In 1964, CCC&TI opened its doors as Caldwell Technical Institute offering classes in 1966 in health occupations and adult basic education at a temporary site located in the Dulatown community. By fall 1967, new facilities opened in Hudson and hosted 260 curriculum students. The college continued to grow and expand, adding college transfer courses to its offerings in 1969, officially becoming "Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute" the following year.
Since the college's humble beginnings, CCC&TI has grown by leaps and bounds, establishing a full-service Watauga Campus in Boone and adding facilities to its Caldwell Campus, including a job training center, increased classroom space and buildings, the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, the John A. Forlines Building, The Broyhill House, the Transportation and Public Services Center, the Kenneth A. Boham Building (Caldwell Early College High School) and the Faye A. Broyhill Building (Appalachian State University Center). The Watauga Campus now features six buildings and one of the Blue Ridge’s most picturesque views.
Today, CCC&TI offers hundreds of day, evening and online programs designed to fit any schedule or lifestyle. Students may choose from more than 75 curriculum programs and a wide variety of Continuing Education and Adult Education programs. The college serves as a state and national model for seamless education thanks to cooperative efforts with the public school systems and local governments in Caldwell and Watauga counties.
The Caldwell Campus houses the innovative Caldwell Early College High School and Caldwell Career Center Middle College, which provide high school students with access to college courses and career training. Thanks to a successful partnership with Watauga County Schools, Watauga High School is now home to the Watauga Innovation Academy as well as CCC&TI courses available to Watauga High School students on their campus.
Celebrating more than 50 years of service, CCC&TI has served more than 200,000 students and awarded approximately 25,000 credentials, degrees, diplomas and certifications. The college continues to make strides as a regional and state educational leader.
Dr. H. Edwin Beam, 1964-1984; Interim 1994-1995
Dr. Eric B. McKeithan, 1984-1994
Dr. Kenneth A. Boham, 1995-2016
Dr. Mark Poarch, 2016-Present
Situated on two campuses, CCC&TI's central location provides something for everyone. Located in Hudson, the Caldwell Campus is accessible to the population centers of Lenoir (5 miles) and Hickory (10 miles).
Tucked away in the northwest mountains, the college's Watauga Campus is home to spectacular views, only minutes away from the state's most challenging ski slopes and the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. The unparalleled beauty of the four seasons in both areas continually lures many regional artists and sports enthusiasts alike. Outdoor lovers will find an abundance of such recreational activities as fishing, boating, camping, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, golf and more.
For cultural enrichment, the college's J.E. Broyhill Civic Center provides a wide variety of first-rate concerts and performances throughout the year.
The mission of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute is to:
CCC&TI is committed to continuously improving both the quality of teaching and learning for our
students and to improving the effectiveness of our services. As an educational community, we
believe that all students, employees and supporting constituencies must have an "expectation of
excellence" and must join together to improve the environment in which they work and learn.
In support of these core values, we believe that:
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC website (www.sacscoc.org).
Normal inquiries about the college, such as admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc. should be addressed directly to Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and not to the Commission's office.
Associate Degrees
Educational Opportunities for All
Cobras