This is the College’s 47th annual commencement. The event is free and open to the public. Harrison was named president of AT&T North Carolina in March 2013, having previously served as regional vice president of external affairs.

In her current position, she is responsible for the public policy, economic development and community affairs activities of AT&T, a leading provider of wireless and wireline communications services.

In her role, she works closely with state and community leaders to help bring new technology and jobs to the state and improve the quality of life for all North Carolinians. A native North Carolinian, Harrison is a 33-year veteran of AT&T and its predecessor companies.

Beginning her career in the operator services division, she moved through positions of increasing responsibility in the network, business and regulatory, and external affairs departments.

In addition to her responsibilities in the company, Harrison has also been involved in community and charitable activities. She currently serves on the Governor’s Education Cabinet and on the boards of the North Carolina Chamber, North Carolina Business Leaders for Education, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, the Capital City Club and the Cardinal Club.

Harrison holds a business administration degree from the University of Phoenix.

She is married with two children.

During the ceremony, 533 degrees, certificates and diplomas will be conferred to 481 students. Some students will receive more than one credential.

This graduation is historic because it is the first for Roanoke Valley Early College students.

Twenty-two RVEC high school seniors will receive an associate’s degree or certificate from HCC before they graduate from high school.