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SANFORD, N.C. — Growing up on a farm in Asheboro, animals were always a big part of Shelton Strider’s life. That is what led him to work as a veterinary assistant, and eventually to pursue an Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology at �ڰ�������. 

For Strider, who still lives in Asheboro and works at a vet emergency clinic in Winston-Salem, pursuing that degree while continuing his work has required a major balancing act, especially during the most intensive semesters.

He maintained that balance despite the loss of his home, which was destroyed by a fire in 2024 during Hurricane Helene. 

Strider was chosen by �ڰ������� as its nominee for this year’s Dallas M. Herring Achievement Award, presented by the North Carolina Community College System, State Board of Community Colleges, and North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation. 

The award was established to honor the late Dr. Dallas Herring, whose philosophy of "taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go" is the guiding principle of the system. 

The award is given annually to a current or former community college student who best embodies Dr. Herring's philosophy.

VMT Instructor Dr. Kim Browning and VMT Department Chair Megan Morgan Kelly recognized Strider for exemplifying the spirit and vision of Dr. Herring through perseverance, leadership, and a deep commitment to learning — demonstrating the power of determination and the transformative potential of community college education.

Strider began attending �ڰ������� about four years ago to complete prerequisites for the Vet Med program and joined the program in 2024.

During his first semester in the program, when Strider was taking Anatomy and Physiology, Hurricane Helene barreled through the southeastern United States. 

The storm damaged the electrical system for the old farmhouse in Asheboro that Strider called home, causing the fire and destroying the building.

Strider said he received support and assistance from some good friends who gave him a place to stay, but he said he was too hard-headed to take the �ڰ������� faculty up on their offers of help at the time. He was driven to continue by a belief that he needed to better himself and complete the degree.

“What was lost was lost,” he said. “But yeah — it was fairly difficult.” 

After Strider graduates from �ڰ������� in May, his new degree will bring him the opportunity to take the licensure exam to become a Registered Veterinary Technician, as well as opportunities for new responsibilities and increased pay. 

Strider said he is interested in becoming an instructor himself at some point and would like to continue his studies with a bachelor’s degree in VMT and possibly even a master’s in veterinary education. 

He said the program taught many important skills and lessons, like how to study and how to know what to do next in a critical care situation. 

“Always be on your toes,” he said. “Always be open and willing to learn, just in general.” 

For more information on �ڰ�������’s Veterinary Medical Technology Program, visit .