellows” and will be required to complete the Honors College curriculum associated with being a Centennial Fellow. The Centennial Fellows receive a scholarship valued at $1,250 per semester for up to five semesters, along with all of the benefits associated with participation in the Honors College. The Honors College provides an array of benefits for all of its students, including: priority registration; priority admission to graduate programs; experiences such as study abroad, research, and internships; and additional advising.

As he prepared to conclude his time at VGCC, Rosado reflected that he feels well-prepared for his next steps. “While attending Vance-Granville, I have encountered faculty members that are knowledgeable, and they have helped me in my pursuit of my goals,” he said. “My intellectual capacity has broadened through Vance-Granville’s education, inspiration, and support that they offer. This transfer program has made it possible to allow for a fulfilling career and positive social mobility after graduation. For anyone considering Vance-Granville’s college-transfer program, I would recommend they attend VGCC for their outstanding program and outstanding faculty and staff. It’s a program that has proven to benefit me and I am confident that it will benefit others.”

For more information about enrolling at VGCC, visit www.vgcc.edu or call 252-738-3234.