Golden LEAF Visits Nash Community College Advanced Manufacturing Facility
Representatives from Golden LEAF and its Board of Directors visited Nash Community College on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. The group toured the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing which is located on the south end of campus.
The 16,000 square foot facility, which opened in 2018, is home to academic and training space for students in Electrical Systems Technology, Computer-Integrated Machining, Electronics Engineering Technology and Robotics programs of study.
Over the years, the Golden LEAF Foundation has been a strong supporter of the expansion of NCC programs. Through their funding, the advanced manufacturing programs have advanced technologies and equipment, increasing hands-on training, improving the student/equipment ratio and allowing more students to pursue National Institute for Metalworking Skills credentials. Golden LEAF funding also supports students in their pursuit to earn National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) certifications. These third-party stackable credentials offer enhanced employment potential and can lead to higher productivity on the job.
“Nash Community College students are better prepared to enter the workforce because of the longstanding support of the Golden LEAF Foundation,” NCC President Dr. Lew Hunnicutt said. “Many new students, currently employed, and even unemployed and underemployed individuals are able to hone technical skills making them highly competitive in the industry.”
Funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation has also supported expansion in other areas of campus including the addition of an aseptic clean room located in the Continuing Education and Public Services Building. The simulated real-world sterile working environment includes a gowning station, filling line and observation area where students learn lab procedures.
“Golden LEAF makes a tremendous imprint on our state,” Hunnicutt said. “I would hate to think of where we would be as a community without the accelerated occupational, career and academic training opportunities they support. Their funding has led to a significant increase in the employability of our advanced manufacturing degree, diploma and certificate graduates.”
