College Honors Former President with Building Naming

Morganton, NC – Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) Trustees recently passed a resolution to rename the “Health Science Building” to “Jim W. Burnett Hall” in recognition of the former president’s quality leadership and 41 years of service to the College.

“Dr. Burnett led Western Piedmont in an exemplary manner, providing unselfish service and exhibiting an outstanding commitment to students,” said Ronald F. Martin, WPCC Trustee chair.

Dr. Burnett served as the College president from 2006 through July 2014. During his tenure, Dr. Burnett led efforts to increase enrollment, start Burke Middle College and expand Western Piedmont Foundation holdings by 215%.

At the time of his retirement, Dr. Burnett established the Jim W. Burnett Scholarship to provide professional development opportunities that cannot otherwise be funded through county, state and federal funds. The scholarship funds may be used to pay for conference registration, program or project costs, or to purchase equipment and supplies. All full-time faculty and staff employed by the College are eligible to apply. To donate to this new scholarship, contact Jessica Epley at (828) 448-3122 or jepley@wpcc.edu. Donors are also welcome to make a gift online.

The official renaming of the Health Science building to Jim W. Burnett Hall will occur in a public ceremony in Spring 2015.

Western Piedmont Community College is situated in the picturesque rolling foothills of Morganton, North Carolina, and has served the citizens of Burke County since 1964.  Each year, more than 10,700 students pursue personal enrichment, new skills for a job or career, high school diplomas, college degrees, and transfer pathways. The application due date for new students for Spring Semester 2015 is Tuesday, Dec. 9.  Apply online or visit the Western Piedmont campus to apply in person.