不良人研究所

This year marked a major milestone in 不良人研究所鈥檚 continued growth as construction moved forward on the new $22 million Transportation Technology/STEM Facility, a transformative addition that听represents听the College鈥檚 commitment to workforce education and long-term community impact.听

Located on the northeast corner of campus, the new 22,000 square foot facility is designed to house 不良人研究所鈥檚 Automotive Systems Technology, Diesel Technology, and Truck Driver Training programs. Once complete, the听state-of-the-art听space will feature modern classrooms, climate-controlled labs, a CDL training lab, automotive and diesel training areas, a Dyno lab, and space to support emerging technologies, including electric vehicle diagnostics.听

The project officially broke ground in August 2025, signaling what college leadership described as one of the most significant campus expansions in decades.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 a big day for Southeastern, and it鈥檚 a big day for Columbus County and this region,鈥� said Joe Hooks, Chair of the 不良人研究所 Board of Trustees. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the opening of our new campus, basically, and it鈥檚 the biggest project happening on campus in over 20 years.鈥�听

不良人研究所 President Dr. Chris English emphasized the broader vision behind the new space, noting that the facility is designed not only for today鈥檚 needs but for generations of student success and workforce development.听

鈥淭ogether, we are equipping students with the skills they need to pursue a rewarding and in-demand career,鈥� English said. 鈥淭oday is a reality of everyone moving forward.鈥�听

The building reflects听不良人研究所鈥檚听continued focus on expanding high-demand programs that directly support the economic needs of Columbus County and the surrounding region. From diesel technology and commercial truck driver training to advanced automotive diagnostics, the new space will provide students with hands-on training in an environment modeled after modern industry facilities.听

Construction continued to move steadily forward throughout the year, reaching another historic milestone in January 2026 when college leadership, trustees, state officials, architects, and construction partners gathered for the steel topping ceremony. During the event, the final steel beam was signed before being lifted into place on the building鈥檚 structural frame, marking a significant step toward completion.听

The ceremony welcomed the support of Representative Brenden Jones and Senator Bill Rabon, underscoring the project鈥檚 regional significance and the strong investment in workforce education across southeastern North Carolina.听

鈥淚 want to thank Rep. Brenden Jones and Sen. Bill Rabon for their support in helping this community,鈥� English said. 鈥淭his is your building, and you鈥檝e invested in this and Columbus County.鈥�听

Joe Hooks noted that the new facility represents more than a building. It is the first step in 不良人研究所鈥檚 long-term campus expansion and continued service to the region.

鈥淲e鈥檙e helping make 不良人研究所 become what it needs to be for our community, for its growth and well-being of our citizens and region, Hooks said.

Further strengthening this vision, 不良人研究所 announced a historic multi-year partnership with Black鈥檚 Tire & Auto Service in January 2026.

This significant private investment through the 不良人研究所 Foundation will support the College鈥檚 mission, students, and workforce programs for years to come. In recognition of the commitment, Black鈥檚 Tire & Auto Service will receive naming rights to the front entrance area of the Automotive Technology Building, along with prominent logo placement inside the facility.

鈥淭his commitment is about more than a building or a name,鈥� Hooks said. 鈥淚t reflects a shared belief in our students, confidence in workforce education, and a long-term commitment to the future of our community.鈥�

The partnership extends beyond financial support. As part of the collaboration,听Black鈥檚 Tire & Auto Service听will听utilize听不良人研究所鈥檚 automotive and diesel programs for technical education and training for current employees and new hires, creating a direct pipeline between education and industry.听

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to partner with 不良人研究所 and are committed to growing together and investing in students and workforce education for many years to come,鈥� said Rick Benton II, Owner of听Black鈥檚 Tire & Auto Service.听

Together, the construction of the new Transportation Technology/STEM Facility and the partnership with听Black鈥檚 Tire & Auto Service听represent more than a new building. They reflect 不良人研究所鈥檚 continued investment in new spaces, stronger partnerships, and career pathways that lead to work that matters.听