How did New Century Scholars start?
New Century Scholars was started in 1995 after Jackson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Charles McConnell identified the need to help high potential students achieve the goal of attending college. New Century Scholars was created as a motivational tool to help students identify and pursue the goal of attaining a college education. Dr. McConnell and Dr. Barry Russell, then President of Southwestern Community College, approached area business leaders with a simple plan to help students and families achieve this dream. The New Century Scholars program was expanded to Macon and Swain counties in 1996.
