Lenoir Community College Celebrates Anniversary In Style
arts, culinary arts, education, history, lenoir community college,
With a wide array of high-tech classes‚ one-of-a-kind programs‚ convenient satellite locations and expansions‚ Lenoir Community College is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in style.
From its inaugural class of 80 students meeting in rented space at a local high school in 1957‚ the college has grown to serve more than 14‚000 students at its 90-acre main campus and six extension centers‚ as well as online.
And the college is fast gaining a reputation for its world-class programs in aviation‚ engineering and culinary arts.
“We go a step beyond other community colleges in that we understand that the reason we’re here is for our students‚ and they always come first‚” says Dr. Brantley Briley‚ LCC’s president.
LCC has partnered with three engineering universities across the state to provide the unique 2+2 engineering program‚ which allows students to transfer into another school as a junior without losing credits. During their time at LCC‚ they take classes from outside instructors using video streaming technology.
The school offers a similar 2+2 aviation program with Florida’s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University‚ billed as the world’s leader in aviation and aerospace higher education.
A renowned program in its own right‚ LCC’s aviation management and career pilot technology classes are housed at the school’s Center for Aviation Education‚ located at the Global TransPark’s Kinston Regional Jetport.
Still‚ students who wish to stay close to home can choose from a myriad of other options – no matter if their interests are cooking or customizing cars.
“We have a world-class culinary arts program‚ with two chefs on staff‚” Briley says‚ noting that the college’s new culinary technology center is home to one of the state’s premier culinary programs. “It’s for all of the jobs associated with being in the restaurant business and also teaches the business skills for developing and owning your own restaurant.”
The automotive customizing technology program‚ new in 2007‚ was designed by the school.
“It incorporates so many other programs – electronics‚ welding‚ machining‚” Briley says‚ adding that a Porsche donated to the college will be the first vehicle customized.
He adds that these students ultimately benefit Lenoir‚ Greene and Jones counties by graduating college to join the workforce.
“We are an economic powerhouse for our three-county region‚” he says.
The school’s financial aid program also helps the economy.
“LCC has a very strong foundation‚ with assets totaling over $2.5 million‚” Briley says‚ adding that for the 2006-07 year‚ they gave away 138 scholarships.
A Lenoir County native‚ Briley himself graduated from LCC before attending Eastern Carolina University.
“I am a product of the community college of which I am now president‚” he says proudly.
Story by Jessy Yancey
Photo by Ian Curcio
