SCC tops new transportation technology building with signed steel beam
The cold weather did not stop history and progress being made at Southeastern Community College as state representatives, trustees, college leadership, architect and construction representatives, instructors and staff signed the final steel beam for the Transportation Technology/STEM Building on Jan. 27. The topping ceremony marked a significant milestone in the completion process expected by October this year.
“What an awesome way to commemorate this occasion with signing the final steel beam that will, in our eyes, last forever,” said Dr. Chris English, SCC President. “I want to thank Rep. Brenden Jones and Sen. Bill Rabon for their support in helping this community. This is your building, and you’ve invested in this and Columbus County.”
The $22 million, 21,000-square-foot facility is designed to house Automotive Systems Technology, Diesel Training and Truck Driver Training programs. The state-of-the-art facility will feature modern classrooms, expansive climate-controlled lab space, a commercial driving license lab, automotive and diesel training areas, a Dyno lab and space to support emerging technologies, including electric vehicle diagnostics. Modeled after today’s high-tech, advanced automotive service facilities, the building is designed to create an immersive, real-world learning environment that mirrors today’s industry standards and supports long-term program growth.
“This is a great day for McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture and our construction team with Barnhill because this means the project is moving forward and moving on, and we’re very excited for that,” English said.
SCC Board of Trustees Chair Joe Hooks said this construction process could not be possible without the last two terms of trustee members who helped in putting the project together. The new building will help train a new generation workforce for automotive and truck driver professionals, he said.
“We’re moving on to a new campus here, and this is the first step in expanding our campus,” Hooks said. “We’re helping make Southeastern Community College become what it needs to be for our community, for its growth and well-being of our citizens and region.”
As a “firm believer” that technical trades are the future of Columbus County, Rep. Jones said that students trained in this modern facility can make six-figure incomes. He said the new building is “is like no other” in eastern North Carolina, and it will attract many people from surrounding counties to get trained.
“What I really want to say today is congratulations,” Sen. Rabon said. “I took my first college course right here at Southeastern Community College in 1967. I am proud of what Southeastern has become and what it will do with this new facility.”
Speaking on behalf of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, Chelsea Granada said she was excited for the next stage in SCC’s growth and was thankful for going on “this wild ride” in the construction process.
“You know, because selfishly, as the architect, I’m excited that we’ve got a building out here now, and I’m not just looking at dirt on the ground,” Granada said.
Representing Barnhill Construction, Kyle New said it “felt like just a few days ago that we were doing the groundbreaking ceremony when it was a little warmer.” He thanked the collaborative efforts of his team, MPS and college leadership for making the topping ceremony a reality.
“Having a good team makes it enjoyable to do what we do every day,” New said. “And like it was said earlier, trades are the future because we need it, especially in our line of work. We’re looking forward to seeing everybody at the ribbon cutting.”
After the signing was complete, the steel beam was taken closer to the building and attached to a crane that lifted it up and placed it on the structured frame of the building. With construction expected to be completed in October, spring 2027 semester classes will begin in the new building.
Are you interested in taking classes in this new facility? Contact Student Services at 910-788-6247 to learn more.
