KENANSVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Duplin County’s James Sprunt Community College was rated the top community college in the state and the second best in the country last week. 

“It’s really nice to see all of that come together in an institution to provide opportunities for students,” said Kenneth Boham, the college’s president. “And I think that’s the reason why we’re ranked the way we are.”

On Tuesday, the school was visited by David Rouzer, the U.S. representative for North Carolina’s seventh congressional district, which includes Duplin County. 

“It does mean a lot,” said Boham, “that they’re interested in what may be happening at the ground level.”

Rouzer spoke to incoming students at their orientation about being civic-minded while they work to change their lives.

“The earlier you get engaged,” said Rouzer, “the earlier you understand the importance of politics in society today, the better off everything will be in society.“

For incoming students at James Sprunt, it was important to get the perspective of someone who has the ability to create change in their own community.

“To know someone is actually looking at our interests as being the little man on the totem poll, so to speak, it gives you a good feeling,” said incoming student David Marley.

The congressman also talked about the benefits of a community college education.

“For years and years and years,” said Rouzer, “our focus was on traditional four year college education. And I think it’s very wise for us to make great investments in vocational and technical education.”

The congressman is up for re-election this year.