Sampson Community College’s master building plan has been deemed a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” and is well on its way to placing the local institute in a prime position for future success.

The campaign to secure funds to help support a portion of that plan began in October, and now, three months later, is well on its way with $175,000 collected in pledges. The committee’s goal is to get $250,000 in pledges, which is in addition to the $500,000 contribution from the college Foundation.

According to Lisa Turlington, SCC Foundation director, the Capital Campaign Committee has been collecting pledges for “Develop the East,” a project that will include a multi-purpose field, track and walking trails on the field. This is the beginning of the development of a master plan that outlines close to $7 million in new construction, renovations, signs, a revamped plaza and sports complex.

“This project will not only be an asset for the campus, but offer many advantages to the community,” Turlington said.

The college’s five-year master plan (2016-21) includes the elimination of the east parking log; a campus-wide wayfinding system starting at the campus entrance; landscape and entry marquees at each entrance as well as at the corner of N.C. 24 and Airport Road; relocation of visitor’s parking; and a redesign of the plaza area at the center of campus.

Noted of priority are a new welding and metal fabrication building, additions to the Activities Building and Kitchin Building; modernizing science labs; and ADA improvements campuswide. The college was notified last fall of a $1.7 million Economic Development grant that will assist with the welding building. According to Turlington, work is being done to properly secure the grant funding.

“Those priorities came from months of strategic planning based on enrollment history and forecasts, data from students and staff surveys, and community input,” Turlington noted.

Currently, Sampson Community College doesn’t have a facility on campus that allows students and faculty the opportunity to do any intramural programs. By developing the east side of the campus to including the multipurpose field, Turlington said the college will not only be able to offer additional activities for students, but somewhere the community can utilize and offer sports tournaments and games.

For those choosing to make a donation, all pledges of $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000 will be recognized on the wall of patrons. Anyone giving a $50,000 pledge will have naming rights to the entrance signage. A pledge of $100,000 give naming rights to the field.

A depiction of the plans to construct a multi-purpose field on the east side of Sampson Community College.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/web1_Map2.jpgA depiction of the plans to construct a multi-purpose field on the east side of Sampson Community College.

By Kristy D. Carter

[email protected]

Reach Kristy D. Carter at 910-592-8137, ext. 2588. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd. Like us on Facebook.