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Gaston and Richmond community colleges recently announced an important joint venture.

According to Gaston College, it’s a shared 911 communications and operations curriculum. It will allow students at Gaston College to complete the program’s courses, thanks to the Internet, through Richmond Community College. This new collaboration between the two colleges will enrich the students’ education and pave the way for them to potentially land jobs in various emergency dispatch organizations in the future, according to Gaston College President Dr. John Hauser.

“This is a unique step for Gaston College,” said Hauser, “as Richmond Community College is actually the first college to offer a 911 communications and operations curriculum in North Carolina. I know our students will benefit greatly from the knowledge and insights gained while taking these courses.”

Dr. Dale McInnis, Hauser’s counterpart at Richmond Community College, shared his enthusiasm. McInnis praised the partnership.

“I appreciate the trust placed in us by President Hauser and (Gaston College Dean Dr. Heather) Woodson to provide their students a pathway to a great career as telecommunicators,” he said. “Our students, communities and employers all benefit when we build on our respective strengths and collaborate.”

The implementation of the 911 communications and operations curriculum between the two schools will be a way to provide both students and current practitioners with knowledge and useful skills in particular areas necessary for entrance advancement with emergency communications, whilst at the same time earning a public safety communication specialist associate’s degree.

Students will gain invaluable knowledge in different areas of coursework. This includes basic software, personnel management and supervision, grant-writing, mental health awareness and more. The skillsets of each student will expand significantly, and students will grasp a deeper understanding of emergency communications while preparing themselves for a post-graduate world.

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