WHITEVILLE — Southeastern Community College has welcomed back a familiar face with deep roots in Columbus County’s emergency services community. Ronnie Hayes, a Bethel native and retired fire chief, has rejoined the college as its new Associate Dean of Public Safety.
In his new role, Hayes oversees SCC’s short‑term training programs in fire, EMS, and law enforcement, while also helping expand the college’s recently launched curriculum programs in EMS and public safety administration. He works closely with program leaders including Fire Academy Director Brian Nelson, Basic Law Enforcement Training Director Bobby Worley, EMS Coordinator Stephen Hester, and defensive driving instructor Sandy Carland.
Hayes said his focus is on aligning classes, ensuring training meets state requirements, and supporting instructors across each division.
He is also helping guide SCC’s new public safety curriculum programs, which allow students to convert years of professional training into academic credit toward an associate degree. Those credits can then transfer into bachelor’s degree programs at partnering institutions.
Hayes said the HyFlex format of the new programs — combining recorded lectures, live broadcasts, and on‑campus lab work — gives working first responders the flexibility they need to advance their education.
“It’s important for these younger folks to get their associate degree, where they can climb the ladder within their organization,” Hayes said. “This helps them better provide for their family in having that education.”
Since starting in January, Hayes said the best part of the job has been reconnecting with colleagues he has worked alongside throughout his career. He said the team’s shared mission makes the work especially meaningful as SCC continues to address workforce shortages in firefighting and emergency medical services.
Hayes began his public safety career in 1989 as a volunteer firefighter in Brunswick County. He later became one of the county’s first full‑time paramedics and went on to teach EMS courses at Brunswick Community College and SCC. His leadership roles have included serving as Columbus County Emergency Services Director and holding multiple command positions with Leland Fire/Rescue, where he retired as fire chief in December 2025.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in emergency and disaster management from Western Carolina University and is nearing completion of a master’s degree in executive leadership from Columbia Southern University.
Hayes said his lifelong commitment to public safety is rooted in a desire to help people on their worst days — a calling he now hopes to pass on to the next generation.
“I’ve pretty much taught fire and EMS my whole career,” Hayes said. “I’m helping prepare the next generation, and I figured this would be a good place to do it. This is where I grew up, and Columbus County will always be home.”
Outside of work, Hayes enjoys sports, hunting, fishing, and working on his family’s farm. He and his wife, Traci, have two adult sons and five grandchildren.
Prospective students interested in public safety careers can contact SCC Student Services at 910‑788‑6279 or visit the A‑Building on campus.
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