HICKORY, N.C. – North Carolina Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt visited Catawba Valley Community College on Friday, August 22, touring three of the college’s signature workforce programs: the ValleySim Healthcare Simulation Center, the Catawba Valley Furniture Academy, and the Manufacturing Solutions Center.

Led by CVCC President Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, NCCCS board member Bill McBrayer, and CVCC Vice President for K-64 and Talent Development Dr. Robin Ross, the tour showcased how the college equips students for careers in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and furniture production, while also fueling economic growth in the Catawba Valley region.

“Community colleges like CVCC are transforming lives by equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce,” Hunt said. “The programs I toured today—ValleySim, the Furniture Academy, and the Manufacturing Solutions Center—demonstrate the kind of innovation happening across our community colleges as they prepare students for meaningful careers and support industries statewide.”

The visit spotlighted CVCC’s role in key sectors of the state’s economy:

• Healthcare: The ValleySim Healthcare Simulation Center is one of the Southeast’s most comprehensive simulated hospital environments. Students train in real-life clinical scenarios with high-fidelity patient simulators that range from premature infants to geriatric patients. The center builds student confidence and competence before they enter the workforce.
• Furniture manufacturing: The Catawba Valley Furniture Academy reflects CVCC’s strong partnerships with industry leaders to address workforce needs in one of North Carolina’s most historic industries. With training in upholstery, sewing, frame building, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks, the academy equips students with in-demand skills while providing employers with a pipeline of qualified workers.
• Advanced manufacturing: The Manufacturing Solutions Center supports companies through testing, prototyping, materials analysis, and applied research. It also assists entrepreneurs with product development, business incubation, and connections to international markets. The center is recognized nationally as a hub of innovation that strengthens manufacturers’ competitiveness.

“We are grateful for Lt. Gov. Hunt’s interest in the programs and partnerships that make CVCC a hub for economic growth and opportunity,” Hinshaw said. “Her visit reaffirms how community colleges drive workforce readiness, industry partnerships, and vitality across the Catawba Valley region, the state of North Carolina, and the entire country.”

“CVCC is proud to work with business and industry partners to create education and training programs that sustain the talent pipeline in Catawba and Alexander counties,” Ross stated. “Our students graduate with the confidence, skills, and experience to succeed in the workforce and to build better futures for themselves and their families.”

“Programs like those at CVCC represent the best of what can happen when educators, business leaders, and policymakers unite,” McBrayer said. “These partnerships ensure North Carolina remains competitive by preparing a skilled workforce that supports industries statewide.”

About Catawba Valley Community College
Catawba Valley Community College empowers students to transform their communities and the state of North Carolina by providing exceptional learning experiences, premier workforce development, and engaging personal enrichment. As a comprehensive community college, CVCC offers a wide range of programs in university transfer, technical education, health sciences, community services, continuing education, and lifelong learning. Learn how you can SOAR at cvcc.edu.