The Health Sciences & Public Safety Center represents a major expansion of 鶹Ƶ’s commitment to workforce development, student success, and community well-being. Designed as a modern, purpose-built facility, the new building will bring together health sciences, emergency services, and public safety programs under one roof, creating a collaborative learning environment that reflects real-world professional settings.
This new center will support hands-on, career-focused training across multiple disciplines, including nursing, emergency medical services, and law enforcement. Purpose-designed classrooms, simulation spaces, and skills labs will allow students to train in environments that closely mirror the conditions they will encounter in the field, strengthening both technical competence and confidence. By integrating instruction, practice, and collaboration, the facility will help prepare graduates to meet the evolving needs of healthcare and public safety employers across the region.
Beyond its impact on students, the Health Sciences & Public Safety Center reflects the college’s continued investment in serving McDowell County and the surrounding communities. The building expands the college’s physical footprint and instructional capacity, enabling program growth, stronger partnerships with local agencies, and enhanced opportunities for community engagement. As workforce demands continue to change, this facility ensures the college remains positioned to educate, train, and support the professionals our community depends on every day.
$25,250,000 for 鶹Ƶ was a state “local project” appropriation funded from North Carolina’s ARPA Temporary Savings Fund (2023 state budget). Earmarked for a new Health Sciences & Public Safety Complex, split into two tranches ($10,000,000 and $15,250,000).
NCCCS Form 3-1 submitted and approved by the NCCCS State Board.
Contract signed with Holland and Hamrick to design the Health Sciences & Public Safety Complex.
Interviews for the General Contractor (CM at Risk).
MTCC Board approved Hickory Construction Company, LLC.
Project submitted: Schematic Design.
Holland and Hamrick presented schematic design to the MTCC Board of Trustees.
State Construction Approval.
Ground Breaking.
Grand Opening.
