Nash Community College has been named the Gold Award winner in the Best College category of the 2026 Best of the Twin Counties Awards, earning the top distinction in higher education as voted on by the community.
The recognition was announced during the 2026 Best of the Twin Counties Celebration, where NCC was honored alongside fellow finalists North Carolina Wesleyan University, which received Silver, and Edgecombe Community College, which received Bronze.
The annual Best of the Twin Counties awards recognize outstanding businesses, organizations, and institutions throughout the Nash and Edgecombe counties area, with winners determined through community voting. NCC was also featured in the 2026 Best of the Twin Counties magazine.
NCC President Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt and Dr. K.J. Askew, Director of Marketing & Strategic Engagement, attended the awards celebration and accepted the recognition on behalf of the College.
Director of Marketing & Strategic Engagement
In a message to employees following the announcement, Dr. Hunnicutt celebrated the achievement and credited the entire College community for making the recognition possible.
“Congrats to every member of TEAM NASH for making this happen!” Dr. Hunnicutt shared.
The Gold Award reflects the College’s continued commitment to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality educational opportunities for students throughout the Twin Counties and surrounding communities.
“As a community college, our purpose is rooted in the very community we serve. To be voted the Best College in the Twin Counties by that same community is an honor we take great pride in,” said Dr. Askew. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing educational opportunities that empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.”
From university transfer pathways and career and technical education to workforce development and continuing education, NCC remains focused on meeting students where they are.
This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the community NCC serves, reflecting the relationships, trust, and impact the College has built throughout the region.
