For Leeza King Jones, the path to a career in nursing began at Pitt Community College, where she served as a student ambassador and helped lead the student nursing club before graduating in 2016.
Today, Jones serves as a Nurse Manager after progressing from bedside nursing to an Assistant Nurse Manager role. Her journey from PCC student to nursing leader reflects the opportunities that can grow from a strong educational foundation—and the importance of continuing to learn along the way.
In this Q&A, Jones talks about her PCC experience, health care career, life as a farmer’s wife, and why she believes PCC continues to make a difference in the region.
Q. Where were you born & raised? Tell us about your family.
A. I was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina. I grew up surrounded by family and a strong sense of community. I’m now married to a farmer from Snow Hill, so agriculture and the eastern North Carolina way of life have become an even bigger part of my family and our story.
Q. Tell us about your experience at PCC and a little about your educational background.
A. I had a great experience at Pitt Community College. I was part of the RIBN program and served as a PCC Ambassador for two years. I also had the opportunity to serve as a co-chair for the PCCANs program, which allowed me to become more involved with the college and give back to the PCC community.
After PCC, I earned my BSN from East Carolina University. I am currently working toward my MSN in Health Systems Leadership. Each step in my education has helped me grow both personally and professionally and has given me opportunities to take on new challenges in nursing.
Q. Tell us a little about your professional background. Also, what part of your job do you most enjoy?
A. I have worked in the NICU since graduating as a new nurse in 2016. I started my leadership journey as an Assistant Nurse Manager in 2023 and transitioned into a Nurse Manager role in 2025.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to care for critically ill newborns and support their families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. As I’ve moved into leadership, I’ve really enjoyed being able to support and develop other nurses, build a strong team, and help create an environment where both patients and staff can thrive. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing people grow in their confidence and skills.
Q. What are some of your favorite hobbies?
A. I love anything outdoors, especially spending time at the beach. I also enjoy going to the gym, reading, and, most importantly, spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy staying active and making time to recharge outside of work.
Q. What is one thing most people wouldn’t know about you but would find interesting?
A. One thing people may not know about me is that I’m married to a farmer, so I’ve gotten to experience a completely different side of life outside of nursing! I really enjoy the slower pace of farm life and being able to spend time outdoors.
Q. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and why?
A.“Accept feedback as a gift.” I think feedback is one of the best ways we can continue to grow, both personally and professionally. You can never stop learning, and being open to feedback allows you to see things from a different perspective and become better at what you do.
Q. In your words, what is the value of Pitt Community College to Pitt County and the region?
A. Pitt Community College is such an important part of our community because it provides people with opportunities to further their education and build careers close to home. PCC helps prepare students for the workforce while also giving them the support and resources they need to be successful.
As someone who started my nursing education at PCC, I’ve personally experienced the impact the college can have. It gave me a strong foundation and opened doors that have continued to shape my career. PCC plays a huge role in strengthening our local workforce and helping people invest in their own communities.
Q. What would you tell someone who is considering going to school at PCC?
A. I would tell them to go for it! PCC provides a great foundation and offers so many opportunities to learn, grow, and get involved. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take advantage of the resources available, and get involved on campus.
My experience at PCC helped prepare me for the next step in my education and career, and I’m grateful for the relationships and experiences I gained there. You never know where that first step can take you!