BE
Developing inner
clarity and purpose
Build authentic self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and presence. Know your values, strengths, and motivations — and understand how you impact others. This is the foundation for all meaningful decisions and interactions.
This experience uses the Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile.
SEE
Sharpening perception
and understanding
Learn to observe your environment, relationships, and opportunities with empathy and insight. Read situations, understand others’ perspectives, and recognize patterns and possibilities around you.
This program is based on the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program.
DO
Turning intention
into impact
Take purposeful action through effective communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making. Build habits that turn awareness into results.
This experience leverages the Kauffman FastTrac Program.
PURSUE
Growing through
change and learning
Embrace lifelong learning and adaptive development. Build your capacity to evolve through feedback, critical thinking, and continual skill refinement.
This is a Durable Skills Program.
Welcome to Skill Spring!
I founded Skill Spring and currently serve as its executive director. My career in education began at Harrells Christian Academy, where I taught middle school social studies and coached football. After my time at HCA, I opened a math learning center in Wilmington. In 2007, I sold the business to pursue a doctorate degree. While studying at Regent University, I also taught economics at Sampson Community College in Clinton.
After completing my Ph.D., I joined the faculty at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, as a business professor. There, I taught undergraduate courses in management and entrepreneurship, as well as graduate courses in corporate social responsibility and business creation for MBA students. In 2019, I was named director of the Cloud L. Cray Center for Entrepreneurial Services at Benedictine. During my time there, I revitalized the center and completely redesigned the Entrepreneurship Minor program. After five years of leading the Cray Center, I returned to my hometown of Wallace in September 2024 to launch Skill Spring.
Our company
Skill Spring is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Southeastern North Carolina dedicated to cultivating transformative skills throughout the region’s rural communities.
Our vision
We envision a future where every resident of rural Southeastern North Carolina possesses the capabilities to turn everyday challenges into opportunities and lifelong dreams into reality.
Our mission
We strive to transform rural Southeastern North Carolina by cultivating skills that empower all residents to create, innovate, and thrive.
Our values
We value empathy, empowerment, enrichment, and evolution:
Skill Spring is committed to transforming lives through education by embracing the values of empathy, empowerment, enrichment, and evolution. We begin by listening with empathy, ensuring every learner feels seen and supported. By fostering empowerment, we equip individuals with the confidence and skills to shape their own futures. Our programs are designed for enrichment, offering meaningful learning experiences that expand horizons and unlock potential. Guided by evolution, we continuously adapt and innovate, ensuring our education and training remain relevant in a changing world. At Skill Spring, we nurture growth, resilience, and lifelong success for every learner.