A Message from the President

CFCC President Jim Morton sits indoors against a wood-paneled background, smiling at the camera. He is wearing a blue checkered blazer with a light blue dress shirt and a small circular lapel pin. His hands are folded in front of him as he sits on the edge of a desk, with a blurred seal and a red flag visible in the background.

Dear Sea Devil Community,

Cape Fear Community College continues to grow in exciting and meaningful ways, and I’m proud to share just a few of the recent highlights with you.

As our region evolves, so does our commitment to providing relevant, high-quality education that meets both workforce needs and student interests. We are expanding our program offerings to open new doors for our students and strengthen the communities we serve. Recent additions such as massage therapy, expanded food service and culinary courses, and the expansion of outboard motors to our Surf City location are excellent examples of how we are responding to industry demand while creating pathways to rewarding careers. These programs not only equip students with in-demand skills but also provide hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for success from day one.

This momentum was on full display at our recent Open House, which welcomed an incredible turnout of prospective students, families, and community members. It was inspiring to see so many individuals exploring our campuses, connecting with faculty and staff, and discovering the wide range of opportunities available at CFCC. Events like these reaffirm the essential role our college plays in providing opportunities and supporting economic growth across our region.

Our continued growth reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and partners, as well as the ambition of our students. Together, we are building a stronger future, one student, one program, and one opportunity at a time.

Jim Morton

CFCC President

Spring Open House

On Saturday, March 21, CFCC held our Spring Open House. We welcomed 284 prospective students to the downtown campus. Over 60 CFCC programs and campus resources were in attendance.

A group of people stand and talk in a parking lot beside a large Cape Fear Community College truck displaying “Real Training. Real Opportunity. Real Futures,” during an outdoor campus event.

A group of prospective students stands in a lobby listening to a staff member speaking during a Cape Fear Community College open house, with a sign about campus tours and meeting faculty nearby.

Students and staff gather under blue Cape Fear Community College tents on a grassy area, interacting at tables and informational booths during an outdoor event.

A large group of people walks along a sidewalk toward the Schwartz Center building at Cape Fear Community College during a campus event, with a blue tent set up on the lawn.

In Case You Missed It

Top and side view renderings of a small center-console boat labeled “Wanchese Harbor 21,” designed by Cape Fear Community College with Bayliss Boatworks, shown on a dark background.

CFCC has partnered with Bayliss Boatworks to give students in the boat building programs a hands-on opportunity to build a 21-foot vessel using real industry plans and materials. The collaboration connects classroom learning with real-world training and prepares students for careers in marine manufacturing.

Graphic featuring a stylized American flag and the Statue of Liberty silhouette alongside bold text reading “CFCC Celebrates America 250” in red and blue on a light background.

CFCC is hosting a Veteran Panel Series as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration, honoring the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The series will feature local veterans and military families sharing personal stories from World War II through modern conflicts, helping preserve history and highlight service across generations.

An instructor demonstrates massage techniques on a client lying on a treatment table while two students observe and take notes in a clinical training setting.

CFCC has launched a new Massage Therapy training program to prepare students for careers as licensed massage and bodywork therapists. The one-year program offers 683 hours of hands-on, classroom, and clinical training aligned with state standards, giving students real-world experience in health and wellness settings.

An instructor and two students examine a boat engine in a workshop, discussing components during a hands-on small marine engine training session.

Students will soon be able to take an Introduction to Outboard Systems course at CFCC's Surf City location for the first time, expanding access to marine training in the region. Offered in partnership with Yamaha, the course provides hands-on experience in outboard motor maintenance and prepares students for high-demand careers in marine service.

Two people smile and pose in front of a “Mamma Mia!” backdrop, holding signs that read “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” at a themed event.

The national tour of MAMMA MIA! completed a two-week technical rehearsal period at CFCC's Wilson Center before delivering a sold-out, three-show run in early March. The production brought cast, crew, and Broadway designers to campus, giving local technicians and students rare behind-the-scenes learning opportunities through hands-on collaboration.

Featured Sea Devils

A woman wearing glasses and a black sweater with white floral patterns stands on a sidewalk with her arms crossed, smiling in front of a brick building and tree-lined street.

Rebecca Carter discovered her passion for education while supporting her son's virtual learning during the pandemic. Now working as a special education teacher while studying in CFCC's Teacher Preparation Program, she is building toward transferring to UNCW to continue her education.

A woman stands on a sidewalk holding a blue Cape Fear Community College pennant, smiling with buildings and trees lining the street behind her.

After losing her home during Hurricane Florence, Katie Cool charted her own path, earning her GED, building a career in professional billiards, and opening her own business. Now graduating from CFCC with her Associate in Arts, she plans to transfer to UNC Chapel Hill.

A young woman with glasses and curled hair stands indoors by a railing, wearing an off-the-shoulder top and a necklace, with large windows and a brick wall in the background.

Dual-enrolled CFCC student Mirah Adkins is preparing to attend PTK Catalyst 2026 as a semifinalist for International Vice President and a national Honor Case Study Challenge winner. She continues to excel academically while demonstrating strong leadership on campus.

Small Business Center Client Spotlight

Nole Balaniz, owner of Wilmington-based Thunder Hawk Productions, is building a career creating cinematic "brand films" that focus on storytelling rather than traditional advertising. After moving to Wilmington and taking business classes at CFCC, he refined his vision with support from the college's Small Business Center, helping him grow his company. Today, he continues to develop story-driven films that connect audiences with businesses in a more meaningful way.

910-362-7000