Cape Fear Community College logo

Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, NC

publicassociates

Quick Facts

1958
Founded
Public community college
Type
9,497
Total Students
$3K
Tuition (In-State)
$9K
Tuition (Out-State)
$5K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Jim Morton

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Cape Fear Community College

CFCC: Transforming lives and careers in coastal North Carolina since 1958.

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) stands as a vital educational cornerstone in coastal North Carolina, committed to empowering students through diverse academic and vocational pathways. Established in 1958, CFCC has continuously evolved to meet the dynamic needs of its community, offering high-demand programs designed to prepare students for immediate career entry or seamless transfer to four-year institutions. With a robust student body of over 14,000, CFCC is dedicated to providing accessible, quality education that fuels personal and regional economic growth.

The institution began its journey as the Wilmington Industrial Education Center (WEIC), providing crucial technical training to high school students and adults alike. A pivotal moment arrived in 1963 when state legislation transformed WEIC into Cape Fear Technical Institute (CFTI), signifying an expanded role in technical education. Bolstered by strong local industry support and a significant bond issue, CFTI grew, adding new facilities and broadening its academic offerings.

This growth culminated in its designation as Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) in 1988, reflecting its comprehensive mission to serve the wider community. Today, CFCC continues to expand its reach, opening a new campus in northern New Hanover County in 2002 to better serve a growing student population. While the college has garnered accolades for its exceptional faculty, staff, and degree programs, it has also navigated periods of administrative scrutiny and significant leadership transitions, which have drawn attention to governance and operational practices.

Despite past challenges, CFCC remains focused on its core mission: delivering valuable transfer programs, robust vocational training, and a supportive learning environment designed to help every student achieve their educational and career aspirations. Under President Jim Morton's leadership, the college continues to be a public community college committed to serving the educational demands of its region.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1958 as the Wilmington Industrial Education Center (WEIC), demonstrating a long history of educational service.
  • ✦Serves a large student body of 14,170, making it a significant educational provider in the region.
  • ✦Officially became Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) in 1988, reflecting its comprehensive mission.
  • ✦Operates multiple campuses, including a significant expansion with a new campus opened in northern New Hanover County in 2002.
  • ✦Offers a diverse array of academic and high-demand vocational programs, catering to both career readiness and university transfer.
  • ✦Recognized for exceptional faculty, staff, and various degree programs, upholding a standard of quality education.

Timeline

1958
Founded as the Wilmington Industrial Education Center (WEIC), offering courses for high school and adult students.
1963
Transformed into Cape Fear Technical Institute (CFTI) following state legislation establishing community colleges.
1988
Officially became Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) to reflect its expanded role and mission.
2002
Opened a new campus in northern New Hanover County to accommodate growth and expanded offerings.
2014
Ted Spring hired as college president.
2015
Ted Spring resigned; Jim Morton installed as interim president.
2018
Jim Morton formally appointed college president by the Board of Trustees without a search.
2020
Leadership and administrative issues at CFCC under President Morton covered by national news outlets.
🏛️
68 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Jim Morton
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Cape Fear Community College

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search