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Our History

1958

Through the concerted efforts of concerned and united Catawba County citizens and North Carolina educational leaders, on April 3, 1958, Catawba Valley Community College was established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as the ninth school of its kind in the state. Construction of the original facilities began in 1959. The 40,000 square foot building costing approximately $500,000 was completed in August 1960. An initial enrollment of seventy-seven (77) students began classes in September of the same year. From 1960 to 1963, the College operated under the jurisdiction of the Catawba County Board of Education. During this time the College was known as the Catawba County Industrial Education Center.

A black and white photograph of a narrow school hallway filled with students walking and socializing. Coats hang on racks along the right wall, and fluorescent lights and exposed piping run overhead. The clothing and hairstyles suggest the image was taken in the mid-20th century. The hallway is lined with doors leading to classrooms or offices.
A black and white photograph of a large campus sign that reads “Catawba Valley Technical Institute.” The sign is set on a grassy lawn in front of trees and a portion of a building. The design and lettering style suggest the image is from the mid to late 20th century.
1963

In July 1963, the General Assembly of North Carolina enacted into law G.S. 115A which provided for the establishment of the present North Carolina System of Community Colleges. On January 9, 1964, Catawba Valley Technical Institute was among the original seven institutes chartered by the Department. At that time, CVTI established its own Board of Trustees and began operation as a member of the Department of Community Colleges. Thus, it was in August 1964, that the College awarded its first Associate Degree in Applied Science.

1987

It was during the transition from an Industrial Education Center to Technical Institute that great strides began in expanding educational programs, increasing student enrollment, developing quality instruction, adding facilities, and increasing community acceptance and service. On September 1, 1979, the name of the institution was changed to Catawba Valley Technical College by the Trustees and commissioners of Catawba County. On December 1, 1987, the State Board of Community Colleges officially approved CVTC to become Catawba Valley Community College and the College Transfer program was approved.

A scenic springtime view of Catawba Valley Community College’s campus, with a large flowering tree in full bloom dominating the foreground. Pink blossoms contrast with the lush green grass and surrounding leafy trees. In the background, a white campus sign with red “CVCC” lettering and the full name “Catawba Valley Community College” is visible, along with parts of campus buildings.
Front entrance of the Alexander Center at Catawba Valley Community College. The building features a red brick facade with white accents and a triangular roof peak above the doorway. The CVCC logo is displayed prominently near the roofline, and a set of steps leads up to double glass doors under a curved sign reading "Alexander Center."
2000

The addition of the CVCC Alexander Center for Education was approved by the State Board in November 2000, and again we expanded programs and services to better serve our community. We have moved the Alexander Center twice to meet community needs. The most recent move was into a facility purchased by the Alexander County Commissioners. In addition to the 15,000 sq. foot facility on 4.72 acres located at 345 Industrial Boulevard in Taylorsville, the Alexander Commissioners have purchased a second facility adjacent to the original purchase, and in October 2016, we expanded the Alexander Center for Education to include an Alexander Technologies Center, which offers skills programs in furniture and welding.

2018

Catawba Valley Community college celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2018. The faculty and staff have touched the lives of hundreds of thousands and still today, we are about empowering people to achieve their dreams. During this time span, we have had only three presidents; founding president Robert Paap who retired in 1987, Dr. Cuyler A. Dunbar served from 1987 through 2006. The current president is Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw who came on board August 1, 2006. Catawba Valley Community College continues as a publicly supported coeducational institution.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of a new student center. A group of people, including students and officials in formal attire, stand in front of glass double doors under a banner that reads “New Student Center Grand Opening Celebration February 14–18, Ribbon Cutting February 15 at 12:45 p.m.” A man speaks into a microphone while another person holds oversized ceremonial scissors near the ribbon. The atmosphere is celebratory, and the modern building exterior features silver metal columns and large windows.
A wide campus walkway with students walking past is flanked by lampposts displaying banners that read “READY. SET. SOAR!” above the Catawba Valley Community College logo. In the background, there is a low brick academic building with large windows, surrounded by green trees and red benches. The sky is clear and sunny.
Today

Today, the campus now covers approximately 162 acres and includes 16 buildings for an approximate 650,000 sq. feet of floor space. In addition, there is a CVCC Newton Cosmetology Center located in Newton, the CVCC Corporate Development Center located on U.S. Highway 70, and the Catawba Valley Furniture Academy also located on U. S. Highway 70. The college is excited to have a new 80,000 sq. ft. facility at the back of main campus. The CVCC Workforce Solutions Complex is expected to be complete in June of 2018 allowing expanded technology programming.