Robeson Community College recently announced a historic $24 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest single gift in the college’s 60-year history. This investment marks a defining moment for not only RCC but also Robeson County, with the potential to accelerate growth and opportunity in one of North Carolina’s most resilient rural communities. 

“This generous gift is far more than a financial contribution; it is a profound affirmation of our students, our faculty and staff and the limitless potential of Robeson County,” said RCC President Melissa Singler in a press release. “I am beyond grateful to MacKenzie Scott and want to make sure she understands that this investment in Robeson Community College will yield an incredible return. Never before have we been given a gift of this magnitude that affords our team the time, space and freedom to think, dream and plan boldly.”

Singler adds that both she and the RCC Board of Trustees view this gift as an enormous responsibility to be taken very seriously. 

“We are committed to being fierce and steadfast stewards of these resources. Our entire team is dedicated to ensuring that this gift is in service to the people of Robeson County and Robeson Community College. Period,” added Singler in a press release.

Singler notes that this gift will directly serve students by expanding access to education and training that fuels Robeson County and the region’s skilled workforce. It will significantly strengthen the college’s ability to open doors for generations of learners, equipping them with the skills necessary to secure family-sustaining wages and contribute to a resilient, growing local economy. This investment makes a high-value education more accessible than ever before.

RCC has long served as an engine for economic mobility and a vital source of skilled talent that directly drives regional – and in some cases, statewide – industry. This year, it launched a Utility Fundamentals Program, the first of its kind in the North Carolina Community College System. By focusing on this type of practical, high-value training, the college prepares graduates who are indispensable to the region’s infrastructure and quality of life. This gift will allow the college to continue to expand upon successful programs such as this, while also cultivating innovation in other high-impact programs in response to the region’s economic development and educational needs. 

“This historic gift is a beacon of hope and a powerful testament to the value of our college and our community,” said Chair of the Robeson Community College Board of Trustees  Faline Dial in a press release. “The Board is dedicated to a thoughtful, transparent and strategic deployment of these resources. Our focus is on long-term sustainability, ensuring this investment builds lasting educational infrastructure that supports local economic development efforts and unlocks unprecedented opportunities for all of Robeson County.”