Wayne Community College - History

History

Wayne Community College began as the Goldsboro Industrial Education Center (I.E.C.), established on June 15, 1957. The original on-campus building was completed in November 1960, and until Fall 1962 all courses were taught in the evening, and all students were part-time.

In the 1962-63 school year, the first full-time courses were offered leading to diplomas in automotive mechanics, electronics, drafting, and practical nursing. At that time, Goldsboro I.E.C. had 47 students enrolled with eight faculty members. From 1963 through 1965 three extension units of Goldsboro I.E.C. were established in Morehead City, Kenansville, and Clinton; later to become Carteret, James Sprunt, and Sampson Community Colleges.

In January 1964, Goldsboro I.E.C. became Wayne Technical Institute. By Fall 1966, the enrollment had increased to approximately 550 curriculum students and more than 1500 extension students. During the late 1960s, several additional classroom buildings were added to the campus.

In November 1967, a community vote approved the necessary financial support, and Wayne Technical Institute became Wayne Community College. By the Fall of 1968, the enrollment had risen to nearly 700 curriculum students. Since 1968, the enrollment of Wayne Community College has steadily grown each year.

The 1997-1998 college year marked the 40th Anniversary of Wayne Community College, celebrated with the theme “Forty and Proud!” The College’s rapid growth has paralleled that of the North Carolina Community College System, which is one of the largest in the United States.