Wayne Community College Vice President of Workforce Continuing Education Services and Community Engagement Renita Dawson received recognition for her leadership within Wayne County.
Dawson was honored by Sheriff Larry Pierce for her work with the Wayne County Reentry Council, operated by WCC. She was recognized during the meeting of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 15.
The Wayne County Reentry Council partners with several community organizations and government agencies to provide resources for justice-involved individuals and their families. Resources may include educational opportunities, job-search assistance, employment training, mental health counseling, food, clothing, transportation, and shelter.
The council aims to help individuals successfully transition back into society and reduce recidivism. It provides ongoing case management sessions that incorporate developmental goals for those in the program.
Pierce highlighted Dawson’s “laser-focused” leadership of the council. “It has really taken off in the last few years since she has been in charge of the program,” he said.
During the meeting, Pierce presented Dawson with a plaque in recognition of her exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to second chances. “Your work has strengthened lives, restored hope, and built stronger futures for the people of Wayne County,” he read from the award.
In 2021, Dawson and WCC President Patty Pfeiffer spoke about having the College operate the Wayne County Reentry Council. “We understood that employment and education are the foundation of what helps individuals be successful, no matter what their life circumstances are,” Dawson said.
Dawson updated the county commissioners on the council’s work. It achieved a 96% referral rate from April 2025 to April 2026, and 91% of those referrals were processed within four days.
During the meeting, Dawson also shared some recent successes of those seeking assistance from the council. Multiple individuals have earned diplomas through WCC’s Adult High School and High School Equivalency programs, and many others are pursuing college credit and workforce training credentials that lead to successful careers.
The Wayne County Reentry Council hosts campaigns and events throughout the year to gain support and awareness of its mission. Through workshops, job and resource fairs, information sessions, and more, the council works to reduce barriers and expand opportunities for justice-involved individuals.
The council was named a 2025 Champion for Attainment by myFutureNC and the 2026 Program of the Year by the North Carolina Gang Investigators Association.
Dawson said the Wayne County Reentry Council is about “believing in people, giving them hope, and giving them second chances.”
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.