Despite several delays and disappointments completing the construction of the new sign at Sampson Community College, the college’s administration is excited about the overall changes and facelift of the entrance.
According to SCC president Dr. Bill Starling, much like the road in front of the college’s campus, the school has been undergoing a makeover of its own.
“We are excited about the opportunity to reintroduce the campus to the community with the new entry signs,” Starling shared. “Unfortunately, the contractor has not completed the work in the expected time, and the sign doesn’t yet include Community College and the LED sign is not complete.”
The new entrance sign for the college has been generating community interest and concern. Contractors have not completed the sign, inadvertently leaving “Community College” off, with only the word “Sampson” and a viking logo featured.
“As you may have noticed, we’ve experienced several delays and disappointments regarding construction of the sign that was to be completed March 13,” Lisa Turlington, executive assistant to the president for advancement, said. “The campus road is seeing a significant increase in traffic since the median was installed on Hwy. 24, so the appearance of the main entrance is a high priority of our Board of Trustees and Dr. Starling.”
Recent delays have backed the completion date up by five-six weeks.
Next Thursday, according to Turlington, the college staff and faculty will pitch in to install the landscaping, moving the process along and one step closer to completion.
“The board is excited about the positive changes to the college that will benefit the city, the county, and the whole community,” Erika Starling, Board of Trustee chair, said. “We realize these improvements take time, but we are confident citizens will appreciate the Sampson Community College facelift when it is complete.”
As of last week, the campus architect is working to resolve issues with the delays in construction, advising that work should be complete and operational within the next few weeks.
“After months without a welcoming entrance to the college, we look forward to announcing our presence with a new face on Hwy. 24,” Bill Starling added. “A campus work day is scheduled for April 27 when faculty and staff will pitch in to landscape the signs and other areas around campus. Information about class registration and events at the college will be announced on the new LED sign. We appreciate the patience of the community in working with us on the construction project.”
The Sampson Community College mascot, the Viking, which is included in the sign’s design, has also stirred concern among some county residents.
“The staff at the college has been amused by comments about the Viking that was adopted as the school’s mascot in the earliest years of Sampson Technical Institute,” Bill Starling said. “The college celebrated 50 years of service to the county in 2017, and the Viking logo featured on the signs was designed by SCC’s Brandon Wiggins as part of a re-branding initiative. The staff and students have embraced the new image with branded attire selling out in the bookstore.”
