Remembering “Chatty Hattie” Leeper
The late Hattie Leeper devoted her life to breaking barriers and inspiring generations as a broadcasting pioneer. Better known as her beloved radio persona, “Chatty Hattie,” Leeper added another honor to her storied career in October 2025 when she was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. An Edgemoor, S.C., native,…
Local Law Firm Proudly Staffed by Gaston College Alumni
Stott, Hollowell, Windham & Stancil, PLLC, with offices in Gastonia and Mount Holly, is a standout example of the impact Gaston College’s Paralegal Technology program has on the local workforce. The firm is home to five program alumni: attorney Joy Chappell and paralegals Sara Parker, Paige Reel, Kimber Thomas, and Taylor Dillingham, highlighting the strong…
Gaston’s Eighth President: Dr. Patricia Skinner
In 1994, Dr. Patricia Skinner became Gaston College’s first female president. Upon her retirement in March 2020, she became the longest-tenured president in the school’s history. Skinner led Gaston College through significant technological advancements during her time at Gaston. “That’s the biggest change,” Skinner told the N.C. Community College ednc.org website just before her retirement….
Gaston’s Seventh President: Paul Berrier
When President Scott retired, Gaston College turned to a familiar face for interim leadership. Paul Berrier, a staff member since 1974, stepped into the role. He started at the college as Gaston’s director of campus development, later becoming vice president for human relations and vice president of administrative services. Berrier served as interim president from…
Gaston’s Sixth President: Wayne Scott
Wayne Scott’s journey from NASA physicist to Gaston College’s sixth president was somewhat of an unconventional path in higher education leadership. Scott, a Chattanooga native, earned degrees from the University of Chattanooga, William & Mary, and Ohio State before his tenure at NASA from 1962 to 1965. At Langley Field, he contributed to shield development…
Gaston’s Fifth President: Robert Howard
Dr. Robert Howard stepped into the role of Gaston College president in August 1979, following Dr. Joseph Mills’ resignation that May. Initially serving as “acting” president, Howard officially took the helm on August 27, 1979. A Charlotte native, Howard moved to Gastonia at age 5 in 1924. He pursued his education at Mars Hill Junior…
Remembering Marshall Rauch
Few people in state history have touched as many lives as Marshall Arthur Rauch before his death this week at 102. A native of Manhattan, N.Y., he moved to North Carolina in 1940 to play basketball at Duke University, where he met his wife when they were both 17 years old. He became a popular…
Trustee Spotlight: Dr. Bobbie Rowland
Women’s History Month is the perfect opportunity to honor one of the school’s female pioneers, former longtime Gaston College trustee Dr. Bobbie Haynes Rowland. A 1951 graduate of UNC Greensboro, Rowland was named Professor Emeritus of Child and Family Development at UNC Charlotte after her 37-year tenure at that school ended, Rowland was Gaston College’s…
Gaston’s Fourth President: Joseph Mills
When Joseph Mills became Gaston College’s fourth president in July 1975, he was promoted from his position as vice president. A University of Kentucky graduate, Mills became an educator after working for four radio stations and two television stations. Also a writer for the U.K. college newspaper, Mills taught high school English while earning his…
Gaston’s Third President: Woodrow Sugg
Gaston College’s third president was a familiar local name with loads of experience as an educator. Woodrow B. “Woody” Sugg was an Eastern N.C. native with deep roots in the county who was also directly involved in the opening of Gaston College. A 1935 graduate of old South Edgecombe High School in Pinetops, Sugg graduated…