Greetings Ashley,

We've just wrapped up an exceptionally busy week, marking several more firsts for our nascent campus. From our inaugural student research symposium to an elegant prom at Hidden Hill, I appreciate the leadership and support offered by our incredible team to bring these events to life alongside our many ongoing programs and operations.

Along with so many firsts we've celebrated this year, our campus community is growing excited to host our second class of residential students and their families at Welcome Day on May 6th. When these rising juniors join our ranks next school year, we will reach our full enrollment of 300 juniors and seniors at NCSSM-Morganton!

In just a few short months, the full vision of NCSSM's expansion to Morganton will be realized — full dorms, full classrooms, and in my case, a full heart. My thanks go out to each and every one of you for the continued support that has made this dream a reality for so many deserving students.

Kevin Baxter

Vice Chancellor and Chief Campus Officer for NCSSM-Morganton

kevin.baxter@ncssm.edu

828.347.9124

Students Share Research Projects at Inaugural Symposium

Nearly 30 NCSSM-Morganton students presented their innovative projects at our inaugural interdisciplinary research symposium held on campus on April 24. The Interdisciplinary Research Symposium is an opportunity for students to present research completed as part of their NCSSM experience. The entire NCSSM-Morganton community was invited to attend as students presented via posters and oral presentations. Students gave TED-style talks and reported on everything from creating an autonomous fabrication lab assistant to analyzing the prey found in owl pellets from Joiner Hall which is preparing to undergo renovation on campus.

NCSSM Supports Burke County Environmental Field Day

More than 20 NCSSM-Morganton students participated in an Environmental Field Day for elementary school students at the Burke County Fairgrounds on April 19 in Morganton.

A group of 80 Burke County fifth graders worked with the NCSSM-Morganton students to design and conduct a variety of STEM activities related to their curriculum. The event was led by NCSSM-Morganton faculty member Chris Collins.

NCSSM-Morganton is offering a special summer opportunity for middle and high school students in the 18 westernmost counties of NC including the Qualla Boundary. Dogwood Health Trust has graciously provided support for these rural students to attend a free residential Summer Accelerator STEM program on campus during the week of July 23-28.

This opportunity is only available to students in the Dogwood Health Trust area. The application deadline is May 5, and finalists will be notified on May 12.  Please help us spread the word to your contacts in these counties.



Questions? Email summer@ncssm.edu or contact Ms. Gina Barrier, Director of Morganton Summer Programs & Extended Partnerships at gina.barrier@ncssm.edu. 

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NCSSM-Morganton Golf Team Member Judson Olmstead shot an ace on the Par-3 third hole at Silver Creek Golf Club, another first for our campus! 👏🏼👏🏼

Morganton

Newton

Foothills Folk Art Festival

May 13, 2023



The Foothills Folk Art Festival's roots date back to 2005 when the Hickory Museum of Art (the second oldest Art Museum in NC) presented its first folk art festival as part of a series of exhibitions, publications and related programming, following the accession of 153 folk art objects from the collection of Barry and Allen Huffman of Hickory. The Festival also offers children's art projects, food trucks, live music, local brewery vendors and more.

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Lenoir

North Carolina Gravity Games

April 29, 2023



Racers, science-lovers and fun-seekers, take your mark! The NC Gravity Games return to downtown Lenoir on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

Every year, middle and high school teams from across the state hightail it to the Games to compete in colorful gravity-powered cars they’ve designed and built themselves.

The Games celebrate all things STEM, and include a science expo with hands-on exhibits that’ll blow your mind. NCSSM will staff a table at the event.

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