Instructor Nathan McKee Opens Doors to IT Success
The Information Technology (IT) program at James Sprunt Community College (JSCC), led by instructor Nathan McKee, is helping students gain a competitive edge in the workforce through innovative opportunities and marketable certifications. Since joining JSCC in Spring 2023, McKee has prioritized providing practical tools for student success in the IT field.
Recently, McKee partnered with Stanley Community College to offer his students free test vouchers for certification through CISCO, a global leader in technology and IT education. These certifications, which typically cost over $100 per test, were made available at no cost to JSCC students. The best part? The CISCO certifications are permanent and never require renewal, making them a lasting credential for students’ resumes.
- 2 students passed the CCST-Cybersecurity Certification
- 5 students passed the CCST-Networking
- 4 students passed the CCST-IT Support certification
- 3 students passed both the CCST-Networking and IT Support Certifications
In a unique approach, McKee replaced the traditional final exam with the opportunity for students to earn these certifications. He also allowed students multiple attempts at no additional cost, ensuring they had every opportunity to succeed.
“I’m thrilled to offer my students a practical and tangible benefit that directly supports their career goals,” McKee said. “I plan to continue offering this certification opportunity in future semesters. I was just provided 12 more exam vouchers by Stanly Community College for the CCST-Cybersecurity exam which I will use for the final exam in my SEC-110 Security Concepts course this semester.”
McKee believes that obtaining certifications like CISCO demonstrates to potential employers that JSCC students are both competent and well-rounded in the field of IT. Beyond technical skills, the certifications empower students with confidence and provide clear evidence of their expertise as they enter the job market.
For more information about James Sprunt Community College’s Information Technology program and the certifications available, contact Nathan McKee at nmckee@jamessprunt.edu or (910) 275-6294.
