When Matthew Bircher graduated from Craven Community College in 2021 with his Associate in Arts degree, he left with more than college credits — he left with clarity, confidence, and a growing sense of purpose.
With the support of dedicated instructors and advisers, Matthew discovered his passion for communication and sociology. Exploring those subjects made his time at Craven both meaningful and enjoyable, and they ultimately shaped his academic path forward.
“My educational experience at Craven CC helped build my awareness of many wide-ranging future opportunities and the confidence to seek them,” he said. “As a student, I was able to discover the pathway that best aligned with my future education goals at the university level.”
Beyond the classroom, his involvement with the Campus Life team played a pivotal role in his development.
“My role as a student leader made way for many connections on our campus and in the community,” he said. “With a firm foundation of service and leadership from this opportunity, the process of building on that continues to this day.”
After graduating from Craven, Matthew transferred to Appalachian State University. While there, he continued pursuing a creative passion: writing and self-publishing novels, an endeavor that began during his first semester at Craven. Upon earning his bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in sociology in May 2023, he decided to return to the institution that supported his journey.
“The support I received from faculty and staff at Craven left a lasting impression of positivity,” Matthew said. “The thought of returning to this environment in a professional capacity became a key goal of mine.”
That goal became reality. Matthew returned to Craven Community College in a part-time role in Campus Life, assisting with campus events and recruiting new student leaders. In October 2024, he transitioned into a full-time position with the Admissions team.
Today, Matthew represents Craven both on and off campus, leading campus tours, connecting with local students, and educating the community on all the opportunities offered at the college. For him, it’s more than a job; it’s an opportunity to give back to the institution that helped shape his academic and career path.
“Sharing my experience as a student is an honor I approach with great care and appreciation,” he said. “Through our campus tours, high school outreach, and community engagement, I hope to continue growing our student body while developing my skills to make a long-term impact at Craven CC.”
Matthew encourages current students to take full advantage of the many resources Craven's campuses have to offer, as well as the unwavering support of Craven employees.
“The goal of every faculty and staff member is to set you up for success," he said. "Just know that the Craven CC family respects your academic and life journey. We hope to be an impactful step to your future endeavors and have full confidence in your abilities to achieve.”
Matthew’s journey from student leader to college admissions professional perfectly illustrates the power of mentorship, involvement, and staying connected to the community that helped launch his success.
