AHOSKIE, NC – Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) celebrated the groundbreaking of the Lassiter-Gatling Fine Arts Building on July 8, marking the first new building construction on campus in approximately 36 years and honoring two longtime college leaders whose service helped shape the institution's future. 

 The ceremony brought together college trustees, local elected officials, community leaders, faculty, staff and supporters to commemorate the beginning of construction on the facility, which will provide dedicated space for fine arts instruction and creative expression. 

 R-CCC President Dr. Murray J. Williams said the project represents more than the start of a construction effort. 

 “Today is a profoundly special day for Roanoke-Chowan Community College and for everyone who believes in the power of education to change lives,” Williams said. “As we gather to break ground on the Lassiter-Gatling Fine Arts Building, we are not simply beginning construction. We are honoring a legacy of leadership, service and love for this college that has helped shape the path to this moment.” 

 Williams noted that André M. Lassiter Sr. and Ronald J. Gatling, both former trustees, demonstrated “vision, courage and unwavering dedication” to the college throughout their years of service. 

 The ceremony opened with a welcome from Williams and a prayer of dedication led by Pastor Ray Faircloth Jr. Special remarks were delivered by R-CCC Board of Trustees Chair Jeri Pierce, Lassiter, Gatling and David Griffin, principal with Oakley Collier Architects. The program concluded with remarks from Board of Trustees Vice Chair Dr. Otis Smallwood. 

 Pierce said the new building reflects years of planning and a shared commitment to supporting arts education. 

 “The arts deserve a meaningful home in the life of this college and in the life of this region,” Pierce said. “This building will become more than just walls and a roof. It will become a place where creativity is welcomed, where expression is celebrated and where young people can discover gifts they may not know yet that they have.” 

 During his remarks, Lassiter, who was honored with trustee emeritus status earlier this year, reflected on his family's connection to the college. He credited his grandfather, George Hall, with helping establish educational opportunities in the region and shared how R-CCC impacted multiple generations of his family. 

 
“My prayer is that this building would be more than brick, mortar and windows,” Lassiter said. “I pray it becomes a place where dreams are born, talents are discovered and lives are transformed.” 

 Gatling, who served the college for more than 20 years as a trustee and also holds trustee emeritus status, said the significance of the building extends beyond its name. 

 “This building will bear my name, but it's not really about my name,” Gatling said. “It's about the names of the students who will enter these doors for years to come. They will come here to begin a future, gain knowledge, discover opportunities and, in many cases, receive a second chance.” 

 Griffin provided an overview of the project, describing the facility as a 6,800-square-foot educational building designed with flexible learning spaces, large labs and energy-efficient features to support the evolving needs of students and academic programs. He noted that planning for the project began in 2017. 

 Following the remarks, Pierce presented commemorative plaques to Lassiter and Gatling recognizing their contributions and the historic significance of the groundbreaking ceremony. 

 In closing, Smallwood emphasized the lasting impact the building will have on future generations of students and the surrounding region. 

 “Today we celebrate more than the construction of a building. We celebrate the future,” Smallwood said. “While we are breaking ground today, we are also breaking barriers, expanding possibilities and building a legacy that will inspire generations to come.” 

 The Lassiter-Gatling Fine Arts Building is expected to serve as a hub for creativity, learning and cultural enrichment for students and the communities of northeastern North Carolina.