McDowell Tech outlines enrollment gains and $25 million health sciences/public safety building

The president of McDowell Technical Community College told commissioners on May 11 that the college is seeing steady enrollment growth, exceptional course‑success rates and expanding workforce and dual‑enrollment programs that reach a high share of McDowell County residents.

The presenter said McDowell Tech’s county participation rate is about 27%, among the highest in North Carolina, and highlighted program expansions including a public safety administration associate degree, a social and human services associate degree with transfer pathways, and workforce certificates tied to the outdoor‑economy program in Old Fort. He also described a pilot that expands Career and College Promise dual‑enrollment to ninth and tenth graders.

On facilities, the college reported a $25,000,000 project to build a health sciences and public safety center with state construction approval targeted by the end of the summer; the college hopes to begin occupying the building in fall 2028 and start classes in spring 2029. The three‑story building will house public safety training on the ground floor, nursing and simulation labs on the second floor, administrative offices on the third and event space on a rooftop terrace.

The college president thanked commissioners for county support of facilities and maintenance, noted that state allocations fund operating expenses while county allocations commonly support buildings, and described continued efforts to maintain and renovate older campus buildings.

Commissioners praised the college’s work and the presenter answered questions about dual enrollment, program growth and the new building timeline.