Johnston Community College — Local services in Smithfield

I don’t recommend JCC specially the Cosmetology department!

Director of cosmetology Jennifer Wells, is not build for any type of supervisory position. She is unable to handle constructive criticism, walks out of meetings when questioned by students (while students are speaking to her). Very unprofessional. She bends the rules for her favorite students (which happen to be Caucasian by the way). She does not enforce the policies across the board equally for all students. She’s quick to micro manage colored students hours to drop you from the program, but if you’re Caucasian you’re in luck. One particular student barely attended and would always have “medical issues” yet she was allowed to move to every semester with no problems nor repercussions without repeating. The student would always brag “I’m not gonna get dropped” even before staff and Jennifer would have their “meeting” regarding her. Others, get dropped, and have to walk on eggshells. Don’t complain to the dean nor president because it will get swept under the rug.

This issue of non equality has caused many students to give up, has affected many of our self esteem, has made us feel unintelligent and the list goes on.

Instructors are AMAZING. If it weren’t for them I would have given up, as well as other students. It’s not their fault the department is a scam. They do their job to the best of their ability and honestly they deserve better. It is a revolving door for staff, they’re often resigning. Overall I loved every single one of them, regardless they are passionate about their careers. Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Avery, Mrs. Evans made a huge impact in my life and I will forever be...

I do not recommend, go somewhere that will do everything in its power to help you. Especially if you are not used to doing things on your own, because they will screw you over. Financial aid has some wonderful people there and the teachers well some are good, some are there for what reason—I don’t know. I had an English teacher where we would often have to correct her grammar and another who only cared for her title and talked down on you. Overall I have only had 3 Great Teachers and they made a world of difference. Oh and also I barely passed a class due to the fact we did not have a teacher we had subs in and out and didn’t know where to start and didn’t know what to grade. No refund was given on that class. I took summer classes and I didn’t get the credits even though I spoke to someone and they told me my classes was taken care of... there argument was I didn’t pay. I was willing to pay but they only gave me a day to come up with over $1,000 after I had just recently paid my fall semester for over $1,000. I don’t have that kind of money and it was covid and they just did not care. I tried to cancel my classes my I let them persuade me to keep them this fall and ended up paying more out of pocket and still having to withdrawal from my classes. And I did not get a refund. I believe you should definitely get a 75% refund if you withdraw before the grade penalty census date and a 100% refund by the 10% census date in all honesty, but who am I. It’s not like this comment is going to reach anyone and I get taken serious of. BY THE WAY, I swear I was told my classes were paid for during the summer! I was penalized for a mistake that occurred...

Jcc has the friendliest, and most helpful staff I have ever experienced at a community college! Everyone goes out of their way to make sure you signup for the appropriate classes and answer any and all questions you may have so there's no confusion and you are fully prepared to excel and prepare for a four year college once classes start and you are ready to transfer to your four year college! The admissions process is very fast , easy , and you are informed of all information rather it apply to you or not , so that there's no unexpected surprises when each semester starts ! They treat everyone like a valuable asset and individual, rather than a paycheck or a number! If you don't succeed, it's your own fault because they give you a very solid foundation and provide assistance to all current, future, and alumni students for years to come ! I don't have to play phone tag or go on a manhunt to get in contact with someone or get a call back ! Highly recommend this college to anyone that has an interest in a friendly, affordable, and very organized and professional...