Lenoir Community College (LCC) celebrated a momentous occasion as it officially opened the doors to its new Floyd Health Sciences Center. The event was attended by a large crowd, including students, faculty, staff, and community members, all excited to witness the realization of this long-awaited vision. The center was made possible through the support of the LCC Foundation Board of Directors, and many other partners representing a significant milestone for the college and the local healthcare community.

LCC President Dr. Rusty Hunt expressed his gratitude to the dedicated faculty and staff who have worked tirelessly to help students reach their full potential. He also acknowledged the contributions of the trustees and members of the LCC Foundation Board of Directors, who have been instrumental in realizing the college's vision of connecting hope to opportunity.

“We're excited for our students to learn in this new space, and we're excited for our faculty and staff to be able to teach in this beautiful center,” said Hunt.

The Floyd family, after whom the center is named, was present at the event. Known for their community spirit and support of education, the Floyd family has been longtime champions of LCC. Their generosity and commitment to the college have extended beyond financial support, as they have also provided employment opportunities for many students at their Piggly Wiggly stores.

“On behalf of our family, it's a privilege to see this vision of a new Health Science Center become a reality,” said Greg Floyd.

The Floyd Health Sciences Center represents a significant expansion for the college, providing state-of-the-art facilities for its healthcare programs. The facility includes dedicated spaces for nursing, medical assisting, polysomnography, electronic diagnostics, radiography, and surgical technology programs. The expanded square footage allows for improved teaching and learning experiences, offering students an environment that closely mirrors real-world healthcare settings.

The funding for the Floyd Health Sciences Center came from various sources, including a grant from the US Department of Commerce, facilitated by the efforts of Congressman Greg Murphy. The center is a testament to the power of partnerships, with support from local county commissioners, the Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce, and various community organizations.

During the opening ceremony, representatives from Senator Tom Tillis and Senator Ted Budd's offices expressed their appreciation for the college's role in addressing the nursing shortage in North Carolina. They commended LCC for its commitment to providing quality education and pathways for students to enter the healthcare field.

Dr. Alexis Welch, Dean of Health, Sciences and Nursing, emphasized the impact that the new center will have on students and their ability to excel in their chosen careers. She highlighted the dedication of the faculty and staff in preparing students for success, as evidenced by the recent 100% pass rates in nursing, medical assisting, surgical technology, and radiography.

“This building mirrors a hospital and is just phenomenal,” said Welch. “We are so grateful. The Floyd Health Sciences and Nursing Center brings excitement to learning. It brings a sense of pride to be able to improve the teaching and learning processes in a space that does mirror the halls of hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices. We are honored and we are humbled by the generosity that you have provided to make this center a reality for our college.”

After the speeches, attendees were invited to explore the new facility and witness firsthand the transformation that has taken place. The Floyd Health Sciences Center represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare education in the region, ensuring that students have access to top-notch facilities and resources to prepare them for rewarding careers.

Lenoir Community College and the entire community are proud of this milestone achievement, which will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the education and healthcare sectors in the region.