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,

At Cape Fear Community College, we are always working to better connect education with meaningful careers, and I’m proud to share an exciting step forward.

Thanks to a $3 million investment and amazing support from The Endowment, CFCC is launching the Cape Fear for Careers: New Hanover County Apprenticeship Accelerator. This initiative represents a significant expansion of our commitment to workforce development and will help more students move seamlessly from education into high-demand careers.

CFCC already supports more than 250 apprentices and partners with over 120 businesses across our region. With this new initiative, we will expand those opportunities even further, growing programs in fields like information technology, healthcare, accounting, and business services, while strengthening our established pathways in the skilled trades.

The Apprenticeship Accelerator will also allow us to take a more coordinated, countywide approach to workforce development, bringing together employers, educators, and community partners to build a stronger talent pipeline.

Most importantly, this initiative is about people. It’s about giving more students access to life-changing opportunities and helping them build sustainable, rewarding careers, right here in our community.

I encourage local employers to take the next step by attending our Employer Information and Networking Event on April 29 from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at our downtown campus (G-Building, Room 101-A). This is a great opportunity to learn how apprenticeships can support your workforce needs and connect with partners across our region.

We look forward to working alongside our partners to grow this effort and to see the impact it will have for years to come.

Jim Morton

CFCC President

An Inside Look at CFCC's Apprenticeship Program

In Case You Missed It

Three women stand outdoors on a sunlit walkway, smiling and holding clear glass award plaques. The woman on the left wears a green polka-dot dress, the center woman wears a blue patterned blouse, and the woman on the right wears a black top with a striped skirt. Trees with blossoms and a residential-style building appear in the background.

CFCC earned national recognition at the 2025 Paragon Awards, presented by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations. The college's Community Relations team received multiple honors, including gold awards for a viral social media video and a television ad. The annual awards celebrate excellence in marketing and communications among community and technical colleges nationwide.

A new SAIL (Startup Acceleration & Idea Launch) program is helping turn business ideas into reality by offering mentorship, resources, and hands-on guidance for early-stage entrepreneurs. Open to students and community members, the initiative is designed to make entrepreneurship more accessible while strengthening the region's small business ecosystem.

Three young adults stand outdoors on a sidewalk with backpacks, smiling at the camera. Trees with autumn foliage and greenery line the background, suggesting a campus or park setting.

A national designation is recognizing CFCC for its commitment to supporting military-connected students. The college has been named a 2026-2027 Military Friendly School, highlighting its efforts to provide resources and opportunities for veterans and their families. The designation reflects CFCC's ongoing work to create an inclusive and supportive environment for those who have served.

Six musicians pose on a stage around a grand piano, dressed in formal attire. Two hold guitars, one holds a violin, and one sits at the piano bench, suggesting a small ensemble or chamber group performance setting.

Upcoming spring performances will showcase the talent of CFCC music students across a variety of styles and ensembles. The concerts offer the community a chance to experience live performances while highlighting students' skills and dedication. The series reflects the college's commitment to fostering creativity and the performing arts.

Featured Sea Devils

A woman stands indoors holding a blue pennant that reads “Cape Fear Community College,” smiling at the camera. She wears a pink jacket over a green top, and a modern office or lounge space with glass walls and seating is visible in the background.

Decades after first enrolling, Leonia Jones has graduated from CFCC. Her journey highlights perseverance and a lifelong commitment to education, returning to complete what she started years ago. Jones' story is a reminder that it's never too late to earn a degree.

A man stands outside in front of a brick building, smiling with his hands in his pockets. He wears a black polo shirt and jeans, with a watch on his wrist and visible tattoos on one arm. A sign reading “616 Market Street” and a wall-mounted mailbox are beside him, and a glass door reflects trees in the background.

Building a career before graduation, Nicholas Keniston is already applying his education at CFCC. His experience highlights hands-on learning and real-world opportunities that prepare students for success. Keniston's journey shows how CFCC programs can help launch careers before earning a degree.

Small Business Center Client Spotlight

A person sits at a wooden table in a café, smiling while holding up a small booklet titled “Wilmington Coffee Passport.” They wear a light-colored baseball cap and a blue sweatshirt. On the table are additional booklets, a coffee cup with a lid, and a phone. A backpack rests on a chair to the right. Behind them, a green wall features leafy décor and a glowing neon sign, while sunlight streams in from a nearby window.

A simple search for coffee shops after moving to WIlmington sparked an idea that's now connecting locals and visitors to more than 30 cafes across the city. Founder William Rysanek turned that experience into Wilmington Coffee Passport, a stamp-collecting guide that encourages exploration while supporting small businesses, with help from Cape Fear Community College's Small Business Center along the way. Since launching last summer, the venture has grown quickly and is already expanding to new cities.

910-362-7000