[CLINTON, N.C.] – Sampson Community College (SCC) welcomed key leaders from the John M. Belk Endowment on November 13, as part of the Endowment’s initiative to visit all 58 community colleges across North Carolina.
The delegation included Chuck Kaylor, Vice President and Chief of Staff; Mike Krause, Managing Director; MC Belk Pilon, President and Board Chair; and Nation Hahn, all of whom met with college representatives and toured campus facilities to observe firsthand the impact of community colleges on local economies.
Dr. Bill Starling, President of SCC, shared his reflections on the visit:
“On Wednesday, we welcomed representatives from the John M. Belk Endowment to our campus. The Endowment is a major supporter of North Carolina’s community college system, focusing on improving student access, program completion, and workforce training relevance. In a roundtable discussion, our staff shared an overview of the unique role SCC plays in a rural county that has experienced significant demographic and population changes.”
“The Endowment staff expressed particular interest in Sampson Community College as North Carolina’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). With over 25% of our curriculum students identifying as Hispanic, SCC has developed special programs and initiatives to support their success. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Endowment to further expand opportunities for all our students.”
During the visit, MC Belk Pilon emphasized the pivotal role of North Carolina’s community colleges in workforce development, saying,
“Community Colleges are the economic engines of our state, and it’s so important to see firsthand how they support their local communities. Sampson is a perfect example of how community colleges are a hub of opportunity for North Carolinians to get a better skill and a better job.”
Starling concluded that “SCC is proud to offer recognized programs and services that lead to student success across a range of occupational fields for students from Sampson and surrounding counties.”
As Sampson County continues to grow, SCC is strengthening its outreach efforts as an HSI, focusing on engaging the county’s growing Hispanic population. Through culturally responsive programming and targeted services, the college is committed to breaking down barriers to higher education and empowering students with the skills and training needed for success in today’s workforce.
