Craven Community College seeks county support for workforce facilities and a modest operating increase

Dr. Stat and Jim Lens presented Craven Community College's annual budget and capital priorities to the board on May 4, highlighting recent and planned infrastructure work and workforce programs. "It'll be the first time in the college's history we've been able to get the entire college in one place," the presenters said when describing a forthcoming 12,000‑square‑foot multipurpose building that will seat hundreds for campus events.

Presenters listed completed projects (exterior stair repairs, greenhouse installations, nursing classroom upgrades, Havlock library refurbishment) and described larger five‑year needs such as HVAC replacements and underground utility work. The college said construction on a multi‑building public safety training center is underway with initial operations expected this fall and full capability next spring.

The college reported program growth in nursing, welding, and other career‑technical education pathways and flagged a major unrestricted foundation gift of $2.46 million that the college is allocating to construction projects and program support. The presenters asked the county to fund a total request that they described as roughly a $297,000 operating increase (about 5.3%) and a $550,000 capital allocation for the coming year.

College leaders emphasized the regional workforce role of the Bolt/Volt center and the public safety training center and noted the college's training partnerships with local employers and military programs. Commissioners asked questions about infrastructure and timing; presenters said several projects are near completion and provided a tentative ribbon‑cutting date for the multipurpose space.

Next steps: The college's request will be considered alongside other budget priorities in county deliberations; no appropriation was recorded at the May 4 meeting.