Two decades of service, growth, and heart at Brunswick Community College
Bolivia, NC — For Demaris Lance, Brunswick Community College (BCC) is more than a workplace, it’s woven into his life story. This April, he celebrates 20 years as a BCC employee, not counting the year he spent here as a student. Having experienced the college from both sides of the desk, he says BCC is the place where he truly grew up.
A Brunswick County native from the Calabash area, Demaris first attended UNC Pembroke, majoring in Computer Science before switching to accounting. But home was never far from his mind. A self‑described homebody, he found himself driving back nearly every weekend while working part‑time as a cook at a local restaurant. With a baby on the way, he made the decision to return home, continue his education at BCC, and later complete his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Accounting from UNC Wilmington.
As luck would have it, BCC had an opening in the Business Office at just the right time. “I was really fortunate,” Demaris said. “BCC came into my life when I was going through a lot of change. I was starting a family and trying to finish my degree, and the support I found here made all the difference. It gave me the stability I needed and helped me keep moving forward.”
He began his career as a Financial Aid Accountant, a role he calls the “front of the house,” working closely with students and Student Services. “I was the connection point between departments and students,” he said. “I was close in age to many of them, and I think that helped. I understood what they were going through because I had just been there myself.”
Over the years, Demaris transitioned from Financial Aid to Purchasing and now serves as Accounts Payable/County Funds Accountant. Through each role, his appreciation for BCC has only grown.
“I’ve had the opportunity to watch this college expand in so many ways,” he said. “There’s so much here now that didn’t exist when I first started, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the level of support. That’s what really stands out, and I think it’s a big reason why students connect with BCC. It’s a place where people genuinely want to see you succeed.”
Even though he no longer works directly with students every day, Demaris still makes a point to engage with them whenever he can.
“Those conversations matter,” he said. “It’s important to stay connected to the people we’re here to serve.”
Outside the office, Demaris enjoys time with his family, staying active in his church, and spending time in the kitchen, especially when he’s cooking something fun with his granddaughter.
He also lights up when talking about one of his longtime favorite pastimes: bowling.
“Bowling has always been something I really enjoyed,” he said. “I spent years in a league and even managed to bowl a 300 game, which is something I’ll always be proud of.” Although he has taken a break from the sport, his enthusiasm hasn’t faded. “I definitely miss it,” he added with a smile. “It might be time to get back out there.”
Provided by Brunswick Community College Communications
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