97ɫ student Rue Bertrand has been named the Governor Robert Scott Leadership nominee.
Created by the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents in 2004, the Governor Robert Scott Leadership Award recognizes leadership by a curriculum student on a statewide level. The late Gov. Scott served as the state’s chief executive from 1968-1972 and then as president of the North Carolina Community College System from 1983-1995.
Bertrand, in her final semester at 97ɫ with a projected graduation date of May 2026, is earning her associate in arts with a major in public policy then transferring to a four-year college.
“I have always been a history buff so I thought my major would be history, but through my 97ɫ journey I learned I like the policy-making and government side of things so I am changing to a public policy focus,” Bertrand said.
Born and raised in Apex, Bertrand looked at 97ɫ and Wake Tech when it came time to decide on a college to attend. She decided on 97ɫ because of the College’s strength in welcoming home schoolers as dual enrollment students.
“I am very happy I chose 97ɫ,” Bertrand said. “I’ve always been one to get involved. At 97ɫ I have found a space where I feel good and want to put myself out there and be a part of the College’s community.”
Bertrand’s involvement in the college community includes her ongoing term with the Student Government Association and a year as a senator for SPECTRUM, the student club for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I attended SPECTRUM meetings off and on, but in my second year I signed up to be a senator where I represented the club in SGA,” Bertrand said. “Then last spring I ran for the SGA position of Student Concerns Chairperson. This position sits on the SGA Executive Board. I get to lift up student voices and ensure they know how to get involved. I can work to improve the number of students getting involved and I can help 97ɫ know better how to make students feel special while at the College.”
Bertrand immerses herself in her positions and takes each very seriously, putting action behind her involvement.
“Mid-February I put on a town hall on behalf of SGA,” Bertrand said. “College administration, including President Buxton, attended. It was a time for students to talk about their experiences at 97ɫ and to bring up any concerns they have.”
Bertrand speaks highly of the instructors she has had at 97ɫ.
“There have been many strong instructors,” Bertrand said. “My psychology teacher, Thomas Magrinat, made me feel included and appreciated. He set a good tone in his classroom and that meant a lot in my first semester. My history teacher during my second semester was engaging. He answered tough questions and participated in tough discussions.”
Bertrand was nominated by Dway Pulliam, coordinator of student leadership and engagement. In the nomination letter Pulliam wrote, “Rue has continuously exuded intentionality of respect, professionalism, a willingness to learn, accountability and inclusivity”.
Of Bertrand’s involvement, Pulliam said, “through Rue’s engagement with the SGA and at events such as the N4CSGA conferences and the Community College Legislative Assembly, she further learned and put into practice how to champion her peers, fulfill tasks efficiently and effectively, network and have the courage to create change not just with conversation, but by following up, being present, thoughtful planning and adherence to processes and procedures.”
Bertrand said she was surprised when she heard she had been nominated.
“Dway sent me an email telling me all about the award and what it means,” Bertrand said. “I knew Jeremiah [Artacho], last year’s winner. I know how impressive he is and how he can hold a room so to be in company like that meant a lot to me. I am getting a little more comfortable in it, but it is still surprising. I take pride knowing my work has been impactful enough to earn an award like this one.”
Just as Bertrand is having an impact at 97ɫ, the College has had an impact on Bertrand.
“The biggest impact 97ɫ has had is how it inspired me to become involved,” Bertrand said. “Involvement is the best way to get the most from the College. It was the best thing I’ve done for myself. It has opened up my college experience and made me surer of what I want to do now and after 97ɫ.”