When Chris鈥檚 15-year information technology career came to a sudden halt in 2020, he saw an opportunity to pursue his dream of starting a business.

That鈥檚 when he turned to 海角视频鈥檚 Small Business Center and signed up for an online class.

“It was a 12-week, 1-hour per week online course,鈥� said Forbis, a Burlington native who now lives in nearby Lake Wylie, S.C. 鈥淚 had taken classes previous courses at another community college, so I was familiar with and really appreciated the opportunities it provides working adults. When I was planning to start up my own business, I looked for any resources that would help.鈥�

Chris joined a group of about 12 aspiring entrepreneurs, all eager to build momentum for their business ideas. He received instruction from teachers, local business owners, marketing experts, and even a certified public accountant, gaining real-world advice on how to get started the right way.

“It was very rewarding,鈥� Forbis said. 鈥淣ot only from the information that was passed along, but also the networking that we did. I have since followed up with several of the people in my class. They asked how my truck was doing, and they came out to see me. I went to see how their events were doing.

“For the cost and simplicity of the course, you can’t beat it. It gave me a lot of tools that I wouldn’t have had when I opened up my business. I truly believe that I avoided a lot of mistakes that other food truck owners encounter because of that class.鈥�

With his new skills and support, Chris prepped for his launch in fall 2020, and Nacho Business officially opened in January 2021.

“I do a lot of work in Rock Hill and 海角视频ia and everything in between,鈥� Forbis said.

He even brings his food truck to 海角视频鈥檚 Dallas campus about twice a month, sharing his success with our community.

鈥淚鈥檓 very thankful for what this place did for me,鈥� Forbis said. 鈥淭here are a lot of things I know that I avoided because of getting the knowledge about what to do – and what not to do.鈥�

If you have a business idea and would like support to build your own business momentum, visit gaston.edu/sbc/.

Our Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive for Toys for Tots is back, and the College invites the community to join in collecting new, unwrapped toys for kids ages 0-12. 

The College will collect toys from Dec. 2-4 at the following locations:

Tuesday, Dec. 2

• 海角视频’s Lincolnton Campus
• 511 S. Aspen Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092 (

Wednesday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 4 

• 海角视频’s Dallas Campus (near the Clock Tower on Tower Blvd)
• 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034 (Dallas Campus Map)

If you would like to drop off toys early, Toys for Tots collection boxes will be at 海角视频’s WSGE Radio Station (located in the Craig Building).

Questions about the toy drive should be directed to publicrelations@gaston.edu.

“It鈥檚 amazing what has happened in 10 years,” said Joy Morrow, 海角视频’s Director of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning. “When this first started, it was just five employers. Now we have 25 different employers and 27 different pathways.鈥�

The program has successfully produced 325 completed apprentices and 71 pre-apprentices, with 116 individuals currently enrolled. This growth reflects the increasing demand for skilled workers in our local advanced manufacturing and healthcare industries.

Dr. George Hendricks applied for the National Science Foundation grant that initiated the program. After two years, he and the faculty transitioned leadership to the Economic and Workforce Development department, which has propelled the program鈥檚 growth.

“I’ve seen the program grow from an idea that Dean Virgil Cox (now retired) and I had in his office to the comprehensive program it is today,” Hendricks stated. “We began with five manufacturing companies, and the program has grown to over twenty companies in both manufacturing and healthcare. The positive impacts on our students, our companies, the college, and the community are amazing.鈥�

Morrow emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local businesses. She notes how the program creates connections that benefit both students and employers. “There are industries that need employees and apprenticeships are a great way to build that talent pipeline for local industry,” Morrow said. “Our message to the employer is, let us help you grow your own employees, and you can train them like you want them to be trained.”

The Lincoln County Health Academy has been honored with the 2025 Governor鈥檚 NCWorks Award of Distinction for Outstanding Innovative Partnership. The prestigious award recognizes the Academy’s groundbreaking success in addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages and expanding access to high-wage, debt-free careers.

The Academy, which launched in Fall 2024, contributes to the talent pipeline by offering Lincoln County high school students early, hands-on pathways into the Practical Nursing (PN) program. This is the first time in North Carolina that a Practical Nursing program has been made available to high school students, positioning the region among just three nationwide with such an advanced secondary healthcare pathway. Graduates from the Health Academy are eligible to sit for their licensing exams the summer immediately following their high school graduation.

鈥淭his award is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and heart that has gone into this partnership,鈥� said Dr. John Hauser, President of 海角视频. 鈥淭his Academy proves that when education, healthcare, and community partners collaborate, we can build vital career pathways for our students.鈥�

The success of the Academy is due to a strong partnership between the following entities: 海角视频, Lincoln County Schools, and Atrium Health Lincoln, with financial support from the Lincoln County Rotary Student Loan Fund.

