Annual Report

This year at Southeastern Community College has been a powerful reflection of what is possible when students, employees, and community partners work toward a shared purpose. Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, we have seen remarkable momentum across our campus. From enrollment growth and expanded partnerships to statewide and national recognition, this year has been marked by meaningful progress that continues to strengthen opportunities for the people we serve.

One of the most encouraging signs of that progress has been the continued momentum we have seen in student opportunity. Across our campus, we have welcomed students taking their first steps toward a degree, adult learners returning to the classroom, and graduates building pathways to long-term careers and continued education. Their determination and success continue to reflect the vital role SCC plays in changing lives across our community.

Our continued work in Cohort 5 of NC Reconnect played an important role in that momentum. By reaching adult learners across Columbus County and connecting them with flexible pathways and one-on-one support, we have helped more individuals return to college with confidence and purpose. These efforts continue to reflect our commitment to opening doors and meeting students where they are.

This year also brought extraordinary recognition for the work happening at SCC. The Aspen Institute named Southeastern Community College among the Top 200 community colleges in the nation eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This distinction is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff and to the determination of our students, whose success remains at the center of everything we do.

We also expanded opportunities for our students beyond graduation through new transfer partnerships with UNC Pembroke, NC State University, and Western Carolina University. These additions now bring SCC’s total to 10 universities and educational partners, creating clear pathways for students to continue their education and achieve their goals.

Our growth has also been visible across campus and within our workforce programs. Construction continues on our $22 million Transportation Technology and STEM Building, a transformative investment that will prepare students for careers in automotive, diesel, truck driver training, and emerging technologies. We are also deeply grateful for the major multi-year commitment from Black’s Tire & Auto Service, whose support through the SCC Foundation demonstrates a strong belief in the future of SCC students and the workforce needs of our region.

Most importantly, this year has reinforced that our greatest achievement is our students’ success. Every partnership formed, every facility enhanced, and every recognition received ultimately points back to the lives being changed through education and training.

Thank you to our students, employees, and community partners for your continued support of Southeastern Community College. Together, we are building opportunities, strengthening our workforce, and creating a brighter future for Columbus County.

It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman during another year of meaningful progress and forward movement at Southeastern Community College. The Board has remained focused on supporting the long-term vision of the college while ensuring that SCC continues to meet the needs of our students, workforce, and community.

Throughout this past year, the Board has had the opportunity to see firsthand the continued growth and momentum taking place across campus. We are proud of the strategic work being done to strengthen academic pathways, expand workforce training opportunities, and position the college for long-term success.

A major focus of this year has been continued campus growth and infrastructure development. The Board has worked closely with President Dr. Chris English and college leadership to support ongoing progress on the new Transportation Technology and STEM Building, a transformative project that will significantly enhance training opportunities in automotive systems, diesel technology, and truck driver training. This investment reflects SCC’s continued commitment to preparing students for high demand careers that directly support the workforce needs of our region.

In addition to physical growth, the Board is proud of the college’s expanding partnerships with business, industry, and educational institutions. These relationships continue to create stronger pathways for students and strengthen the role SCC plays in workforce and economic development throughout Columbus County and surrounding communities.

We are especially encouraged by the college’s ability to respond to changing student and community needs through thoughtful planning and leadership. Whether through expanded transfer opportunities, adult learner initiatives, or new workforce programs, SCC continues to demonstrate its commitment to growth with purpose.

The Board of Trustees remains committed to supporting the mission and future of Southeastern Community College. We are confident in the direction of the college and excited about what lies ahead as SCC continues to build opportunities for students and strengthen our community.

There are great things happening at SCC, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.

Southeastern Community College isn’t standing still, and neither is the community we serve.

As we step into our 62nd year, the question is no longer what SCC has meant to this region… it’s what we’re willing to build next together. Workforce demands are changing. Small businesses are fighting to grow. Families are looking for opportunity without a lifetime of debt. In the middle of it all sits SCC, not as an option, but as a solution.

As many of you know, I grew up on this campus. From being a three-year-old in the Child Development Center while my father served as Dean of Students to 1982, when he was selected as President, I saw firsthand what it means for a college to shape a community.

Years later, watching my son McArthur graduate in 2025 wasn’t just a proud moment, it was a reminder: this mission is personal.

I’ve been more impressed than ever watching him flourish as he transferred to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, confident, prepared, and equipped because of the foundation SCC gave him.

At the start of this year, I made a decision that reflects both conviction and calling. I stepped into the role of Small Business Center Director and became an employee at SCC. This wasn’t a career move. It was a purpose move.

I can tell you with confidence that it has only strengthened my belief in this mission. I now see up close how every donation and every act of support is being put to work in real, measurable ways, helping people build businesses, support families, and create opportunities.

What you’ve helped build is working.

As we look ahead, this fall will bring new leadership to the Foundation Board. While I step out of the formal role, I will not step away. If anything, I’m leaning in, fully committed to this mission and this community.

Every dollar given to the SCC Foundation stays right here, making a direct impact on our community.

Your support helps:

• The nurse who cares for your family
• The skilled tradesperson who keeps your home and business running
• The student choosing opportunity without the burden of debt
• The future business owner creating jobs right here in Columbus County

This is happening, and it only happens because of people like you. SCC has always been a place of access. Now, it must also be a place of acceleration, helping people move forward faster, stronger, and more prepared than ever before.

To every donor, volunteer, and partner, thank you. You are helping shape the future of Columbus County and Southeastern North Carolina.

Let’s build what’s next together.

With gratitude,