SCC Board of Trustees tours newly renovated M-Building

Southeastern Community College Board of Trustee members got a firsthand look at the newly renovated M-Building during a tour before their regular meeting on Jan. 27. The building, which houses Columbus Career and College Academy as well as the college’s HVAC and welding programs, underwent significant updates funded through the North Carolina Community College System State Capital Infrastructure at an estimated cost of $400,000.  

The renovation project, completed during the fall 2024 semester, includes a variety of upgrades aimed at modernizing the facility and improving student experiences. New floors with orange and blue tiles were installed throughout the building, and the walls were freshly painted to brighten the space. New lighting fixtures enhance visibility, while the renovated men’s and women’s restrooms feature entirely new floor and wall tiles, upgraded stalls, and new toilets. 

SCC President Dr. Chris English highlighted the building’s new look, noting that the orange and blue flooring ties into the college’s broader efforts to build school spirit and foster a sense of belonging among early college students. “We want our high school students to feel connected to SCC, and these updates help reinforce that sense of community,” Dr. English said. 

The renovation also included the installation of new lockers for HVAC and welding students, though those items are on backorder and will be installed by March 2025. The new Canteen vending machines, wrapped in SCC’s school colors, add a modern touch and expand food and beverage options for students. 

Dr. English emphasized the importance of the restroom upgrades, particularly in the girls’ restroom, which had issues with stall doors that left occupants exposed. “These renovations were much needed, and the new restrooms are a huge improvement,” he said. 

Trustee Dr. Danny McPherson praised the college’s marketing team for their role in maintaining the school’s identity. “They’ve done a fantastic job of keeping the school colors consistent across all our materials, making everything look sharp and cohesive,” McPherson said. 

The M-Building renovations are part of a larger, campus-wide effort to update and modernize SCC’s facilities, ensuring that students have access to spaces that support learning and reflect the college’s commitment to excellence. The M-Building renovation is just one piece of that ongoing initiative made possible by the Monteith Construction Corporation headquartered in Wilmington. 

The Board of Trustees’ meeting followed the tour at the Williamson Library at noon.