The President's Page

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to Gaston College. Your decision to attend Gaston College is an important one, and our dedicated faculty and staff are eager to assist you in reaching your educational and personal goals.

It is an exciting time to be attending Gaston College. As you look around campus you will see that we are growing. Ever aware of the commitment to our students and the need to keep pace with the world of technology, we are building new buildings and remodeling current facilities. The growing need to bring in new industries and jobs to our community necessitates that we keep pace so that you the student will be prepared to meet the needs of these new employers. I encourage you to make the most of your college experience and extend to you my best wishes for your continued success.

Thank you for making Gaston College your college of choice.

Sincerely,

Patricia A. Skinner, Ph.D.
President

Visionary

It's been 40 years since the first Gaston College classes were offered in the basement of First Methodist Church in Gastonia. The college has grown to cover three campuses and serve over 20,000 students each year. Credit for this remarkable growth goes to wonderful faculty and staff, supportive board members and generous donors.

During the past ten years under the great leadership of Dr. Skinner, enrollment has increased over 23%. Three new buildings were built during the last decade to accommodate this growth, including the Morris Library, the first in the state to be designed for Internet access; the Pearson Life Skills Center, which awards more General Education Diplomas (GEDs) than the three largest high schools in Gaston County combined; and The Rauch Science and Fine Arts Building featuring science labs, classrooms, and a center art gallery.

Dr. Pat Skinner currently serves as president of the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents.  During her tenure, Dr. Skinner plans to focus on several areas including working with the NCCCS State Board and the State Trustees Association, orienting new presidents, and championing legislative and funding priorities as determined by these groups.

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