Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) Hillary Green was recognized this week as one of the Top 20 community college students in the nation at the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) conference in Louisville, Kentucky. This recognition places Hillary on the prestigious All-USA Academic Team. She was also recently named a New Century Pathway Scholar, making her the top transfer student in Alabama.

NACC is extremely proud of Hillary and her accomplishments. More than 2,200 applications were reviewed for the All-USA Academic Team selection. With her selection, Hillary also shined a light on Alabama, as only 16 of the 50 American states were represented among the scholars.

“This is as large an honor as that a community college student can receive,” stated NACC President Dr. David Campbell. “The Award reflects so well not only on Northeast, but also the Alabama Community College System.  Our academic transfer students are the best!”

All-USA team members were selected for their outstanding intellectual achievement, leadership, community, and campus engagement. The All-USA Academic Team is sponsored by Cengage, with additional support provided by Phi Theta Kappa and AACC.

Hillary’s selection to the All-USA Academic Team provides her with a $5,000 scholarship. The All-USA Academic Team is sponsored by Cengage with additional support provided by the American Association of Community Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa. As a New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, she will receive a $2,250 scholarship as well. This program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, with additional support provided by the AACC and Phi Theta Kappa.

NACC Dean of Students Jeff Hawes spoke of Hillary’s accomplishments, saying, “What an opportunity this is for Hillary, and she represents Northeast well. Hillary's musical talents and academic excellence as a double major make her a wonderful role model for our dual enrollment students. Hard work pays off!”

Hillary is an exemplary student and has made a lasting impact on the campus of Northeast. NACC’s Director of Student Activities Joan Reeves has much enjoyed working with Hillary. “Working with Hillary has been an incredible opportunity for me and a reminder of how special our students are,” said Ms. Reeves. “I am truly honored that Hillary is the 2024 recipient of the Joan S. Reeves National SKD Service Scholarship.”

Not only does she excel in the classroom, but Hillary is also a member of the NACC Music Department. Concert-goers will recognize her talented voice as a member of the Mustang String Band, NACC Jazz Band, and Encore!

Hillary’s music instructors echoed the sentiments of fellow NACC administrators. “Whether she is singing, playing solo, or collaborating with other musicians, Hillary Green leaves a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of working with or listening to her,” said NACC Music Instructor Sara Markham. She continued, “Her musical talent is a testament to her innate creativity and discipline, and she possesses an artistic drive that is unmatched among her peers. She has been an absolute joy to teach and perform with over these past few years, and we will miss her immensely in the Music Department. Though she may be going on to light up the stage at UNA, she will always be a valued member of our Mustang Music Family, and we can not wait to see (and hear) what she does next!”

Mustang String Band Director and NACC Music Instructor Stacy Morris also spoke highly of Hillary, saying, “Hillary has been an indispensable asset to our department as well as being an exceptional musician and student. She’s always gone way beyond the call of duty!”

As an academic transfer student, Hillary will graduate next month with an Associate in Science in Business. She plans to transfer to the University of North Alabama to major in marketing and earn a minor in music. Hillary aspires to continue her passion for music and work within the music industry in Muscle Shoals.

NACC’s academic transfer programs continue to be the backbone of the institution. This semester, nearly sixty percent of students are enrolled in an Associate in Science or an Associate in Art degree program. These programs allow students to complete the core requirements for degrees in these respective fields for a fraction of the cost per tuition hour at larger colleges or universities in the state.

Transfer students who complete a degree at Northeast most always go on to excel at four-year institutions. We are very proud of our academic transfer programs and the instructors who set these students up for success.

The All-USA program is widely recognized as the most prestigious academic honor for students attending associate degree-granting institutions. Each college may nominate two students for showing intellectual rigor and demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, and civic growth. The program also recognizes students who extend their community college education to better themselves, their schools, and their surrounding communities.