In Spring 2023, Sampson Community College (SCC) proudly graduated its first class of esthetician students, totaling fifteen in all. Part of the Workforce Development & Continuing Education department (WD&CE), the students successfully completed both Esthetician I and II, which began enrolling in Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, respectively.

Back in September 2022, Loreta Jones, Cosmetology Department Chair at SCC, and Stanley A. Royal, Director of Allied Health and Resource Development, were able to successfully get the first esthetic program approved by the NC State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. Soon, a room was chosen, and SCC faculty and staff members worked to create an operational space for the students.

2023 05 30 grads1
Day class graduates: (Back row from L) LaQuanda Best, Jennette Powell, Joanna Lopez, Allyson Espino Hernandez, Victoria Tew, Tiffany Willis. (2nd row from L) Dania Marquez, Stanley Royal, Loreta Jones, Suzzan Hayes, Stephanie Avilez. (Front row from L) Maira Luengas and Susan Dendy.

The course was split into two semesters, composed of Esthetician I and II, and offered both day and night classes– providing students with a hands-on learning experience and environment that would prepare them to successfully work within the beauty industry.

Led by Suzzan Hayes and April Autry, Cosmetology & Esthetic Instructors at SCC, the esthetician students completed over 600 hours of hands-on instruction and practice in concepts and techniques such as: infection control, skin care, waxing, hair removals, eyebrow tinting and make-up, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, micro-needling, and derma-planning.

2023 05 30 grads2
(Photo 1 from L) Nicole Sanchez, Keren Ramirez, Stanley Royal, Frances McMillan, and Toni Bobadilla. (Photo 2 from L) Frances McMillan and Keren Ramirez

Hayes shared, “It was an honor to work with this group of students. They worked so hard and soaked up everything they were taught. Not only did they earn a certificate in esthetics, but they also received three other certifications while taking this class. They received certificates in microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and in eyelashes.”

Upon graduation, SCC’s esthetician students were qualified to take the N.C. State Board of Cosmetic Arts examination. Once certified, the graduates will have a wide range of available employment opportunities open to them such as working in spas, cosmetic surgeons’ offices, laser hair facilities, dermatologists’ offices, etc.

SCC’s 2023 Esthetic Graduates:

Stephanie Avilez
LaQuanda Best
Toni Bobadilla
Susan Dendy
Allyson Espino Hernandez
Joanna Lopez
Maira Luengas
Dania Marquez
Frances McMillan
Jennette Powell
Keren Ramirez|
Nicole Sanchez
Victoria Tew
Tiffany Willis

“Congratulations again to the very first SCC Esthetics Cass of 2023,” Hayes lauded. “You did it! To future classes, we welcome you to SCC. At SCC, you can ‘Begin here and go anywhere!’ Come and join us in the Fall to get your certifications. I can’t wait to see where you can go!”

Sampson CC is tremendously proud of its first graduating class of estheticians. The College is proud of their hard work and dedication throughout the past year. SCC hopes they’ll continue to make the College proud in all they do. The future is bright for these graduates!

For more information about the esthetician program at SCC or how to apply, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/occupational-extension or contact Loreta Jones at ljones@sampsoncc.edu.


About Sampson Community College

Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.