RALEIGH, N.C. – June 17, 2025 – The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) is proud to congratulate Wilkes Community College’s (WCC) Ashe Campus for receiving the 2025 “George Giacumakis Innovation Award” from the National Association of Branch Campus Administrators (NABCA). The prestigious national honor recognizes excellence and innovation among higher educational branch campuses across the country. This NABCA award celebrates WCC’s partnership with GE Aerospace – a longstanding workforce development initiative driven by the College System’s NCEdge program.

Presented to WCC at NABCA’s 28th Annual Conference in Asheville, N.C., in May, the award highlights the college’s success in aligning education with the needs of high-tech employers and making a measurable impact on the regional economy.

“This award is a validation of what’s possible when industry, education and community come together to drive economic momentum,” said John Loyack, vice president of economic development for NCCCS. “WCC’s partnership with GE Aerospace is a perfect example of how NCEdge can build a workforce pipeline that directly serves employers and also uplifts entire communities.”

WCC’s NCEdge initiative for GE Aerospace led to the creation of unique training facilities and a workforce pipeline tailored to GE’s needs at its West Jefferson facility, which is one of the largest employers in rural Ashe County. More specifically, following GE’s first $56 million plant expansion, the company turned to WCC and other partners to help recruit and train more than 100 new employees. After additional expansion and growth, and through direct training efforts at the Ashe Campus, more than 200 new jobs have now been created.

NCEdge, a cornerstone offering within NCCCS’ economic development division, delivers tailored workforce training to companies expanding or locating in North Carolina. Through partnerships at over 150 sites statewide, the program empowers businesses and colleges to co-design curricula and drive measurable impact. WCC is one of the 58 community colleges statewide offering customized training programs for employers locating or expanding within the state.

“This partnership reflects the power of collaboration and adaptability. By taking a consultative approach and working closely throughout the process, we were able to continuously adjust the training to meet evolving needs – ensuring employees had the support they needed to succeed in real time,” said Betty Silver, associate vice president, NCEdge. “When a community works together, the possibilities are endless.”

The NABCA George Giacumakis Innovation Award is presented to institutions that strategically advance branch campuses through innovative practices. WCC’s Ashe Campus stood out for its commitment to workforce excellence and its community-first approach to education. The award follows another recent honor – the 2025 Innovative Leadership Award, jointly given to WCC and GE Aerospace by NCCCS earlier this year.

As a member of the wider North Carolina Community College System, WCC continues to demonstrate how local colleges can be engines of innovation, workforce readiness and economic growth across the state.

About the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)

The North Carolina Community College System is a network of 58 community colleges created to improve the quality of life across North Carolina by opening the door to opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success, and develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce. The Economic Development Division provides education, training, and support services for new, expanding, and existing business and industry in all 100 North Carolina counties through the network of 58 community colleges. Learn more at www.nccommunitycolleges.edu.

About Wilkes Community College (WCC)

Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC has a proud history of meeting the educational, cultural, and workforce needs of our community. As we look to the future, Wilkes Community College provides programs, resources, and services that create quality educational, economic development, and cultural opportunities. WCC aspires to be an effective, learner-centered institution and a dynamic learning organization, preparing students for success in a changing world. Learn more at www.wilkescc.edu.

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Dan Gunderman

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(646) 443-6885

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