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Bladen Community College details new programs, capital needs and a modest operating request
Summary
Bladen Community College representatives updated commissioners on new programs (health sciences, aviation management), a $250,000 Tobacco Trust Fund grant for campus equipment, and a request for a $137,000 operating increase while the college pursues a capital campaign for auditorium renovations.
Dr. Amanda Lee, introduced as president of Wake Community College, told the Bladen County Board of Commissioners the college is preparing for its 60th anniversary and expanding programs aimed at local workforce needs. She said the college will add a health science program aimed at pre‑nursing students and an aviation management pathway that the college is piloting in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration.
"We are the first community college in North Carolina working with the FAA to start this program," Dr. Lee said, and described a new capital campaign to renovate the campus auditorium and add multipurpose space for events and meetings.
Roy Thompson, the college’s CFO, summarized the budget request submitted to the county: an operating increase of $137,000 with an offsetting reduction in capital requests, and a proposed 3% salary increase for locally paid employees aligned with an anticipated state increase. Thompson said the capital request supports multi‑year projects including HVAC and roof repairs and resurfacing campus streets and parking.
The college reported stronger dual‑credit participation locally than statewide: "Statewide CCP participation is about 36%. Here in Bladen County, it is 53%," board chairman Dennis Troy said, thanking the county for textbook support that allows East and West Bladen students to attend Bladen Community College at no cost.
Dr. Lee also highlighted recent grant success: a $250,000 award from the Tobacco Trust Fund that funded a new greenhouse, multiple hoop houses and a tractor for agribusiness training. Thompson said the college will continue pursuing grants to support renovations and program expansion.
The presentation closed with an offer to answer follow‑up questions and to provide commissioners with program and budget materials for further review.
