Student Success: From Welding to the U.S. Navy

At Brunswick Community College (BCC), we tell students they can start here and go anywhere. Jose Cabrera Montalban, a 2024 graduate, is living proof. Jose’s journey at BCC began in the Welding Technology program, where he earned his diploma and discovered a passion for learning. But that was just the beginning.

While continuing his education at BCC, Jose took challenging courses like HON 191 Research and Discovery, taught by Dr. Kim Jones, Dean of Arts and Sciences. “This course is part of CCURE, the Community College Undergraduate Research Experience, a partnership with UNCW,” Dr. Jones explained. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for community college students to engage in meaningful research, and Jose embraced it wholeheartedly.” In 2024, Jose graduated from BCC with a 4.0 GPA, an associate in applied science degree, and several transfer credits.

His next step? Serving his country. Jose enlisted in the U.S. Navy and recently shared a significant milestone with some of his BCC mentors: “I wanted to share that I graduated from Nuclear Power School,” Jose wrote in an email to Dr. Jones, welding instructor Dick Bowie, and TLC tutor Dara Royal. “I finished as Honor-man of my section with a 3.82 GPA. It was a rough six months, maybe the hardest of my life, but I made it.”

Yes, you did, Jose! All of us at BCC couldn’t be prouder. Thank you for your service to our country, and we can’t wait to see what you achieve next.

December 2024