CVCC Receives Gift from The Dale Earnhardt Foundation to Name Regional Innovation Complex in Honor of NASCAR Legend
The Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) Foundation, Inc., Board and staff, along with the CVCC Trustees and President, are proud to announce a generous gift from The Dale Earnhardt Foundation in support of the CVCC Regional Workforce Innovation Complex.
04/02/2025
HICKORY, N.C.—The Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) Foundation, Inc., Board and staff, along with the CVCC Trustees and President, are proud to announce a generous gift from The Dale Earnhardt Foundation in support of the CVCC Regional Workforce Innovation Complex, currently under construction at the Hickory Regional Airport. In recognition of this transformational gift, the facility will be officially named The Dale Earnhardt Regional Innovation Complex, honoring the legacy of the iconic NASCAR champion.
The Dale Earnhardt Foundation’s mission is to continue Dale’s legacy through charitable programs and grants that reflect his lifelong commitment to children, education, and environmental preservation.
“As a lasting tribute to Dale Earnhardt’s inspirational life and love of the outdoors, The Dale Earnhardt Foundation and I are proud to support the new CVCC Regional Innovation Complex,” said Teresa Earnhardt, Executive Director of the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. “This facility will provide students access to educational resources in aviation, marine technology, and other key fields. We’re excited to witness the positive impact it will have on the next generation of professionals.”
Slated to open in mid-2025, the state-of-the-art facility features over 98,000 square feet and offers an inspiring view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The center is designed to deliver advanced workforce training, incorporating simulation technology and cutting-edge educational tools. Programs will include Aviation Maintenance and Testing and Marine Technology, among others that align with emerging regional industry needs.
CVCC and the City of Hickory partnered together to create a cutting-edge educational campus that’s truly one of a kind. This unique facility brings together the Hickory Aviation Museum and CVCC’s Innovation Complex, offering a powerful blend of aviation history and forward-thinking technical education.
“Creating this campus in partnership with the City of Hickory supports our region’s heritage while building its future,” said CVCC President Dr. Garrett Hinshaw. “We are honored and grateful for the Dale Earnhardt Foundation’s support. This gift not only honors Dale Earnhardt’s enduring legacy but also inspires innovation, educational excellence, and workforce development for generations to come.”
The Dale Earnhardt Regional Innovation Complex marks a bold new chapter in regional workforce development. The Hickory Aviation Museum, co-located within the complex, will continue its mission to preserve military aviation history and honor our nation’s veterans, serving as a living classroom for future aviators and engineers. Designed for flexibility and collaboration, the complex will foster industry partnerships, offer differentiated programming, and deliver tailored workforce solutions to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
“The CVCC Foundation is incredibly grateful to The Dale Earnhardt Foundation for their investment in our region’s future,” said Jennifer Jones, Executive Director of the CVCC Foundation, Inc. “Their support not only enriches the student experience but also strengthens the talent pipeline essential to economic progress in our community.”
By blending legacy, innovation, and education, this facility will serve as a dynamic engine for economic growth and opportunity in the Greater Hickory Metro and beyond. For more information about the Dale Earnhardt Regional Innovation Complex and how you can support CVCC’s workforce initiatives through the CVCC Foundation, please contact Jennifer Jones at 828-327-7000, ext. 4282.
Catawba Valley Community College empowers students to transform our region and our state by providing exceptional learning experiences, premier workforce development, and personal enrichment opportunities. Learn how you can SOAR at cvcc.edu.
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