Dr. Thurman Brock was a part of Craven Community College's story from the very beginning. His first day on the job was Aug. 15, 1961 as the inaugural Director of Vocational Education for Craven County Schools. He went on to become the College's first president, serving April 23, 1968–December 31, 1989.
To help preserve his institutional knowledge from those early years, Dr. Brock wrote an 18-part history of the College in 1984-85 for the school newspaper, "The Panther."
The period of time between 1980 and 1982 was a busy time for the College. Completion of the new Learning Resource Center and renovation of the first floor of the Administration-Classroom Building were the major events taking place.
When the LRC was completed, the audiovisual area, learning lab and library were relocated to the new building. The audiovisual area had occupied what is now classroom B-102. The present College Bookstore had housed the learning laboratory, and the Student Services/Continuing Education section of Building B had been the library.
The first floor of Building B was renovated in two stages. First, Student Services, the bookstore, and Continuing Education were renovated. (Student Services had been in the business office area.)
Upon completion of the new Student Service area, personnel in the administration area moved across the hall to Student Services; Mr. Swain and his staff and Mr. McClanahan and his staff were operating in the same area. It was crowded, but we did not mind since we would soon move across the hall to a newly renovated area.
In January 1981, the College Board of Trustees voted to cancel the vending contract that had been in place since 1971. The new arrangement provided a snack shop. The current lounge area was designed for a student enrollment of 600 to 800. With enrollment holding steady in the 2,300 range, we obviously need a larger area than we now have.
During early 1981, Mr. James Gavin, one of the original trustees on our Board, was completing his term as chairman (Mr. Gavin left the board in 1987). Mrs. Orringer was elected chairman in July 1981. She served two years and went on to assume office in the state trustees association, of which she became president in 1986.
Dr. Lewis S. Redd was completing his first year as Dean of the College. Under his able leadership, the College was to see a number of changes in the educational program that influenced our enrollment rising at a steady and positive rate. Mr. Swain, Dean of Students, brought a new philosophy of service that complemented the work being done by Dr. Redd and his staff.
Together, these two men have worked long and hard hours to make Craven Community College a people-oriented institution – a place where students can feel that they have a friend in the College, a friend who really cares. This philosophy has made this College a pleasant place to continue one’s education, and yes, a pleasant place to work also. To Mr. Swain and Dr. Redd, I am most appreciative.
We had some changes in staff during 1981 as well. Debbie Hunter joined the counseling staff and Mrs. Louvenia Brown became the College cashier. Mrs. Penny Hyde became a faculty suite secretary.
Mr. Sam Hudson decided to retire in January 1982. He continues to teach geography on a part-time basis.
Joining the full-time faculty of the College in 1981 were criminal justice instructor (now coordinator) Tom Grenier and mathematics instructor Ruth Ann Edwards. Cosmetology Instructor Kitty Pierre became a full-time employee in March 1982.
During this period of time, the College developed a plan for the expansion of facilities on campus. It called for the construction of three new buildings over a 10-year period of time at a cost of $6.5 million. While we were not successful with this effort, five year the North Carolina General Assembly and Craven County Board of Commissioners provided $3 million for the construction of buildings D and E, which will be completed this summer.
Because of delay in having facilities, however, the College has been limited in what we can provide to our industrial and business community. The new buildings will help alleviate the space shortage, but we still need facilities to accommodate our current enrollment.