FTCC meets with Cumberland County Legislative Delegation to discuss achievements and 2025-26 goals and budget priorities

By Staff Report, posted Apr 14, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

(Left to right): FTCC Board of Trustees Chairman William Hedgepeth; Al Wheatley, legislative assistant for N.C. Rep. Diane Wheatley; N.C. Sen. Tom McInnis; FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells; N.C. Sen. Val Applewhite; Katie Smith, field director/senior advisor for Cong. David Rouzer. Photo provided by FTCC.

Fayetteville Technical Community College hosted members and representatives of the Cumberland County Legislative Delegation last week to discuss the College’s achievements and its goals and budget priorities for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

The College relies on state funding for much of its operating budget as well as for funding for many major projects.

The meeting was attended by N.C. Senators Val Applewhite and Tom McInnis and by N.C. Rep. Diane Wheatley’s legislative assistant, Al Wheatley.

FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells noted that FTCC has had nine consecutive terms of curriculum enrollment growth, serving approximately 30,000 students in 2024-25. He said the College’s priorities are aligned with growth and include: high-quality programs concurring with the economic needs of the community and employers; strong partnerships and community service; student success; a student-centered culture; and financial stewardship.

“FTCC continues to prioritize opening and growing programs that prepare graduates for high-demand, high-wage careers,” Sorrells said in a press release.

A funding model called Propel NC, now the focus of bills before the General Assembly, would help FTCC and other community colleges in the state to continue to do that.

Sorrells discussed new and expanded programs at FTCC, including nursing and other healthcare areas; first responders and public service sector jobs; transportation, logistics and advanced manufacturing; building trades; and computer technology.

“If you look at all the job growth in North Carolina… whenever there’s a big announcement or expansion, 60 to 80 percent of the jobs that are brought in are trained through the community college system,” he said in a press release. “It’s that level of importance that we bring to the table as your partners.”

Sorrells told the legislators they are doing important work.

“Thank you for your leadership and for your service,” Sorrells said to the gathered officials. “Thank you for the support you give us and the support you have given us in the past.

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