Scholarship Helps Prepare Single Mom for Business Success

A scholarship from the Western Piedmont Foundation is allowing a single mom of three to earn a degree that will propel her career forward into business management roles.

Morganton resident Kathy Strickland, originally from the Icard/Rhodhiss community, made the tough decision to leave high school during her senior year to take care of her firstborn daughter. She went to work for Fiber & Yarn Products of Hickory to support her family and eventually became a lead trainer on the company’s night shift.

“Although I put my education on hold, I never gave up on it,” Strickland said. “In 2005, I returned to Western Piedmont Community College and earned my GED. Going back to school was an important accomplishment for me and showed me that it is never too late to continue your education and pursue your goals.”

After working for Fiber & Yarn Products for 13 years, she found herself needing to pivot when the company closed down. She was soon hired to work at Case Farms of Morganton.

“I started my career at Case Farms on the production line as a cutter,” Strickland said. “Over time, I worked my way up to a green hat lead position, where I gained experience leading and supporting production teams. About four and a half years ago, I transitioned into a QA (quality assurance) tech role, where I have continued to grow in food safety, quality assurance and regulatory compliance. As of May 2026, I am now a third-shift supervisor.”

She has been with Case Farms for the last seven years and was recognized by the company with a perfect attendance award.

Sending her daughter off to college recently got her thinking about pursuing a degree herself.

“I want to show my kids it’s possible to dream and become whatever you want to be in life,” Strickland said. “I wanted to attend a college close to home that would allow me to balance school, work and family responsibilities. Since I also earned my GED through WPCC, I already had a connection to the college and felt comfortable continuing my education there.”

After being accepted by the college, she applied for scholarships to help pay her tuition and was awarded the Mary H. Warlick Workers’ Legacy Scholarship.

“Receiving the scholarship has made a tremendous difference in my ability to pursue higher education,” Strickland said. “It has helped reduce the financial burden of attending college and allowed me to focus more on my education and personal growth. As a single mother, I have worked hard to make ends meet, and this scholarship has provided meaningful support during a challenging time in my life. I have come a long way and continue to work toward building a better future for myself and my family. This scholarship has truly helped me move forward and stay committed to my goals.”

She is earning a degree in business administration with the goal of advancing in management at Case Farms. During her time at the college, she has earned nine professional certificates related to food safety, leadership and the poultry industry.

“These certifications have helped me expand my knowledge, strengthen my skills and prepare for future career opportunities,” Strickland said.

She reflected on the invaluable support she has received from college faculty and staff in her college experience.

“WPCC has played an important role in helping me set and pursue my future goals,” Strickland said. “The instructors and staff have been supportive and encouraging throughout my journey. Through my courses, I have learned a great deal, gained confidence in my abilities and grown both personally and professionally.”

She plans to graduate in 2027 and apply to North Carolina State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science.

“Scholarships truly change lives, because they give people hope and opportunities they may never have had otherwise,” Strickland said. “I come from a difficult background. However, over the last eight years, I have worked hard to completely change my life through faith, determination and perseverance. My journey has taught me that a person’s past does not determine their future. With support, education and opportunity, lives can be transformed.

“Donations to the Western Piedmont Foundation do more than provide financial assistance—they give students a chance to build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. I am living proof that when someone is given an opportunity and chooses to work hard, incredible change is possible. Your generosity can help another student achieve their dreams and create a brighter future.”

Published: 7/28/2026