Student Success
Chantelle Brisbone is Walking in Grace
June 3rd 2025 Since she was a child, A-B Tech student Chantelle Brisbone’s heart has always ached for homeless people she passed on the street. “If I had five dollars, I’d give it to them,” she said.
Medical Lab Technician Student Dan Nielson Conquers Self Doubt, Redefines Career
May 8th 2025 Dan Nielson will be the first to tell you that his inner critic is tough to beat. The 54-year-old veteran, who is graduating this May with a Medical Laboratory Technology AAS degree, has battled PTSD and negative self-talk for more than half of his life.
Cardiovascular Sonography Student Jair Lopez Credits Success to Strong Family Ties
May 6th 2025 If you had told Jair Lopez at age 15 that one day he’d be working in an American hospital, operating an ultrasound machine, and helping to diagnose heart conditions, the native Honduran likely wouldn’t have believed you.
Retirement Not an Option: A-B Tech Student Eric Velez Just Won’t Quit
May 5th 2025 A-B Tech student Eric Velez, 65, is graduating in May with an Associate in Science degree, the next step in pursuit of his childhood dream of becoming a physician.
Award-winning Artist Harper Bolick Aims to Shine a Light in Dark Times
May 2nd 2025
Student Government President Mariana Flores Leaves Lasting Legacy
April 30th 2025 Two-term Student Government Association (SGA) President Marianna Flores, 20, knows firsthand the challenges that come with learning a new language and finding her place in the community. When she was 14, her family moved from El Salvador to North Carolina.
Award-Winning Culinary Student Ezrah Hanson Says Food is His Love Language
April 28th 2025 Award-winning culinary student Ezrah Hanson will be the first to tell you that serving others is in his blood. His name means "helper" in Hebrew, so perhaps it was his destiny to grow up in a family that operated a bustling traveler’s hostel and working farm on forty acres of land.
Open Heart, Helping Hands: Student Kari Richmond Gains Valuable Experience at Medical Shelter
April 11th 2025 Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) student Kari Richmond has spent the last three-and-a-half years learning how to care for people with cognitive and physical challenges.
Construction Student Joe Cipollina Uses New Skills to Help Displaced Marshall Residents
April 9th 2025 Hurricane Helene left Asheville and surrounding areas ravaged, but it also provided A-B Tech construction students an opportunity to test new skills in the community.
A-B Tech Student Katie McMullen Recognized as One of USA Today’s Women of the Year
April 2nd 2025 At 5’5” and 110 pounds, Katie McMullen does not register as a powerful woman at first glance. But the 38-year-old A-B Tech student has recently been recognized by USA Today as one of 61 “Women of the Year” for her work running a disaster distribution center on her front lawn.