North Carolina Community College System: An Overview
The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) is a statewide network of 58 institutions dedicated to providing accessible and affordable education and workforce training to North Carolinians. Established in 1963, the NCCCS has played a vital role in the state's economic development by equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.
Historical Development
The Genesis of the System
In the years following World War II, North Carolina experienced a significant transition from an agricultural economy to a more industrialized one. This shift highlighted the need for a different kind of education within the state. In 1950, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction authorized a study to assess the need for a system of tax-supported community colleges. The resulting report, authored by Dr. Allan S. Hurlburt and published in 1952, proposed a plan for the development of state-supported community colleges.
The 1957 General Assembly provided funding to initiate a statewide system of industrial education centers. These centers were designed to train adults and selected high school students in skills sought after by industry.
Consolidation and Growth
In 1961, Governor Terry Sanford appointed a Governor's Commission on Education Beyond the High School, with Irving E. Carlyle as its chairman. The "Carlyle Commission" produced a set of proposals in August 1962 aimed at increasing college enrollment in North Carolina. A key recommendation was the consolidation of the state's "public junior colleges" and "industrial education centers" under a single system of community colleges.
By 1966, the consolidated system comprised 43 institutions with 28,250 full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollments. The system experienced rapid growth, exceeding 10% annually until the late 1970s. In 1969, the system included 54 institutions with 59,329 FTEs, and in 1974-75, growth reached 33%.
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The number of colleges has remained stable since Brunswick Community College became the 58th in 1978. While the system continues to experience enrollment growth, the margins are more modest compared to the early years. In 1991, the North Carolina Center for Applied Textile Technology became subject to the management of the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges.
Evolution of Governance
The original legislation placed the community college system under the purview of the State Board of Education and created a State Department of Community Colleges. In 1979, the General Assembly modified the state control of the system. Provision was made for a separate State Board of Community Colleges. The board was appointed and organized in 1980 and met several times with the State Board of Education. The new board assumed full responsibility for the system on January 1, 1981.
Leadership
The State Board of Community Colleges has been led by a series of distinguished chairs:
- Carl Horn (1981-1983)
- John A. Forlines (1983-1989)
- William F. Simpson (1989-1993)
- Lt. Governor Dennis A. Wicker (1993-1999)
- Dr. G. Herman Porter (1999-2001)
- James J. Woody, Jr. (2001-2005)
- Hilda Pinnix-Ragland (2005-2013)
- Dr. Linwood Powell (2013-2015)
- Scott Shook (2015-2019)
- Breeden Blackwell (2019-Present)
The North Carolina Community College System has also been guided by several presidents:
- Ben E. Fountain, Jr.
- Charles R.
- Larry J.
- Robert W.
- Lloyd V.
- Bill Carver (interim) (Aug. 1, 2020-Jan.
- Thomas Stith III (Jan. 11, 2021-Jul.
- Bill Carver (interim) (Jul.
- Jeffrey A.
Key Functions and Initiatives
The North Carolina Community College System plays a multifaceted role in the state's educational and economic landscape. Its key functions include:
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- Academic Programs: Offering a wide range of associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in various fields, including arts, sciences, and technical disciplines.
- Workforce Development: Providing customized training programs to meet the specific needs of local industries and businesses.
- Adult Education: Offering basic skills training, high school equivalency programs, and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
- Continuing Education: Providing lifelong learning opportunities for personal and professional development.
Recent initiatives and programs within the NCCCS include:
- Pathways to Health Information Careers: A partnership with East Carolina University to transform health information careers across the state.
- Advising Leadership Academy: A professional development program for advisors to enhance their leadership skills.
- Access to Achievement Program: Expanding education and economic mobility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Future Made in NC: Manufacturing Day: Inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in manufacturing through hands-on experiences and industry connections.
Examples of Community Colleges
Several community colleges have played pivotal roles in the NCCCS, each with its unique history and contributions:
- Gaston College: Formed in 1965 through the consolidation of Gaston College (established in 1963), the Gastonia Industrial Education Center (established in 1959), and the Gaston Technical Institute (established in 1952).
- North Carolina Center for Applied Textile Technology: Absorbed by Gaston College in 2005, having been a member of the NCCCS since 1972.
- Central Carolina Community College: Showcasing the future of manufacturing at its National Manufacturing Day event, connecting students, job seekers, and educators with industry leaders.
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