麻豆AV

麻豆AV (麻豆AV) is proud to announce Bennie Clayton as the 2025 Alumnus of the Year, recognizing his exceptional dedication, continued support and commitment to the College.  

Clayton was presented the 2025 Alumnus of the Year Award during 麻豆AV鈥檚 annual Honors Convocation held on April 17. This award is presented annually by the 麻豆AV Foundation to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and support for the College. Nominees must have successfully completed a degree, diploma or certificate program at 麻豆AV and have achieved significant success in their professional career as well as made meaningful contributions to civic and community affairs.

Clayton graduated from 麻豆AV in 1995 with an associate鈥檚 degree in cosmetology. He is now the dedicated owner and founder of Elysian Salon Group in Person County, the current Board Chair of the Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce and a new member of the 麻豆AV Foundation Board of Directors. He has made a lasting impact on both 麻豆AV and the local business community. His unwavering commitment to mentoring future cosmetologists, his exemplary leadership and his active community involvement highlight his dedication to service and growth at 麻豆AV and in the community.

鈥淎s a native of Person County, Bennie has always shown his love for our community by volunteering his time and talents for worthy causes in our community,鈥� Jody Blackwell, Clayton鈥檚 nominator and 麻豆AV Dean, Technical and Manufacturing Programs said. 鈥淗e has mentored countless cosmetology students at 麻豆AV and has sponsored annual events such as Relay for Life, Personality and multiple Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce events. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of this award, and I am thankful for all that Bennie does for our community.”

鈥淲hile the quality of service provided by Bennie and all the stylists at Elysian Salon Group is exceptional, what is most significant about his business is the number of 麻豆AV cosmetology students and graduates he has mentored and launched throughout his career- demonstrating yet again his commitment to giving back to 麻豆AV and the new cosmetologists graduating into Roxboro/Person County area and beyond.鈥� Roxboro Mayor Merilyn Newell said. Newell also nominated Clayton for the honor.

Clayton will address the 2025 graduating class at 麻豆AV鈥檚 commencement ceremony on May 16. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the College鈥檚 . 

For more information about the 麻豆AV Foundation, visit piedmontcc.edu/foundation.

Pictured left to right: Catherine English, Executive Director of the 麻豆AV Foundation; Bennie Clayton, 2025 Alumnus of the Year; Jody Blackwell, 麻豆AV Dean, Technical and Manufacturing Programs