HAMLET — Two days after Brooke Deegan graduated from Richmond Community College in May 2017, she went to work for Dawkins and Associates Insurance Agency in Rockingham, kicking off her career in accounting.
Today, Deegan works for Relation Insurance Services, where she is an accounting specialist. She helps process the account payable invoices across all of the agency’s business units.
A Richmond Senior High School graduate and a first-generation college student, Deegan wasn’t always sure what she wanted to do, but she enrolled at RichmondCC because it was close to home and its affordability.
“I was originally enrolled in the Medical Assisting program. After taking a few classes, I realized that it was not for me. I began thinking about what could possibly spark my interest and what would I enjoy doing,” Deegan said.
In high school, Deegan had taken accounting classes that she enjoyed, so she decided to give the Accounting & Finance program at RichmondCC a try. She learned quickly and had great instructors in all of her classes.
Deegan said these four instructors had a great impact on her life: Matilda Davis, Kim Parsons, Donna Tedder and Jennifer Lambeth.
“They all treated their students with respect and prepared us not only for our tests and exams but also for real life. They were always willing to jump in and help explain anything that I needed more explanation on and made sure I understood it,” Deegan said.
Matilda Davis, who is the Accounting and Finance Program Coordinator at RichmondCC, said Deegan was an excellent student.
“Brooke came to class eager to learn and she effectively communicated in team projects. I knew that she would be successful in the accounting workforce,” Davis said.
Deegan worked for three years as a bookkeeper with Dawkins and Associates before it was sold to another company.
“I was given the opportunity to earn my North Carolina Insurance License by my new employer, because a local bookkeeper was not needed. I received my license and became an insurance agent in 2020. It was alright, but I knew that was not where my heart was. In January of 2021, we went through another agency change and merged with Relation Insurance,” Deegan said.
Deegan is now back working in accounting, and she recently got a promotion with the insurance agency. After earning her Associate in Accounting from RichmondCC, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at Gardner-Webb University.
“While I was at RichmondCC, Mrs. Lambeth had someone from Gardner-Webb come talk to our class about what great opportunities they offer and how our credits would transfer over to their university,” Deegan said.
RichmondCC has a guaranteed admission and degree completion program with Gardner-Webb University called Bulldog Bound. This provides a seamless transition for RichmondCC graduates.
Due to a heavy work schedule, Brooke is no longer enrolled at Gardner-Webb. However, she plans to go back to school once she gets settled with her new job.
“I enjoy what I do now. I feel like RichmondCC and its professors set me up for success in my education,” Deegan said. “These professors go above and beyond for their students and truly care for them. I also met some amazing people during my time at RichmondCC. I would definitely recommend RichmondCC to anyone.”
RichmondCC is now registering students for the summer and fall semesters. If you are interested in a career in accounting you can start working on your degree this fall. Visit www.richmondcc.edu/admissions to learn more, or call (910) 410-1700.
