March 26, 2026

Roanoke-Chowan Community College Names Joseph Gorton as TRiO Student Support Services Retention Specialist

 

                                                                       

AHOSKIE, NC–– Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) has appointed Joseph Gorton as the new Retention Specialist for TRiO Student Support Services, bringing with him a decade of teaching experience and a professional background rooted in public service, community engagement and student-centered support.
 
Gorton began his higher education journey at Pitt Community College before transferring to East Carolina University, where he double‑majored in German and political science. He later earned a master’s degree in public administration. His early career included work with ECU’s Grants Outreach Network, where he assisted local communities by writing grants for projects such as park development, environmental cleanup and municipal improvements. He later spent several years in retail management before transitioning to education.
 
In 2015, Gorton entered a lateral-entry teaching program and became a social studies educator with a focus on civics, economics and personal finance. He taught for 10 years before joining R‑CCC.
 
Gorton said his own college path strongly influenced his desire to work with TRiO students.
 
“I was once in these students’ shoes,” he said. “I started at a community college, and I struggled at times to become a ‘good student.’ I didn’t know what I wanted to major in, I didn’t have strong study habits and I didn’t know how to prepare myself to transfer. There wasn’t much guidance back then, and I hope to make things easier for today’s students by being a voice of reason and a steady presence as they work toward their goals.”
 
Gorton has continued pursuing professional learning throughout his career, earning additional teaching certifications in history, economics and personal finance. He is currently considering either pursuing a Ph.D. or returning for another master’s degree.
 
Roanoke-Chowan Community College President Dr. Murray J. Williams praised Gorton’s dedication to student achievement.
 
“Joseph brings an exceptional blend of experience, empathy and enthusiasm to our TRiO program,” Williams said. “His own story mirrors the journeys of many of our students, and his commitment to helping them persist and succeed aligns perfectly with our mission. We are excited to welcome him to the R‑CCC family.”
 
Although Gorton has no family ties to the region, he said he enjoys exploring new places with his wife and children. Together, they have traveled to more than 40 states to climb mountains, which is one of his greatest passions. His hobbies include hiking, camping, reading, playing guitar, cooking global cuisines, studying languages and visiting farmers markets across the country.
 
For more information about Roanoke-Chowan Community College or its programs, visit www.roanokechowan.edu or call 252-862-1200.

Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission

Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”

Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243