Carl J. Stewart, Jr. Honored with Naming of Learning Center
In an afternoon ceremony on Monday, September 22, 2025, Gaston College proudly dedicated the second floor of the Morris Library as the Carl J. Stewart, Jr. Learning Center. This tribute recognizes Stewart’s lifelong commitment and significant contributions to the college and the community.
“For over 60 years, Carl has been a pillar of Gaston College,” said Dr. Hauser, Gaston College President. “His caring spirit, thoughtful decision-making, and unwavering dedication are reflected in the very success of this institution. His influence continues to inspire us today and will guide this College for generations to come.”
Dr. Hauser shared his personal connection to Stewart, recalling their first meeting during his presidential interview. “Carl quickly became one of my greatest advocates, just as he has always been one of Gaston College’s greatest champions,” he said
Although Carl Stewart was unable to attend the ceremony, the event was marked by the presence of several family members, along with current and former trustees of Gaston College and a former president of the college.
A 1954 graduate of Gastonia’s Ashley High School and a three-time class president, Stewart was awarded a scholarship to attend Duke University, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa honors and serving as class president of Duke’s Law School in 1958. After graduating, he served in the North Carolina National Guard before establishing a law practice in Gastonia over 64 years ago. His political career included seven terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where he notably served two terms as Speaker of the House.
Stewart also held roles on the North Carolina Board of Transportation (1981-83), the Economic Development Board (1999-2001), and the North Carolina Board of Technology (1999-2001). From 2004 to 2012, he chaired the North Carolina State Ports Authority Board of Directors.
Shortly after returning to Gastonia, Stewart became a part-time business law instructor at Gaston College before the construction of the Dallas campus and later served as the institution’s attorney. Jesse Caldwell, current chairman of the Gaston College Board of Trustees, reflected on Stewart’s deep-rooted connection to the college, stating, “He knows this college from its roots. Every trustee, administrator, teacher, and student has benefitted in untold and lasting ways from his support of this school.”
During his tenure in North Carolina government, Stewart championed policies to increase funding for the North Carolina Community College System. In 2003, he established the Stewart Family Scholarship through the Gaston College Foundation in honor of his two daughters who both graduated from the Associate Degree Nursing program at Gaston College.
Dr. Patricia Skinner, who served as president of Gaston College from 1994 to 2020, remarked during the ceremony, “He wasn’t just an attorney; he was an advocate for this college. His accomplishments exemplify his love for the institution throughout his entire career.”
Todd Baney, chief of staff at Gaston College, acknowledged Stewart’s instrumental role in the planning and fundraising for 16 buildings at Gaston College, including the Morris Library. “Carl Stewart was a pioneer who helped shape the North Carolina Community College System,” Baney stated. “I cannot think of a more fitting place than the library for Carl’s memory. This will stand as a lifelong tribute of his devotion to this college.”
