Fayetteville Technical Community College hosted members of the Cumberland County Legislative Delegation on Monday, April 7, to discuss the College’s achievements and its goals and budget priorities for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
The College relies on state funding for much of its operating budget as well as for funding for many major projects.
The meeting was attended by N.C. Senators Val Applewhite and Tom McInnis and by N.C. Rep. Diane Wheatley’s legislative assistant, Al Wheatley. Katie Smith, Congressman David Rouzer’s local field director/senior advisor, also attended.
FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells noted that FTCC has had nine consecutive terms of curriculum enrollment growth, serving approximately 30,000 students in 2024-25. He said the College’s priorities are aligned with growth and include: high-quality programs concurring with the economic needs of the community and employers; strong partnerships and community service; student success; a student-centered culture; and financial stewardship.
“FTCC continues to prioritize opening and growing programs that prepare graduates for high-demand, high-wage careers,” Sorrells said. A funding model called Propel NC, now the focus of bills before the General Assembly, would help FTCC and other community colleges in the state to continue to do that.
Sorrells discussed new and expanded programs at FTCC, including nursing and other healthcare areas; first responders and public service sector jobs; transportation, logistics and advanced manufacturing; building trades; and computer technology.
“If you look at all the job growth in North Carolina… whenever there’s a big announcement or expansion, 60 to 80 percent of the jobs that are brought in are trained through the community college system,” he said. “It’s that level of importance that we bring to the table as your partners.”
FTCC is working on or planning other expansions. A commercial truck driving training facility in western Cumberland County, now in development, will greatly expand the College’s current facilities as well as serve CDL students from Bladen and Robeson community colleges. A heavy diesel mechanic program is planned to be added to that facility in 2026.
The College plans to move its carpentry and plumbing training programs into a renovated former car dealership on Bragg Boulevard. The move will provide those programs with expanded and modern space and provide additional space in their former location for the electrical training program.
Meanwhile, the College has expanded and continues to expand its healthcare programs. With 400 seats available for its nursing school, FTCC is the fifth largest pre-licensure nursing school in the state when graduate programs are included in the overall figure. When graduate nursing programs are omitted from the total figure, FTCC is the third largest nursing school in the state after East Carolina University (575 maximum enrollment) and Carolinas College in Charlotte (450 maximum enrollment).
Sorrells told the legislators they are doing important work. “Thank you for your leadership and for your service,” he said. “Thank you for the support you give us and the support you have given us in the past.
(Left to right): FTCC Board of Trustees Chairman William Hedgepeth; Al Wheatley, legislative assistant for N.C. Rep. Diane Wheatley; N.C. Sen. Tom McInnis; FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells; N.C. Sen. Val Applewhite; Katie Smith, field director/senior advisor for Cong. David Rouzer.