During the 2025 NCWorks Partnership Conference, the award was accepted on behalf of the partnership by Dr. John Hauser and Joanne Matz (海角视频), Dr. Cale Sain (Lincoln County Schools), Melissa Herms (Atrium Health Lincoln), and Anna Mullen (Rotary Rooted Scholarship Fund of Lincoln County).

The academy currently serves 35 students, including seven from the inaugural Practical Nursing cohort and 28 who enrolled in the second cohort.

In an afternoon ceremony on Monday, September 22, 2025, 海角视频 proudly dedicated the second floor of the Morris Library as the Carl J. Stewart, Jr. Learning Center. This tribute recognizes Stewart’s lifelong commitment and significant contributions to the college and the community.

鈥淔or over 60 years, Carl has been a pillar of 海角视频,鈥� said Dr. Hauser, 海角视频 President. 鈥淗is caring spirit, thoughtful decision-making, and unwavering dedication are reflected in the very success of this institution. His influence continues to inspire us today and will guide this College for generations to come.鈥�

Dr. Hauser shared his personal connection to Stewart, recalling their first meeting during his presidential interview. 鈥淐arl quickly became one of my greatest advocates, just as he has always been one of 海角视频鈥檚 greatest champions,鈥� he said

Although Carl Stewart was unable to attend the ceremony, the event was marked by the presence of several family members, along with current and former trustees of 海角视频 and a former president of the college.

A 1954 graduate of 海角视频ia’s Ashley High School and a three-time class president, Stewart was awarded a scholarship to attend Duke University, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa honors and serving as class president of Duke’s Law School in 1958. After graduating, he served in the North Carolina National Guard before establishing a law practice in 海角视频ia over 64 years ago. His political career included seven terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where he notably served two terms as Speaker of the House.

Stewart also held roles on the North Carolina Board of Transportation (1981-83), the Economic Development Board (1999-2001), and the North Carolina Board of Technology (1999-2001). From 2004 to 2012, he chaired the North Carolina State Ports Authority Board of Directors.

Shortly after returning to 海角视频ia, Stewart became a part-time business law instructor at 海角视频 before the construction of the Dallas campus and later served as the institution’s attorney. Jesse Caldwell, current chairman of the 海角视频 Board of Trustees, reflected on Stewart’s deep-rooted connection to the college, stating, “He knows this college from its roots. Every trustee, administrator, teacher, and student has benefitted in untold and lasting ways from his support of this school.”

During his tenure in North Carolina government, Stewart championed policies to increase funding for the North Carolina Community College System. In 2003, he established the Stewart Family Scholarship through the 海角视频 Foundation in honor of his two daughters who both graduated from the Associate Degree Nursing program at 海角视频.

Dr. Patricia Skinner, who served as president of 海角视频 from 1994 to 2020, remarked during the ceremony, “He wasn’t just an attorney; he was an advocate for this college. His accomplishments exemplify his love for the institution throughout his entire career.”

Todd Baney, chief of staff at 海角视频, acknowledged Stewart’s instrumental role in the planning and fundraising for 16 buildings at 海角视频, including the Morris Library. “Carl Stewart was a pioneer who helped shape the North Carolina Community College System,” Baney stated. “I cannot think of a more fitting place than the library for Carl’s memory. This will stand as a lifelong tribute of his devotion to this college.”

海角视频 has recorded its highest enrollment numbers in history as the 2025 fall semester begins. As of Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2025, total curriculum enrollment, which includes students seeking a degree, diploma, or certificate, stands at 6,925, reflecting a rise of 669 students from the previous year. This marks the fourth consecutive year of enrollment growth at the college, with an impressive increase of 32% since fall 2021.

鈥淩eaching this level of enrollment is an exciting moment for 海角视频. It shows that more and more people are recognizing the value of the programs, partnerships, and opportunities we offer,鈥� said John Hauser, President of 海角视频. 鈥淲e鈥檙e building momentum that not only strengthens our college, but also the entire community we serve. This year鈥檚 growth is a big step forward, and it’s a testament to the work our faculty and staff are doing to reach, recruit, and retain more students every semester. We can鈥檛 wait to see the impact these students will have in the years ahead.鈥�

In the 2024鈥�25 academic year, 海角视频 awarded 867 associate degrees, 179 diplomas, and 1,176 certificates. The current cohort includes students from various programs, including university transfer/general studies and several career and technical pathways, such as business, industrial trades, healthcare, and public safety.

