About Student Support Services (TRiO)

Student Support Services is a federally-funded program through the US Department of Education. Established in 1965 under the Title IV Act of Higher Education, Student Support Services is part of what is known as TRIO. TRIO programs serve first-generation, low-income and disabled students, from middle grades through post-secondary institutions.

At Johnston Community College, Student Support Services (SSS) is a department in the division of Student Services. Currently we serve approximately 160 students, most of whom are first-generation (neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree) and low-income. Some of our services include:

• counseling (personal, academic and career)
• tutoring
• study skills workshops
• financial aid planning
• transfer assistance

The SSS program at Johnston Community College is the only program of its kind in Johnston County, and was initially funded in 2001.

Student Support Services (TRiO) Staff

Carrol Warren, Director

Carrol Warren is a graduate of Meredith College and the University of Texas at Austin. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling education. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, has over 7 years of counseling experience and is here to meet the needs of SSS students. As director, Carrol is responsible for planning, developing, and administering the SSS program. The Director also serves as the College's liaison to the Department of Education's program and grants officers.

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Elizabeth Baker, Advisor

Elizabeth Baker holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Sweet Briar College in Virginia. She is currently a candidate for a master’s degree in English, Technical & Professional Communication, from East Carolina University and has also studied adult and community college education at NC State University. Elizabeth joined SSS in 2002 and since then has also taught ACA 115 and Reading 070 classes for the Academic Enrichment Center. She is responsible for providing academic and personal advising to participants. Additionally, Elizabeth works one on one with students to assist them in course and program selection, as well as with transfer options for four-year colleges and universities.

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Brenda Peedin, Tutor Coordinator

Brenda Peedin received an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Administrative Office Technology in 1993. She worked in the Admission’s Office at Johnston Community College from 1993 until November of 2001 when she was hired for the Tutor Coordinator position with Student Support Services. She is a certified tutor trainer with the National Tutoring Association and is qualified to train all of Student Support Services’ NTA-certified tutors. The tutor coordinator is responsible for coordinating all facets of the professional and peer-tutoring program. Additional responsibilities include maintaining all records related to project activities.

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Tuwanda Richardson, Program Assistant

Tuwanda Richardson received an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Office Administration and Office Systems Technology from Johnston Community College in 2007. An alumna of the TRiO program, Tuwanda serves Student Support Services now as the Program Assistant. She is responsible for planning and coordinating activities related to the TRiO program, collects data to evaluate program objectives, and compiles program reports.