CONTINUING TO INSPIRE

The Workforce Solutions Complex honors two educational trailblazers.

The Workforce Solutions Complex is one of the newest constructions on campus. It houses many programs in our School of Career and Technical Education (CTE), and it was the original landing ground for the Office of K-64.

Thanks to the generous donations and visionary insight of several partners, the WSC was transformed into a powerful memorial, as the CVCC Foundation dedicated two new wings to remarkable college leaders: James “Vernon” Tarlton III, and Mark Story.

Directly on the left side, students and staff can pass through the Mark Story Innovation Wing. Story, who served as CEO of K-64 Learning from 2017 until his unexpected passing in 2020, pioneered the bright outlook of our education systems not just at the community college, but for all three school districts in Catawba County.

Family and friends of Story gathered together during the unveiling this year to honor not only a great leader and visionary, but also a great husband and father.

“It was a wonderful day celebrating all Mark’s contributions to CVCC, K-64 and all of Catawba County,” said Mitzi Story, his wife. “He loved the area he grew up in and ultimately wanted all our young people to come back to this region. The celebration that took place solidifies all his efforts and hopefully will help to keep his passion alive for years to come. It is my hope that when students move throughout the Workforce Solution Complex that they will realize the contribution that Mark made for their futures.”

Jennifer Jones, CVCC’s Chief Development Officer and Foundation Executive Director, worked with Mark Story as K-64 Business Liaison before transitioning into the Office of the President.

Jones credited Story’s innovative approach to the reason why Catawba County provided students and educators with the tools to successfully navigate the educational challenges brought forth by the pandemic.

“Without his forward-thinking leadership and razor focus on the K-64 priority of One-to-World Technology, which placed a Chromebook in the hands of all Catawba County students, we would not have been prepared to seamlessly transition to online learning during the COVID pandemic,” Jones said. “He was a visionary leader with a no-nonsense style and a heart of gold. Mark genuinely cared about others and was passionate about helping students. I will never forget the compassion, encouragement and kindness he extended to students, especially those who needed it the most.”

During the ceremony, the college also unveiled a commissioned portrait of Mark Story, which is on display at the WSC under the Story Innovation Wing. The portrait was created by artist Randy Clontz, a native of Hickory and a Catawba Valley Community College alum.

The mural is accompanied by Story’s quote: “The future of Catawba County begins and ends with our students.”

Across from this wing on the opposite side of the WSC lies the James “Vernon” Tarlton III Venture Wing, which honors the late James “Vernon” Tarlton, who passed away in 2018. In addition to supporting education and the continued growth of Catawba Valley Community College—as evidenced by his generous spirit and the existing Tarlton Complex for Red Hawk Athletic events—Tarlton was a military veteran and the owner of Tarlton Construction.

If you walk through the Venture Wing, you will see the striking photograph of Tarlton accompanied by the famous Frank Sinatra quote: “I did it my way.”

Tarlton’s family noted that the Workforce Solutions Complex—and its sentiment of supporting students who seek a quality education in trade industries—adds another layer to the significance of the memorial.

“Vernon would have absolutely loved this building because this was pretty much what he was about in many ways,” shared his wife, Sue Tarlton. “He tinkered in his garage. He was very mechanically minded. This building would have been right up his alley.”

“Vernon lived out this philosophy in the way that he served others,” remarked Dr. Garrett Hinshaw. “He made everyone he encountered feel valued, regardless of their background or station in life—a value we hold dear here at CVCC. Catawba Valley Community College is open to anyone who wants to further their education, and we value every person we encounter, just like Vernon did.”

Next time you find yourself wandering the beautiful halls of the Workforce Solutions Complex, take a moment to stop by—read Story’s message, see Tarlton’s legacy—and consider how you, too, can leave a positive impact on the lives of the people around you.

LET’S KEEP MOVING OUR COMMUNITY FORWARD!

Our college has been a community cornerstone for over 60 years. By giving to the CVCC Foundation, you are supporting the future of education, the growth of the workforce, and the livelihood of Catawba Valley. Let’s reach new heights together–Donate Now!

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