With enrollment continuing to grow, 海角视频 is expanding opportunities for students and enhancing its role in the region鈥檚 economic and workforce development. During the 2023鈥�24 academic year, 海角视频 students received over $10 million in institutional, federal, state, and scholarship aid, benefiting 61% of its student population. This support highlights the college’s mission to make education attainable.

“I chose early childhood education because I love working with kids and watching them discover and learn new things as they grow. I picked 海角视频 because it is close to home, and I was able to get my degree while I work,” Massey said. “They also offered online classes and Saturday classes, which are great for my schedule.”

According to one of her 海角视频 Early Childhood instructors, Robin Perry, Massey emerged as a top student in the program.

“Dominique has earned an impressive GPA of 3.708 while working two jobs in the field as a pre-K assistant teacher and at a local program,” Perry said. “She stands out in our classes at 海角视频 and in her own EC classroom with competence and an excellent work ethic. Her supervising teacher in North Charlotte brags about what an incredible asset and help Dominique is.”

Massey’s degree comes at a time when local early childhood programs are desperately seeking qualified educators. According to the NC Early Childhood Foundation, data shows that more than five families compete for every licensed child care space in our state, and staffing shortages are a major barrier to increasing this.

Since Massey always wanted to be in the classroom, she’s enjoyed that part of her experience. But she said interacting with classmates and teachers who share the same goal has been a bonus. She hopes to become a special education interventionist in the future.

“海角视频 has really helped me ‘Own My Momentum’ by giving me support and resources that help with my educational and career goals. The staff and the team are super encouraging, and they offer personalized guidance that makes a big difference.”

With the teacher shortage, graduates like Massey provide essential talent to classrooms where qualified educators make a difference in the development of our youngest learners. For more information on our early childhood education classes, certificates and degrees, visit gaston.edu/early-childhood.

Field’s extensive background encompasses a decade of service in Long Island, N.Y., followed by another ten years with the Pine Island/Matlacha Fire and Golden Gate Fire Department in Florida. This wealth of experience now benefits the eager students at the Lincoln County School of Technology.

Field’s enthusiasm for teaching is evident as he discusses the program’s return in the fall of 2024. “It’s more satisfying than you can imagine,” he says. “The Lincolnton Fire Department and the Lincoln County Fire Chief’s Association have been amazing. They’ve had trucks come in to show students all sorts of things. A lot of those firefighters are products of my classes at 海角视频, which makes it really gratifying to see them in the field and giving back to the students.”

The inaugural class of 2024 began with 12 students. Notably, nine of these students are already volunteer firefighters in Lincoln County, utilizing the program to enhance their skills and knowledge. Field, who moved from part-time to full-time teaching at 海角视频 in June 2024, is positive about the program’s future. “It’ll absolutely grow,” he predicts confidently. “I anticipate there being a waiting list the next time we offer the class.”

The comprehensive curriculum addresses essential aspects of firefighting, including personal protective equipment, forcible entry, ladders and ventilation, rescue, extrication, hazardous material safety, and emergency medical care. “There’s a lot that goes into it other than just working for the fire department,” Field explains.

Local fire departments have supported the program, recognizing its role in preparing their future workforce. The path to becoming a certified firefighter involves completing 16 modules, totaling around 440 hours of training. High school juniors and seniors in Lincoln County can participate in courses while attending school, with a mandatory 40-hour Firefighter Ops 9 course at 海角视频.

Field outlines the certification process: “You need a high school diploma and to complete your OPS 9 to become a certified firefighter. There are tests for every class. In order to pass the written test, you also have to pass some physical skills. As soon as you’ve done those successfully, you do your state test.”

This is just one of several partnerships between 海角视频 and Lincoln County Schools that is helping to prepare students with essential skills to enter the workforce upon graduation.

For six years, 海角视频 has been welcoming Lincoln County high school students for an annual field trip, offering a glimpse into the diverse educational opportunities available across our campuses in Dallas, Lincolnton, and Belmont.

Jennifer Nichols, Vice President of Educational Partnerships and Enrollment Management at 海角视频, has witnessed the program’s evolution since its inception. “This special partnership between 海角视频 and Lincoln County schools,” Nichols explains, “usually spans two days for one grade level, giving students a chance to explore the opportunities we offer here at 海角视频.”

This year, on November 13 and 14, 海角视频, in collaboration with Lincoln County Schools and the Lincoln Economic Development Association, welcomed around 675 ninth graders from East Lincoln, Lincolnton, North Lincoln, and West Lincoln high schools.

