Opening the Doors to five more years

First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the employees at Southeastern Community College, community members, and friends. Thank you for making my first three years as your college President an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. I owe my success to SCC’s exceptional employees, visionary county leaders, invaluable industry partners, the esteemed Board of Trustees (BOT), and, above all, our resilient students. Our “Rams Family” is truly one-of-a-kind.

At Southeastern Community College, we are dedicated to opening doors to every member of our community by cultivating a skilled workforce.

Our mission holds immense significance for the growth of our county. As our population has declined in recent years, it is crucial that we collaborate to build the next generation of Columbus County’s workforce. Together, we can make it happen because a well-educated workforce ensures that our community thrives as an ideal place to live, work, and play.

We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about our plans for the future. As we contiune to develop a stronger workforce in Columbus County through access, education, and vision:

Access: Over the past three years, we’ve achieved remarkable growth that serves both our students and our community. We undertook a comprehensive reorganization of the college, adopting a “one-college” approach to break down barriers and foster effective communication channels to help our students achieve their goals.

Our relentless efforts to promote scholarships and grant opportunities, while removing financial obstacles, have maximized support for students seeking credentials to excel. Since 2020, the college has awarded over $10 million in scholarships, grants, and financial aid, thanks to generous contributions from SCC Foundation donors and government and state assistance. Our student completion rates, and enrollment numbers have significantly increased over the past year.

We are continuously striving to innovate and evolve, reaching out to every corner of our community. In line with this commitment, we are taking workforce training on the road - quite literally - by designing two mobile labs dedicated to welding and advanced manufacturing technical training, which will visit our area high schools. We’ve breathed new life into our campus by hosting in-person summer camps for students ranging from 7 to 18 years old and by developing short-term skills training that fosters a stronger workforce.

Education: We developed a strategic plan tailored to the needs of this place we call home. We revitalized the presence of skilled trades in Columbus County, with Masonry, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, and HVAC programs taking center stage. These are high-demand skills that are crucial to the construction industry. We’re thrilled to announce the launch of SCC’s Automotive technology program, which encompasses training in the latest engine performance, electrical systems, digital communication, and essential mechanical principles for all vehicles.

SCC is actively responding to the demands of the workforce by consistently expanding our program offerings. To accommodate this growing need, we’ve increased our training space and are currently undergoing renovations. These exciting developments include the establishment of state-of-the-art facilities, such as a cutting-edge greenhouse for our Agriculture programs, made possible by a generous NC Tobacco Trust grant of nearly half a million dollars. Moreover, thanks to county commissioners, we are delighted to introduce a spacious flex lab spanning twenty-five hundred square feet, enabling us to deliver essential training for local businesses and industries.

Vision : Our future plans for workforce development involve forging partnerships with Columbus County and Whiteville City K-12 public schools to establish apprenticeship programs. The progress made in our apprenticeship initiatives this year has been remarkable, culminating in the placement of the county’s first apprentices. We are excited about the momentum this program has gained as we head into the Fall 2023 semester.

In addition, we are excited to share news of the upcoming expansion of SCC’s property adjacent to Highway 74/76. This expansion will house a revolutionary $14 million STEM/Transportation building, supported and funded by the State General Assembly and our esteemed local legislator Representative Brenden Jones. Not only will this facility enhance our Automotive program, but it will also enable SCC to broaden its transportation offerings. As part of this initiative, a new driving pad in Fair Bluff will soon be operational, marking the launch of our first Truck Driver training program.

The results we’ve achieved together in the last three years are remarkable and paint a clear picture of the college’s direction. Our campus is growing stronger and more vibrant, poised to make a monumental impact on the lives of our students and our community. We prioritize listening to our students, ensuring they are known, heard, and served in ways that genuinely transform lives and make a lasting impact on our community. We are thriving, and the momentum we’ve generated is palpable across our region.

When my wife Teresa and I chose to leave our lifelong hometown of Hendersonville, NC, it was a huge change. Could we find the same sense of home in Columbus County? Three years later, we couldn’t be happier with our decision. Columbus County has provided an incredible environment for both of us to flourish. I am part of several community organizations including The Jobs Foundation, Columbus County Chamber of Commerce Board, Cape Fear Council of Government Workforce Development Board, Columbus County Economic Development Committee, UNCW/C3 Advisory Board, Rotary, and other state-level organizations. Teresa is a local cosmetologist, garden club member, and SCC Advisory Board member. We enjoy spending our weekends at local events, parades, and supporting small businesses around Columbus County. Teresa has never met a stranger, so I knew we would find community no matter what, but the warm and nurturing nature of the people here has made us feel right at home, igniting within us a desire for positive and impactful change.

Our relationships with the faculty and staff at SCC mean so much to us. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with numerous groups, but the professionalism, work ethic, and unwavering support demonstrated by this remarkable team have been integral to our success. It is essential to acknowledge and celebrate their invaluable contributions. With great anticipation, we eagerly look forward to the next five years of service, excited to witness the remarkable achievements they will bring.

I am honored, humbled, and filled with excitement as we continue opening doors to new opportunities, hand in hand.

Dr. Chris English