ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WPDE) — On Thursday, Robeson Community College announced a $24 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, which is the largest single gift in the college’s 60-year history.
Officials said this investment marks a defining moment for not only RCC, but for the county and has the potential to accelerate growth and opportunity in one of North Carolina’s most rural communities.
The college is located in Lumberton, North Carolina with a student population of 9,587 students.
The college plays a role in educating and training first-generation learners, adult students and military-affiliated families.
“This generous gift is far more than a financial contribution; it is a profound affirmation of our students, our faculty and staff, and the limitless potential of Robeson County,” said RCC President Melissa Singler. “I am beyond grateful to MacKenzie Scott and want to make sure she understands that this investment in Robeson Community College will yield an incredible return. Never before have we been given a gift of this magnitude that affords our team the time, space and freedom to think, dream and plan boldly.”
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Singler adds that both she and the Board of Trustees view this gift as an enormous responsibility to be taken seriously.
“We are committed to being fierce and steadfast stewards of these resources. Our entire team is dedicated to ensuring that this gift is in service to the people of Robeson County and Robeson Community College. Period.”
Singler also said that this gift will directly serve students by expanding access to education and training that fuels the county and the region’s skilled workforce, strengthen the college’s ability to open doors for generations of learners, equip them with the skills necessary to secure family-sustaining wages and contribute to a growing local economy.
RCC has served as a vital source of skilled talent that directly drives regional, and in some cases, statewide industry.
This year, they launched a Utility Fundamentals Program, which is the first of its kind in the North Carolina Community College System. This program offers an intensive, hands-on curriculum that mirrors how utility teams operate in the field.
“This historic gift is a beacon of hope and a powerful testament to the value of our college and our community,” said Faline Dial, Chair of the Robeson Community College Board of Trustees. “The Board is dedicated to a thoughtful, transparent and strategic deployment of these resources. Our focus is on long-term sustainability, ensuring this investment builds lasting educational infrastructure that supports local economic development efforts and unlocks unprecedented opportunities for all of Robeson County.”
RCC said they will share updates.
