CFCC Announces Record Expansion Plan

Wilmington, NC (October 5, 2026) – Cape Fear Community College is launching a record-breaking expansion plan following exceptional enrollment growth. Highlighted by the creation of 73 new faculty and staff positions, the single largest workforce increases in the institution’s history, the college is expanding its instructional capabilities along with additional student support positions to meet local workforce demands.

Adding to the growth, 11 grant-funded roles were also converted into permanent full-time positions. This expansion comes as the college has seen significant gains in student enrollment. Workforce Education enrollment hours rose 16 percent this year, building upon strong growth in 2025, while Curriculum programs saw a 19 percent Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) increase in 2025-2026.

Building upon this growth, CFCC is introducing 19 new Continuing Education and CTE programs between now and Spring 2027, while also expanding at least nine existing Career and Technical Education offerings. The program additions include:

• Advanced Manufacturing & Trades: Laser Welding, Plastic Injection Molding, Masonry, Certified Manufacturing Associate, Light Duty Diesel Tech, Fire Sprinkler Tech Apprenticeship, Fanuc & Kuka Certifications, Protocase University, Commercial Refrigeration, Heavy Equipment Maintenance Tech, and Arborist.
• Film, Media & Technology: Film Bootcamp, Cinematography and Lighting, Camera Operations, 3D Modeling & Printing, and UAS Drone Intro/Public Safety.
• Community & Public Service: Wilmington Fire Department Cadet Training, Bench Jeweler, and Childcare Academy.

“Our community is growing rapidly, and Cape Fear Community College is growing with it to ensure our students and local workforce have the skills they need to succeed,” said Jim Morton, President of CFCC. “Creating 73 new faculty and staff positions marks an important milestone for CFCC and allows us to launch new programs designed to meet the evolving workforce needs of our region.”