Sampson Community College Opens 10,000-Square-Foot Activity Center

Sampson Community College cut the ribbon on a 10,000-square-foot Activity Center on Wednesday. The building provides room for occupational training, public safety instruction, meetings, and lectures when big crowds gather.

Sampson Early College High School students now have an indoor spot for physical education. They can do activities there too. Basic Law Enforcement Training and Emergency Medical Services programs now have dedicated training areas.

"The college can hold large recruitment events, community interest meetings, program graduations, large seminar or lecture offerings, or state, regional or system conferences on campus," said Dean of Advancement and Executive Director of the SCC Foundation Lisa Turlington, according to Sampson Independent.

Money came through congressionally directed spending from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. Congressman Richard Rouzer sponsored it. So did Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis. The school received funds in 2023.

Starling revealed this was the "longest capital project in the history of Sampson Community College." Way back in 1998, the building appeared in the original plans for the technology building, but money wasn't there.

Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Neal Robbins talked about how the building might affect the economy. "These types of facilities are durable. They take a long time to come by, but they last a long time, and they do great work for the community, not just for students on this campus, not just the people that live in this area, they provide a snapshot for people that come from all over," said Robbins.

SCC Board of Trustees member Larinda Haight called it "a huge opportunity for not only Sampson Community College students, but for public and community members as well." The school will partner with NC Ag Extension to host the 2026 Ag Day at the new center in March.