CFCC students protests with alum and former faculty in support of beloved Marine Tech teacher

Jason Rodgers was fired as program chair in June after decades at the school. Students have not heard an official reason why

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) – Dozens of students, alums, former staff members and supporters of the highly successful Cape Fear Community College Marine Technology Program were protesting Wednesday downtown on the Riverwalk.

They feel the lack of communication from the Board of Trustees over recent decisions, specifically the firing of beloved program director Jason Rodgers. He spearheaded the program for decades, leaving lasting impacts on multiple students WWAY spoke to at the protest.

CFCC says Rodgers has been moved to a different role, but he has been removed as department chair.

Fear around the Marine Tech program transcends Rodger’s firing though. In 2022, another protest was held when the Board decided to cut overtime payments to captains. That decision was reversed, but some captains did resign.