10/20/2026
Wayne Community College was proud to participate in the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's inaugural Education Summit, bringing together business and industry leaders, educators, and students to discuss how our community can strengthen the connection between education and workforce development.
Dr. Kristie Sauls, WCC’s Vice President for Academic and Student Services, joined Kevin Smith of Wayne County Public Schools and Dr. Jessie Tucker of UNC Health Wayne for a discussion on workforce development and the role of education in meeting local employers’ needs. Topics included credentialing programs, skills gaps, apprenticeships, internships, and opportunities for greater collaboration between businesses and educational institutions.
The summit also explored Wayne County’s educational and workforce trends, the importance of early childhood education, and opportunities to strengthen career pathways and prepare future generations for success.
Thank you to the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce for organizing this event and bringing community partners together to discuss the future of education and workforce development in Wayne County.