Top photo by Jon Dawson. Bottom photo submitted.

An advisory committee has been formed to offer counsel for the Lenoir Community College La Grange Center.

Located at 112 East Railroad Street, the LCC La Grange Center offers classes related to medical billing/coding, small engine repair, nursing, emergency medical technician training and auctioneering. Students may also earn their high school equivalency diploma (GED) and take English as a second language.

"The purpose of the advisory committee is to inform, advise, and assist the college with planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and services," said LCC La Grange Center Director Jason Smith. "Advisory committees offer counsel and information, which helps us monitor changes in the workforce, determine if workforce needs are being met and enhance or expand programs and services."

The LCC La Grange Center features five classrooms, two computer labs, a conference room, and administrative office and a room dedicated to and approved for health-related occupations training. Along with Smith, the facility is staffed with an instructional assistant, two evening assistants and several part-time instructors.

While LCC has maintained a presence in the Town of La Grange for decades, the current facility has been in operation since 2011.                                                         

"I began my tenure with LCC as a student tutor and teaching assistant in 2009 while I was a student at the college," Smith said. "I became the director of the La Grange branch in January of 2014."

Making up the new advisory committee are retired Lenoir County Schools principal Anita Sykes, retired educator May Shands, La Grange business owner Bruce Bannister and Neuse News writer Jon Dawson, with Smith acting as committee secretary.

"The La Grange Center is a great resource for our town and surrounding community," said Bruce Bannister. "I look forward to helping advance LCC's efforts in La Grange."          

The first meeting of the committee is scheduled for the fall.

For more information on the LCC La Grange Center, contact Jason Smith at jdsmith33@lenoircc.edu.