NC Community College System president tours CFCC

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — The president and CEO of the North Carolina Community College System visited Cape Fear Community College on Tuesday, getting a firsthand look at the advanced technology and educational programs preparing students for the workforce.

Dr. Monty Sullivan’s visit to CFCC is part of a statewide tour of 12 community colleges aimed at better understanding the growing demand for workforce education.

“Any time you get out of the capital city, there is a level of clarity that comes from walking a college campus and talking with students and employees,” Sullivan said.

During his visit, Sullivan toured CFCC’s Health and Human Services building and the Wilson Center, exploring programs and technology being used to train students.

One demonstration featured an artificial intelligence-powered robotic patient designed to simulate real-world medical interactions, allowing students to practice patient care.

Sullivan said community colleges are playing an increasingly important role in preparing students for careers as workforce needs continue to evolve.

“We are in a place in this economic time where community colleges have to pivot and have to become even more to the population than we have been historically,” Sullivan said.

He pointed to growing interest in career-focused programs, particularly cybersecurity, which he said has become an essential component of nearly every industry.

“Cybersecurity is ubiquitous. In nearly every industry you can think of, you have a cyber component,” Sullivan said.

At CFCC, the nursing program has continued to see strong demand, with enough interest to create a waitlist.

Sullivan said the competitive nature of programs such as nursing, dental and other health care fields reflects the demand for skilled workers.

“Most of the students, especially in nursing and dental and other medical programs, they already have a job before they finish the program,” Sullivan said.

Looking ahead, Sullivan emphasized the role CFCC will play in shaping Wilmington’s economy and preparing students for future employment opportunities.

“If we think about the economy that we have today, we can look back and see the role that CFCC has played in building the economy, but what is more important to me is what is the economy we intend to build going forward,” Sullivan said.