"As a mother of three sons, I understand first-hand how hard it is for a non-traditional student to go back to college. Now I am in a position to help others like me achieve their career goals."

 
Dr. Candace Holder started her educational path right here at Surry Community College in 1991. "I saw how important technology was, and would continue to become, through my sons' experiences in school. This inspired me to go back to school to learn about computer technology," states Dr. Holder. Holder's first computer course was also her most memorable, both for inspiring her ultimate career path in Computer Information Systems and for the help she received from Carlos Surratt, then Dean of Evening Studies.  "He provided the one-on-one assistance that I needed to successfully complete my degree. If it weren't for Surry's night degree program, I would not have been able to achieve my personal and professional goals," she states. After graduating from SCC, Dr. Holder started her career with Surry County schools as a SIMS Data Manager, and then worked as an Instructional Technology Specialist while obtaining her higher degrees.  In 1996, she became a part-time instructor for Surry Community College.  Currently, she is the college's Director of Distance Education, and she completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Appalachian State University this past year. Dr. Holder now leads a growing and respected program that provides the opportunity to complete a degree at home, offering another great option for busy students to achieve their educational goals — just as she had once done. 

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