Craven Community College is proudly celebrating its 60th anniversary this year with the theme, "Deep Roots, Strong Futures."
Our College's legacy began on July 1, 1965, when the NC General Assembly chartered the Craven County Unit of Lenoir County Community College. Over time, the College branched out from its origins, eventually adopting its current name in 1973 and expanding its presence across Craven County. Today, it boasts a main campus in New Bern, a Havelock Campus, the Volt Center workforce development campus in downtown New Bern, classroom space at MCAS Cherry Point, and a Public Safety Training Center that will break ground this fall.
Last year, Craven served over 13,500 students, with 3,624 enrolled in curriculum programs and 9,884 participating in workforce classes. This growth is a far cry from the College's humble beginnings in 1965, when it started with just 14 students in the Practical Nursing Program and 1,533 in workforce training. The College's steady expansion over the past 60 years reflects the deep connection between its students and the community, a bond that continues to strengthen the future of Craven County.*
*Figures include headcount from academic years 1965-66 and 2021-22. Curriculum numbers are unduplicated, while workforce/continuing education numbers are duplicated due to some students taking multiple classes.
A Glimpse into the Past
Administrative Office Building
Craven CC operated out of an administrative building in 1965
1968-1969 Graduating Class
One of the earliest photos in Craven CC archives of graduates in 1969
Brock Admin Building
Early construction of the Brock Administration building on the New Bern campus
Craven Cheerleaders
Craven cheerleaders show school spirit in the 1970s
Early Technology
An instructor helps students on computers in the 1970s
Law Enforcement Training
Law enforcement training students practice an arrest in the 1970s
Panthers Basketball
Craven CC Panthers basketball team in 1982
Campus Concerts
Students enjoy socializing and listening to music at Spring Jam '87
Panther Pals
College staff, basketball player, and cheerleader pal around with an early iteration of the panther mascot in 1988
Nursing Grads
Students in the Associate Degree Nursing program get pinned in 1997
Presidential Perspectives
Learn more about our past presidents through oral histories, archives, and more!
LinkedIn Alumni Group
Stay connected with alumni and instructors on the College's LinkedIn page.
Did You Know?
Getting in a Pickle
A group of individuals attempting to attract Mount Olive College to New Bern formed the advisory group that eventually started Craven Community College as a branch of Lenoir Community College.
Laying the Groundwork
Thurman E. Brock, the college’s first president, arrived in Craven County in 1961 as the Director of Vocational Education for Craven County Schools. The main administration building is named after him.
Keyed Up for Learning
Typing has long been considered an important skill, as demonstrated by students in typewriting class in the 1970s. The College even had typing competitions!
First Havelock Facility
The College's first Havelock classroom facilities operated out of the East Plaza Professional Center in 1983.
Automotive Program
Craven's Automotive Mechanics Technology program started offering courses in 1996.
Dialing Up
The College's first online courses were offered in 1998.
Batter Up
Craven CC's Panthers baseball team has been going strong for over 15 years.
New Chapter for the Library
The College's Godwin Memorial Library turned a page toward the future with a full renovation in 2018. It is located on the second floor of Barker Hall.
Driving Success
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College held drive-thru graduation ceremonies in 2020 and 2021.
From Stealers to Panthers
Before Craven Community College adopted the panther mascot, we were the Craven Technical Institute Stealers!
