Local home builders association makes $100,000 contribution to SCC’s technical programs

The Columbus County Home Builders Association donated $100,000 to Southeastern Community College during a check presentation ceremony held in the college’s construction classroom on July 7. Bill Worley, president of the CCHBA, hopes the money will improve technical education at the college and trades careers in Columbus County. 

“I’ve always enjoyed the construction business, and I’ve been in it since 1972,” Worley said. “If this donation can help a student turn on that light, build a business, hire a few guys and be successful, you know, it’s worth it. I like to see everybody succeed.” 

For the past five years, Worley explained that the CCHBA has awarded three scholarships to high school graduates at all high schools in Columbus County. Since its inception in the early 1970s, Worley said the CCHBA has consistently had the lowest dues for membership in the area and has attracted a growing number of members. With a surplus in funds, the CCHBA voted to make the donation to SCC and continue its scholarship efforts. 

Representing a professional trade organization that supports the local residential construction and remodeling industry, Worley wants to see the donation improve each technical instructor’s classroom or lab. He said that new supplies, renovations and training equipment will positively impact every student’s experience at the college. 

Addressing the room filled with CCHBA members, SCC Board of Trustee members, SCC Foundation representatives, college leadership and instructional staff, SCC President Dr. Chris English said he was especially grateful for the instructors whose programs will benefit from the donation. The instructors included Chris Cook (Building Construction Technology), Billy Chappell (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Technology), Paul Starnes (Welding Technology) and Arturo Jones (Electrical Engineering Technology).  

“Bill, five years ago, we came out here, and we had a meeting in this room. The first thing you said was ‘teach them how to read a ruler,’ and here we are today,” Cook said. “Since then, I’ve had students you would be really interested in and could really help you.” 

The donation will be split among the technical programs, and Cook said he would use the money to purchase more building materials, equipment and safety equipment. 

“From the bottom of my heart and our Board of Trustees, I want to say thank you to the Columbus County Home Builders Association,” English said. “This truly means so much to this college and what we’re trying to do in the trades programs. This will help support that next generation of skilled tradesmen in Columbus County, and this money goes a long way for us.” 

With construction, renovation and new training equipment in mind, English emphasized the donation’s importance to keeping SCC as an industry-standard training facility for workforce development. When the Automotive Systems Technology program moves to the new Transportation Technology/STEM Facility in December, English discussed ideas for utilizing the current automotive FLEX lab spaces and what future uses it would provide. 

“We’re so excited for this donation, and we really appreciate it,” said Terrie Priest, SCC Foundation Executive Director. “It’s going to be put to great use.” 

SCC Foundation Board of Directors Chair Nathan Moore thanked the CCHBA for financially supporting SCC and contributing to the future of technical trades.  

“We are the gem of Columbus County, and to see all of you rally around this college is amazing,” Moore said. “If we don’t continue to fill that technical workforce, all of us are going to be in a big world of trouble, so thank you again.” 

Ibreta Jackson, SCC’s Chief Operating Officer, thanked the CCHBA for its contribution, and she said she is always excited when SCC receives additional funding.  

“Every pot of money has its own purpose and own goal, so this gives us an opportunity to reach more areas,” Jackson said. “So, thank you, thank you, thank you!” 

Interested in the technical programs at SCC? Contact Student Services at 910-788-6247 to connect with a Student Advisor.