Wayne Community College student Kelly Nachbaur is the recipient of a 2026 Academic Excellence Award from the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS).
Nachbaur is enrolled in WCC’s Office Management and Associate in Arts programs. She is a member of WCC’s Scholars of Global Distinction, Honors Program, and Upsilon Chi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Nachbaur is also a student ambassador for the College.
In addition to pursuing her own academic excellence, Nachbaur is a peer tutor in WCC’s Academic Skills Center and serves as a junior board member on the National Tutoring Association’s board of directors.
“Kelly is more than an outstanding student. She is a scholar, a leader, and a role model,” said her nominator for the award. “Her presence enriches our campus, strengthens our programs, and reflects the best of Wayne Community College.”
Nachbaur is also a military spouse and a mother. “Her ability to thrive academically and lead on campus while also supporting her family in military life speaks to her exceptional perseverance and strength,” Nachbaur’s nominator said.
The Academic Excellence Award is designed to honor a student at each of the 58 constituent community colleges who has set the highest possible goals and attained the pinnacle of academic success. It is the highest academic honor the NCCCS bestows on its students.
Nachbaur will be presented with a plaque and medallion at WCC’s Student Recognition Ceremony this month.
Also honored will be award finalists Max Harrison and Diamond Simmons, both Associate in Science students.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.