NCSSM-Morganton Update
Greetings!
 
Over the past 10 days, I've had the chance to reflect on the impact of what we accomplished these past few weeks and months (and years!) that culminated in NCSSM-Morganton's historic grand opening on June 10.

Countless alumni, donors, elected officials, and friends have reached out to tell me how impressed they were with our new campus in the NC foothills.  But as impressed as they are with the buildings and the campus, they were primarily referring to the people who made it happen. I'm grateful not only to our internal team but also to our incredible network of donors and supporters. Regardless of whether you became engaged with this project years ago or weeks ago, we are grateful for each and every member of our growing community.

It was so incredibly inspiring to see the realization of a vision.  When you look back at what has been activated here, it's truly remarkable:

  • Activating nearly 20 acres of campus alongside nearly 170,000 square feet of space
  • Launching the inaugural week of summer programs for 66 students participating in courses ranging from Alien Ecosystems to Mountains & Minerals
  • Cultivation of more than $12 million raised from more than 250 donors across the country
  • Development and refinement of more than 90 courses to be offered in the first year at NCSSM-Morganton
  • Stewardship of dozens and dozens of partners in business and industry, higher education, municipalities, economic development interests, land trusts and natural resources, and the not-for-profit sector.
  • Recruitment, selection, and admission to the inaugural class of 150 students who will attend NCSSM-Morganton from every congressional district from the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge Mountains

As you reflect on your own engagement with this project, I encourage you to watch our retrospective of "The Road to Morganton" that was featured at the beginning of our Grand Opening ceremony and splices together scenes from 14 episodes of our documentary series.

Beyond all else, I hope that you take great pride in your contributions to this historic milestone for our state. You have made an indelible impact on our school and the countless lives it will touch in the future. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

With gratitude,

Kevin Baxter
Vice Chancellor and Chief Campus Officer for NCSSM-Morganton

kevin.baxter@ncssm.edu
828.347.9124
Watch a recording of the NCSSM-Morganton Grand Opening which was livestreamed on Friday, June 10, 2022. It was a meaningful day as we celebrated this momentous occasion for the institution.

Listen to featured speakers as NCSSM made history once again as the only school of its kind to open a second campus. Note: the formal program begins at the 21:40 mark.

In the News: NCSSM-Morganton Grand Opening
New Positions Just Announced
WCI, Inc., an employer-based membership organization headquartered in Western North Carolina, is excited to announce a financial commitment of $250,000 to the North Carolina School of Science and Math (NCSSM) in Morganton. NCSSM is a publicly funded residential STEM high school available to talented North Carolina high school juniors and seniors. This gift is to be funded through WCI’s ability to raise funds from regional sources that share a similar commitment to advancing STEM high school education in the region. Read More...
On the heels of its grand opening event last week, NCSSM-Morganton honored a Morganton native for his dedication to the preservation of African American history.

Members of the Phifer family have committed contributions totaling $250,000 to support the construction of the new campus, and at their request, the recognition of these gifts and the associated naming opportunity was used to honor John Fleming. Read More...
The Science House is currently accepting applications for an exciting new teacher professional development opportunity being offered this summer and during the 2022-23 academic year.

Do you teach high school Biology or Chemistry? The Science House at NC State University is currently accepting applications for an exciting new teacher professional development opportunity being offered this summer and during the 2022-23 academic year. Learn More...
This professional development opportunity helps teachers weave space science into their STEM curriculum.

Participate in virtual webinars led by NASA educational specialists from a variety of NASA centers. Ambassadors will also attend a group field trip to NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, to learn directly from NASA education experts and receive on-site training.

Community Spotlight
Fridays in June & July
Downtown Morganton
After three years, TGIF Summer Concerts are BACK! Come dance under the stars on the newly designed Courthouse Square during the inaugural season of performances on the new stage. The FREE concerts are held every Friday in June and July (except Friday, July 8th) from 6:00-10:00pm.

Food and Beverage vendors will open at 6:00pm and music starts at 7:00pm. Learn More...
NCSSM-Morganton
901 Burkemont Avenue
Morganton, NC 28655