RCC Breaks Ground on New Career Technical Education Building

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 17, 2026

LUMBERTON, N.C. — A vision for the future of career and technical education is becoming a reality at Robeson Community College. College leaders, elected officials, trustees, faculty, staff and community partners gathered Friday to celebrate the groundbreaking of RCC’s new Career Technical Education Building, marking a significant milestone in the College’s continued commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers and strengthening the region’s workforce.

“Today, we are breaking ground on more than a building. We are breaking growd on new opportunities, new possibilities, and brighter futures for the students and families we serve,” said Robeson Community College President Melissa Singler. “Within these walls, students will gain hands-on experience, technical skills, and confidence they need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world of work.’

The 27,450-square-foot facility will provide a modern home for RCC’s Welding, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and Mechatronics programs. The building will offer expanded instructional space, state-of-the-art training opportunities and greater capacity to prepare students for careers in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing.

The facility will also feature a shared 3,257-square-foot flexible indoor lab and 2,380-square-foot covered outdoor training area, providing opportunities for collaboration across programs and customized workforce training for businesses and industries. These versatile spaces will allow RCC to respond to emerging workforce needs while creating additional opportunities for students and local employers.

For RCC, the groundbreaking represents far more than the beginning of construction. It marks the realization of a long-standing goal to provide students with modern facilities, industry-relevant training and the resources necessary to succeed in an ever-changing workforce. The project also reflects the College’s continued dedication to meeting the educational and economic needs of Robeson County and the surrounding region.

“It is truly remarkable to see what begins as numbers on paper become a reality right before our eyes,” said Senator Danny Britt. “Today, we are not just breaking ground on a new building; we are making history for Robeson Community College and investing in the future of Robeson County. This facility will impact generations, change lives, and create opportunities for students and families for years to come. It is an exciting day, and I am grateful to witness this vision come to fruition.”

“Years from now, when we look at this building, I hope we will not simply see the brick and mortar. I hope we will see the graduates who found their purpose here, the families whose lives were changed, and the opportunities that were created because we believed in the future of Robeson County,” said Faline Dial, Chair of the Robeson Community College Board of Trustees. “Today, we are breaking ground on a building. But more importantly, we are laying the foundation for generations of opportunity.”

Beyond the classroom, the new facility will serve as an important resource for businesses and industries throughout Robeson County and southeastern North Carolina. Through expanded training opportunities, RCC will be better equipped to partner with employers, prepare new employees, strengthen the skills of existing workers and respond to changing industry demands.

“It is truly an honor to be here and witness this monumental day for Robeson Community College and our community,” said Representative John Lowery. “We are at a time when investments like this are needed more than ever. Workforce and continuing education are growing, and our industries need skilled welders, HVAC technicians, and mechatronics professionals to meet the demands of today’s workforce. This new facility represents opportunity for our students, growth for our industries, and a stronger future for Robeson County. I am extremely proud of Robeson Community College and thankful to be a part of this historic milestone.”

The project also underscores the importance of continued investment in North Carolina’s community colleges and the vital role they play in workforce development, economic growth and creating opportunities for individuals and families.

As RCC celebrates this milestone, the groundbreaking symbolizes a promising new chapter for the College and the community it serves. With expanded facilities, modern technology and increased opportunities for hands-on learning, the Career Technical Education Building will help prepare future generations of skilled workers while supporting the businesses and industries that drive the region’s economy.

For Robeson Community College, this project represents an investment not only in bricks and mortar, but in students, families and the future of Robeson County.

For media inquiries, please contact Courtney Jacobs, Executive Director of Governance and Marketing, at 910-272-3231 or cjacobs@robeson.edu.