The President's Page

Thank you for choosing Gaston College. This is a great place to continue your education whether you’re new to college, planning to transfer to a four-year college or university, returning to achieve career certification to prepare for the job market, or improving your skills. We hope to remain your “College of Choice.”

As one of the state’s largest community colleges, Gaston College promotes lifelong learning and economic development by providing high quality educational programs and services. Over 90 programs of study are offered to help you obtain a diploma, certificate, or two- year Associate Degree. We offer an exceptional and affordable education that can be tailored to fit your schedule, and you don’t have to travel a long distance to reach one of our three convenient campuses as well as locations throughout Gaston and Lincoln Counties.

Our goal is to provide the best possible educational experience for each of our students.
A dedicated faculty and staff provide personalized instruction and a supportive learning
environment that encourages student success.

I invite you to take advantage of all the opportunities available at Gaston College that
can enrich your life and the lives of others in our community. Explore our catalog, visit
our website, and tour our campuses. Come join us for an exciting learning experience that will change and compliment your future.

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.

During Dr. Skinner's tenur as president of the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents she has focused 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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