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At Durham Tech’s recent 2026 Commencement ceremony, Stephen Farmer accepted an honorary associate in arts degree for his work to bring an innovative program to students at Durham Tech and other community colleges.
During his two decades of employment at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Farmer improved accessibility to the University for many students.
When Farmer served as vice provost for Enrollment and Undergraduate Admissions, he launched a program — funded largely through a grant from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation — that supported degree-seeking community college students wanting to transfer to a four-year university who faced financial obstacles.
The Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program, more commonly known as C-STEP, established partnerships with three nearby community colleges, one of which was Durham Tech, and guarantees that students who successfully complete the program will be admitted to UNC. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the program.
C-STEP identifies high-achieving, low- to moderate-income students who may not otherwise attend a selective college or university. Students are enrolled in the Associate in Arts/Science program at one of the partnering community colleges. They are mentored through successful completion of an associate degree and then transfer, as juniors, to UNC-Chapel Hill to complete their bachelor’s degree.
“The goal is to help students prepare for the academic challenge,” Farmer said in a quote from a 2006 article in Inside Higher Ed by reporter Elia Powers. “Faculty want to get to know students and the students will believe they belong when they come to campus.”
The program has changed the trajectory of thousands of students’ lives.
Farmer, who is now the first vice provost for Enrollment at the University of Virginia, was the first in his family to go to college. He understood the difference a program like C-STEP would make for so many.
Farmer is very humble about his role in launching the program.
“It was the right time at the right place with a group of people who saw the benefit of a program like C-STEP and were willing to work hard to bring it to fruition,” Farmer said. “I was lucky to work with these people.
However, this program would not have been possible without Farmer’s vision, his desire to provide the same opportunities for high-achievers, regardless of financial position, and his collaboration with partners that helped ensure what they created would last for years to come, providing opportunities for thousands that otherwise might have been missed.
“Instead of an ‘arm's length relationship,’ UNC and Durham Tech sat down and talked about how to do things together,” Farmer said. “The mutual mission benefitted both institutions and most importantly, benefitted many students.”
Farmer said it was “incredible” to be a part of Durham Tech’s Commencement and to receive the honorary degree.
“While sitting on the stage watching the students walk by and shake President Buxton’s hand, I was inspired,” Farmer said. “It was moving to think about all the programs, ages, backgrounds and all the different reasons for coming to Durham Tech that were represented during the procession. All the cheers thrown up by families of students ages 16 to 70 who were celebrated for how hard they’ve worked. It made me proud of my country. There were many who were from Durham who knew of Durham Tech, but there were also many who worked hard to get to Durham and then to the College.”
Farmer sees many opportunities Durham Tech offers students.
“To have one institution so accessible and affordable to so many, that employs great people to help students find their way is valuable,” Farmer said. “At Durham Tech, students are shown how to make the best use of their gifts.
As C-STEP celebrates its 20th anniversary, Farmer says the program is still relevant and necessary.
“My hope is that those in charge of C-STEP continue to expand and innovate to help serve Durham Tech, UNC and other community college partners,” Farmer said. “I hope they recognize what a great thing C-STEP has been for the whole state. I am grateful for this.”