Bladen Community College receives transformative $1 million gift from Cape Fear Valley Health

By Staff Report, posted Jan 26, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Pictured left to right: President of Cape Fear Valley Bladen Healthcare Spencer Cummings, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health Michael Nagowski, Chief Nursing Officer of Cape Fear Valley Bladen Healthcare Susan Phelps, RN, Chief Nursing Executive of Cape Fear Valley Health Susan Dees, RN, Director of Nursing & Allied Health of Bladen Community College Michelle Norris, RN, President of Bladen Community College Amanda Lee, Bladen Community College Board of Trustees Chair Dennis Troy, County Manager of Bladen County Sam Croom and Bladen County Board of Commissioners Chair Cameron McGill. Photo provided by CFVH.

Bladen Community College (BCC) announced that it has received a $1 million gift from Cape Fear Valley Health, a transformative investment that will significantly expand allied health programs, strengthen health care workforce development and enhance student support services throughout the region.

This historic gift builds upon a long-standing partnership between Bladen Community College and Cape Fear Valley Health that has focused on preparing students for successful careers in health care. For several years, Cape Fear Valley Health has supported a full-time nursing faculty position at the College and has provided direct assistance to students in the nursing program, helping reduce the financial burden of college and allowing students to focus on completing their education.

“This partnership reflects the very best of what community collaboration can achieve,” said Dr. Amanda Lee, president of Bladen Community College, in a press release. “Cape Fear Valley Healthcare has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to our students and our mission. This generous gift allows us to expand access to high-quality allied health education while strengthening the local healthcare workforce. Together, we are creating opportunities that truly change lives.”

In addition to the financial contribution, Cape Fear Valley Health is providing instructional space at Bladen County Hospital to support the expansion of allied health programs. This space will place students in real-world clinical environments, offering hands-on training that enhances learning and prepares graduates to enter the workforce with confidence.

The partnership also includes funding to support students facing unexpected financial emergencies during their training, helping ensure that temporary challenges do not prevent them from completing their programs.

Long before this recent $1 million gift, Bladen Community College faculty and staff

recognized the value of Cape Fear Valley Health’s support. Through an employee vote, the healthcare system was named the College’s Partner of the Year in recognition of its earlier investments in full-time faculty support, equipment funding, and direct assistance to students.

As a result of this latest investment, Bladen Community College is proud to announce the establishment of the Cape Fear Valley Health School of Allied Health, which will serve as a hub for expanded healthcare training programs, new equipment and supplies and innovative clinical education opportunities.

The partnership between Bladen Community College and Cape Fear Valley Health has also received statewide recognition through a Workforce Development Pinnacle Award from the North Carolina Community College System, honoring collaborative leadership and innovation in healthcare workforce development.

“This gift is about more than today. It’s about building a lasting foundation for the future of health care in Bladen County and beyond,” said Mike Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health, in a press release. “By investing in education and removing barriers for students, we are investing in healthier communities for generations to come.”

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