WINTERVILLE—During the 2023-24 academic year, the Pitt Community College Foundation provided nearly $450,000 in scholarships and mini-grants to students who were most likely grateful for the assistance but unaware of who was responsible for making the funding possible.
For the past seven years, Winterville resident Rachel Whitten has been one of the Foundation’s behind-the-scenes contributors, generously donating her time, energy and financial resources in support of people she’s probably never met at a college she’s never attended. To Whitten, though, a PCC education plays an important role in transporting “people to the doorstep of opportunities for success,” while the PCC Foundation makes many of those journeys possible.
In this month’s edition of “Foundation for Success,” the PCC Foundation sat down with Whitten to learn more about her personally and professionally and why she has dedicated her time and finances to support the charitable organization …
Q. What do you consider your hometown, and where do you reside now?
A. “I originally hail from Henderson, N.C., where my parents continue to reside. After graduating high school in 1998, I relocated to Greenville, N.C., and it’s been home ever since, except for brief stints in Raleigh, Greensboro, Malvern, Pa., Pineville, La., and even Australia. I celebrated a new chapter by moving to Winterville, N.C., just before my 40th birthday in September 2020.”
Q. Tell us a little about your occupation and educational background …
A. “I currently serve as the Vice President of Sales and Services at the Greenville-Pitt County Convention and Visitors Bureau, a position I’ve held since July 2023 after serving as the Director of Sales for four years. With over two decades of experience in management, sales, marketing, and event planning, I’ve developed a knack for promoting Greenville-Pitt County as a premier destination for meetings and tourism.
My career began after graduating from East Carolina University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in Marketing. My professional journey includes roles such as the Food and Beverage Director for the City Hotel and Bistro (now the Holiday Inn), On-Premise Area Manager at Coastal Beverage Company, located in Farmville just down the street from PCC’s new Farmville Center, and Marketing Manager at The Hammock Source, located in our industrial park.
“In addition to my professional endeavors, I am a committed community leader, actively participating on the Pitt Community College Foundation Board and other local initiatives. My educational journey also includes a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification from UNC Wilmington’s Swain Center, completion of the Leadership Institute with the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce and earning my Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 2020. Most recently, I graduated from ECU’s 21st Century Leadership micro-credential program in September 2024.”
Q. Tell us about your family
A. “I am the youngest of three sisters, and I cherish my family deeply. My parents, who are high school sweethearts, have been married for 57 years, after dating for seven years. They set a remarkable example of lasting love and commitment.
“At home, I’m well-trained by my two adorable dogs who never fail to keep life interesting. Additionally, I have the privilege of being a godparent to two wonderful children.
“My favorite role is being an aunt to my two nieces and two nephews, who live near Charlotte and Raleigh. They are the coolest kids, aged between 12 and 15, and they truly allow me to pay forward all the love and adventures I was blessed to experience—and continue to share—with my family growing up.”
Q. What are some of your favorite hobbies?
A. “I have a wide array of hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment to my life. I enjoy cooking, traveling, and even running errands, especially when accompanied by a friend, as it turns simple chores into fun adventures. I’m also passionate about singing and engaging in arts and crafts activities, such as refinishing furniture and participating in classes at local venues like the Painted Peacock, Wine and Design, and The Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge. I love attending local theater shows and musicals, particularly at the Paramount Theater in Farmville and larger productions at the DPAC. During the summer, you can often find me floating in the pool, and I cherish every moment spent with friends and family.
“I’m a fan of volleyball and hope to make it to more PCC and ECU games during the next season, and this year, I’ve taken up pickleball, which I hope will become another favorite pastime.”
Q. What is one thing most people wouldn’t know about you but would find interesting?
A. “One interesting thing about me that most people might not know—and I discovered this by asking my team—is how I enjoy setting unique personal goals. For instance, from September 2023 to September 2024, I challenged myself to hike a different trail in one of North Carolina’s state parks each month for twelve consecutive months. I achieved this goal and celebrated with a 13th hike at Chimney Rock in September 2024, just a week before Hurricane Helene hit. That weekend with a group of my best friends is one all of us are grateful for, and none of us will forget.
“In another year, I founded a cover band named Dauntless, where I was the singer. We performed about once a month for two and a half years before I decided to retire the band embark on new adventures. After the band was created, I adopted ‘Live Dauntless’ as my life mantra, which continues to inspire my pursuits. Currently, my goal is to play pickleball and ride my bike 50 times each within the year. I’m generally an open book, probably to a fault, so while I find these pursuits interesting, chances are I’ve already shared them with everyone!”
Q. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and why?
A. “I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors throughout my life, making it challenging to pinpoint just one piece of advice as the best. However, a memory that always comes to mind when asked this question involves a piece of advice from one of my sister Holly’s best friends, Bryan. He shared this gem with me when he was in college and I was in middle or high school: ‘If there’s something you need or want, get a job somewhere that sells it, because you get the best deals.’
“Over time, I’ve expanded on this advice to mean: build your network so that when there is something you want or need, you can find an expert to give you the scoop on the best way to obtain that good or service. Interestingly, my love for travel steered me towards a career in travel and tourism, which definitely has its perks and allows me to embody that advice in my everyday life.”
Q. What is your current service to PCC?
A. “I have been a proud member of the Pitt Community College (PCC) Foundation Board for about five years and served on the Special Events Committee for seven years. My roles have allowed me to deeply engage with PCC and contribute to events such as the Down East Holiday Show.
“Through my involvement, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the significant impact the college has on our local community. One of the most impactful statistics I’ve learned—and one I share at every opportunity—is that the activities of PCC and its students support one out of every 25 jobs in Pitt County. This is truly incredible, and I am grateful to serve on the board to help advance our mission of developing partnerships and securing resources to support the mission of Pitt Community College and the success of its students.”
Q. In your words, what is the PCC Foundation’s purpose?
A. “I view the PCC Foundation as a crucial vehicle that transports people to the doorstep of opportunities for success in their chosen career paths—journeys that might otherwise be impossible. Our success in fundraising specifically for scholarships enables an increasing number of individuals to realize their dreams and visions.
“Additionally, I see our purpose extending to education and advocacy. By actively sharing the PCC story, we broaden our reach, enhance our capabilities, and ultimately increase the number of lives we can positively impact. I wish everyone were already aware of all the good the foundation and the college do. However, I also find joy in enlightening others about all that the Bulldogs have to offer, especially to those who are not yet familiar.
“Given that the majority of our students remain local after graduation, the impact of these scholarship-supported educational opportunities directly benefits the incredible community we live in. It’s truly the epitome of being a good neighbor, as we continue to invest in the potential of our residents and, by extension, our shared future.”
Q. Why do you support PCC with your financial gifts and serve on the Foundation Board?
A. “I support PCC with my financial gifts and serve on the Foundation Board because I firmly believe in the old adage of putting your money where your mouth is. In addition to volunteering my time on the Board and to volunteer for events, I am committed to paying my blessings forward through tithing to organizations that make good use of the funds.
“I am confident that my monthly gift to PCC directly impacts the well-being of my neighbors, enhancing our community as a whole. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute in this way and encourage everyone who is able to do the same. Remember, no gift is too small — and no gift is too large!”