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Gaston College

Dallas, NC

public

Quick Facts

"Opportunities for Life."

1963
Founded
Public community college
Type
$6M
Endowment
(2023)
$3K
Tuition (In-State)
$9K
Tuition (Out-State)
President: John Hauser

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

About Gaston College

Gaston College empowers over 20,000 students annually with diverse programs and opportunities for life.

Gaston College stands as a cornerstone of public education, known for its unwavering commitment to providing "Opportunities for Life." As a vital public community college, it annually serves approximately 20,000 students, offering a comprehensive array of over 100 degree, diploma, and certificate programs designed to equip learners for success in an ever-evolving world.

The institution's rich history traces back to the Gaston Technical Institute in 1952, eventually being chartered as Gaston College in 1963. From its humble beginnings in temporary quarters, the college quickly established its permanent campus in Dallas, North Carolina, and rapidly expanded its reach. Significant milestones include its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 1967 and key consolidations that broadened its educational scope and physical footprint.

Academically, Gaston College is a powerhouse of accessible learning, recognized for its robust technical and vocational offerings, particularly strengthened by the absorption of the North Carolina Center for Applied Textile Technology. Its three campuses—Dallas, Lincoln, and the Kimbrell Campus and Textile Technology Center in Belmont—provide specialized facilities and diverse learning environments. Prospective students and their families will find a supportive and dynamic community focused on practical skills, career readiness, and pathways to further education, ensuring a rewarding and impactful educational journey.

Key Highlights

  • Chartered in 1963, building on the legacy of the Gaston Technical Institute (1952).
  • Serves approximately 20,000 students annually across three campuses.
  • Offers over 100 degree, diploma, and certificate programs.
  • Motto: "Opportunities for Life."
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) since 1967.
  • Includes the specialized Kimbrell Campus and Textile Technology Center, formed in part by absorbing the North Carolina Center for Applied Textile Technology.

Timeline

1952
Gaston Technical Institute founded under North Carolina State College
1963
Chartered by the State of North Carolina as Gaston College
1964
Began offering classes on September 23; moved to permanent Dallas campus on November 27
1965
Held first commencement; consolidated with Gaston Technical Institute and Gastonia Industrial Education Center
1967
Earned accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
1981
Governance shifted to the newly formed North Carolina Board of Community Colleges
2005
Absorbed the North Carolina Center for Applied Textile Technology
🏛️
63 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

John Hauser
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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