Nichols emphasizes the unique nature of this experience: “This is a special opportunity for high school students to get a hands-on experience of programs offered here at 海角视频.” Over two days, students dive into 20 different sessions, each highlighting program offerings available across all three campus locations. It’s a whirlwind tour designed to spark interest and ignite passions.

As the program enters its sixth year, it continues to evolve. “The program has definitely been improved and tweaked over the years,” Nichols reflects. “We are fortunate to have partners like LEDA who fund lunch for students. This allows the groups to stay on our campus long enough to touch, see, and feel all that the College has to offer.”

The impact of these tours seems clear, as more Lincoln County high school students are choosing 海角视频 as their next step. In fall 2023, 15.2 percent of Lincoln County high school graduates enrolled at 海角视频 upon graduation – a more than 3% increase from 2021.

Seeing how these tours can spark new interests and create momentum for students to continue their education after high school is just one of the things that makes this event such a success.

With 28 diverse pathways and 27 employer partners, Apprenticeship 321 has become a cornerstone of career development at 海角视频. Joy Morrow, the college’s Director of Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning, explains the program’s appeal:

“It’s a growing program because students are learning theory and the basics in the classroom and applying it on the job with the company that has hired them as an apprentice,” Morrow said. “Students also learn specific on-the-job skills at that company with a designated mentor. The benefit for the employer is getting a trained employee.”

海角视频 partners with companies of all sizes in 海角视频 and Lincoln counties to create opportunities for students. These apprenticeships span one to four years and offer pathways into fields such as Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive, IT Support, and Health Care.

Recognizing the program’s impact, 海角视频 president Dr. John Hauser recently issued a proclamation to “call upon educators and industry partners to recognize the value of Registered Apprenticeships, and to promote industry awareness and expansion during the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week.”

What sets Apprenticeship 321 apart is its unique blend of education and employment. Apprentices earn credit hours towards graduation while receiving a paycheck and gaining invaluable work experience. Morrow noted that the program isn’t the same for every employer and needs to work for both the company and the students.

“A company I recently talked to wanted their apprentices to work at least 32 hours,” Morrow said. “If they want to work more they can, but the employer has to work around their school schedule. I have another employer who hires apprentices full-time, so they work part-time and go to school part-time. So they are getting paid to be in class.”

The benefits of this program are shared by both apprentices and employers. Students receive hands-on training, while companies cultivate a workforce tailored to their evolving needs.

“Employers have three ways to recruit for the program,” Morrow said. “You can recruit from the general public, recruit internally within the company, or recruit through the pre-apprentice program high school program. The benefit of recruiting through the pre-apprenticeship program is that companies receive an incentive for hiring a pre-apprentice within 120 days of them graduating High School. Instead of the partnering company being responsible for the new apprentice’s tuition, the full tuition will be covered by the NC Community College System until they complete their academic studies.”

“The benefit of hiring internal employees is that you already know their work ethic and their skill set. By promoting a current employee through the apprenticeship program and paying for their education, it builds morale and the sense of appreciation in the company.”

Austin Price, 海角视频’s Welding Program Chair, has been at the college for five years and likes to emphasize the program’s practical approach. “Basically, the main thing we do is allow students to work in the industry and get credit for it,” said Price. “Employers are having a really hard time meeting the demand for skilled laborers. So they’re more inclined to work with us.”

Eric Rhom, Automotive Program Chair at 海角视频, sees immense potential in the apprenticeship model. “There’s a lot of potential in this program,” said Rhom, who has been at 海角视频 for 28 years. “People have got to become familiar with it, hear about it and learn about it. While Big manufacturing is big time into the apprenticeship program, for car dealerships and the local garages, this is a new thing. We’ve done co-op or work-based learning with them, but apprenticeship is a totally different ballgame.”

The impact of Apprenticeship 321 extends beyond the classroom. Lothar Burger, president and CEO of KNOLL America, which is set to open a plant near 海角视频’s campus, shares his personal experience with apprenticeships:

“To me, the apprenticeship program is the way to go,” said Burger, a native of Germany who came to the United States in 1996 and has worked with 海角视频’s program for two years. “I like the program because I did it and now I’m running a huge company in America. I credit the apprenticeship program with giving me a good springboard to learn the business in the field while getting a higher education. It’s real-life situations and not just hypothetical training out of a book.  It’s hands-on training.”

Apprenticeship programs create pathways to success for students while helping to meet the needs of local industries, proving that when education and industry collaborate, everyone wins.

To learn more about 海角视频’s Apprenticeship 321 program, visit gaston.edu/apprenticeship-321.

More information about National Apprenticeship Week can be found at

海角视频 Apprenticeship 321 Program Staff visit a local Bosch facility to share more about the benefits of the Apprenticeship Program.