Student Life

NCC Representatives Meet with State Legislators

Members of Nash Community College’s Board of Trustees, Administration and Student Government Association toured the North Carolina State Legislative Building Tuesday, February 19, 2019 calling on local legislators to support the work of community colleges.

The NC Community College System’s legislative priorities include requests for funding for workforce training and technology, increased faculty and staff compensation, career coach program expansion and simplification of the enrollment verification process. 
 
NC community colleges are a driving force in the State’s economy with former students contributing over $19.6 billion in State income. For every $1 in State investment, $4.10 was gained in benefits to the State equaling a 14.7% return on investment (2015 Economic Modeling Specialists International Report).
 
“The 58 NC community colleges are the most productive, efficient, education entity in the State,” NCC President Dr. Bill Carver said. “Every day community college graduates respond, heal, manufacture, or repair the complicated enterprises that make up North Carolina’s economy. Thank you for your willingness to champion the role community colleges play in educating citizens seeking employment in this great State.”
 
Ms. Amberleigh Dornseif, Nash Community College Student Government Association President, represented the 12,000 students NCC serves annually, and assisted in providing information regarding student related issues and college instruction matters. 
Community Colleges are increasingly asked to partner with businesses often resulting in new training solutions. Support of these program priorities could help 700,000 students annually achieve a better life through high-school equivalency, career & technical education (CTE), short-term workforce training, and high-quality, affordable college-transfer programs. “This investment will more than pay for itself and will continue to pay dividends,” Carver said.
 
After meeting with the legislative delegation, the NCC representatives convened in the cafeteria where they met with members of the House and Senate.
 
“As NCC’s Board Chair, I would like to ask that you support the 2019 Community Colleges Legislative Agenda. It is imperative that the System have the resources necessary to ensure faculty salaries are competitive. Additionally, investments in equipment are critical to ongoing instruction in high cost programs,” Paul Jaber said.
 
NC community colleges continue to suffer from approximately $53 million in “management flex” budget cuts made during the 2008 recession that have not been restored. Community college leaders stressed these measures undercut equipment needs and the community colleges’ efforts to prepare the State’s workforce. Faculty salaries directly affect recruiting and retaining essential employees.