CCC Breaks Ground on Beam Student Center
Cleveland Community College celebrated a major milestone on May 1 with a ceremonial groundbreaking for its new student center—an investment set to transform how students access support and services across campus.
The facility, to be named the Beam Student Center in honor of a historic $3 million gift from Don and Carla Beam, will serve as a centralized hub for student success. The 43,000-square-foot building will bring together key services such as admissions, advising, registration, financial aid, and other student supports in one convenient location.
“For years, student services have been spread across campus, making it harder than it should be for students to find what they need,” said Dr. Jason Hurst, president of Cleveland Community College. “The Beam Student Center will streamline that experience, helping us remove barriers, strengthen connections, and support students from enrollment through completion.”
In addition to the Beam family’s gift, the largest in the College’s history, several other donors were recognized for their contributions. Steve and Micki Padgett have named the Career Center, and David and Melissa White have named the Executive Conference Room. Because construction is fully funded by the North Carolina General Assembly, all private donations will directly support student scholarships.
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together state and local leaders, members of the College’s Board of Trustees, county commissioners, former trustees, faculty and staff, community donors, and special guest Dr. James Petty, the College’s first president.
Designed to serve as the “heart of campus,” the Beam Student Center will face Marion Street and feature a redesigned surrounding area that encourages pedestrian access and creates a more connected, welcoming environment for students and visitors.
“This building is about more than convenience—it’s about connection,” Dr. Hurst said. “It represents years of planning and a shared commitment to ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.”
The project comes at a time of continued growth for the College. Later this month, Cleveland Community College will celebrate its largest graduating class for the fourth consecutive year.
Once complete, the Beam Student Center will play a central role in shaping the student experience, providing a strong foundation of support from a student’s first visit to the moment they reach their goals.