Oct 8
Two-time Graduate Says RichmondCC Best College Experience
Oct. 8, 2025 - Krista Barfield of Ellerbe earned not one but two degrees from Richmond Community College. She earned a degree in Healthcare Management Technology in 2007, but she came back nearly 10 years later to get a degree in Accounting & Finance.
“The reason I chose RichmondCC the first time was because it was close to where I lived, and I could work and go to school and raise my daughter. It was convenient. The second time I chose RichmondCC was because of the instructors. They were amazing,” Barfield said.
She decided to get a degree in Healthcare Management the first time because she knew there would always be jobs available in healthcare. However, after working in a doctor’s office for eight years, Barfield was ready to do something different.
Barfield took some accounting classes the first time she was a student at RichmondCC, and she remembered how much she enjoyed them. In fact, one of her accounting instructors encouraged her to change majors.
“But I was almost finished with my degree in healthcare, and I didn’t want to start over,” she said. “However, when I decided to go back to school, there was no question what my major was going to be.”
After earning an Associate in Accounting & Finance, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Gardner-Webb University in 2019. She is now a finance coordinator with Saputo Inc. in Biscoe.
“I help the controller of the plant with all month end closing journal entries, the yearly budget and a whole host of other fun stuff,” Barfield said. “The thing I like most about my career in accounting is being able to do what I like to do, and that’s deal with numbers all day. Also, at Saputo they treat you like family. I can’t say enough good things about my work environment.”
Having this new career has made all her hard work in school worth it. She is grateful to the instructors at RichmondCC for recognizing her potential and motivating her to stay the course in her studies.
“I can’t tell you what an impact RichmondCC and all the amazing instructors had on my life. It was the best college experience ever,” Barfield said.
Now Enrolling
RichmondCC is now enrolling new students for the 2026 Spring Semester. Applications are free and can be completed online. Visit either the Hamlet Campus or Scotland County Campus to meet with a student advisor who can help you sign up for classes and discuss your career plan. Call (910) 410-1700 for more information.