NC State transfer program to help Gaston student continue academic pursuit

After graduating from an online Catholic high school in California, Robert J. Hipkins enrolled at Gaston College in 2023. “I found that, after touring other community colleges, Gaston College offered the small college vibe that I was looking for,” Hipkins said. “Immediately, I felt like Gaston was more than just a college. It was a community.”

Since enrolling, Hipkins has been diligently working through the courses needed for an associate in arts degree, which he aims to complete next month. He plans to further his education through one of Gaston’s guaranteed transfer agreements for the C3 Program at N.C. State.

“It appealed to me because of its hands-on support system and objective of granting second chances,” he explained. Hipkins aims to graduate from N.C. State in 2027 or 2028 with a degree in English, focusing on film studies. “By allowing me to study my true passions, Gaston College and C3 have forever changed my life.”

Hipkins describes his time at Gaston College as supportive and fulfilling. “It’s hard to directly point to one overall good experience,” he said. “My time here has been filled with growth and the building of friendships. Gaston College has an environment that is supporting and non-judgmental. I will attest that at Gaston College you are able to ‘Own Your Momentum,’ if you choose to allow yourself to be open to the opportunity.”