When John Byrd was an art student 20 years ago, he never thought he'd one day be teaching at his alma mater, Johnston Community College. He was a terrible high school student, struggled with dyslexia and was very unsure of his abilities, he says.

But over time, Byrd says, he realized that he wanted to teach and that his passion was helping others appreciate art.

"My education at JCC gave me hope and a solid foundation on which I could grow personally and professionally," Byrd says.

A 1988 graduate of JCC, Byrd went on to receive his bachelor's degree and master's degree in fine art. Today, he is director of the graphic-arts and fine-arts department at JCC.

"Students are my top priority," Byrd says. "Without the positive support, words of encouragement and cheerleading I received from my instructors at JCC, I never would have had the self-confidence to continue my education."