In an afternoon ceremony on Monday, September 22, 2025, 91ΧΤΕΔ proudly dedicated the second floor of the Morris 91ΧΤΕΔ as the Carl J. Stewart, Jr. Learning Center. This tribute recognizes Stewart’s lifelong commitment and significant contributions to the college and the community.

β€œFor over 60 years, Carl has been a pillar of 91ΧΤΕΔ,” said Dr. Hauser, 91ΧΤΕΔ President. β€œHis 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. β€œCarl quickly became one of my greatest advocates, just as he has always been one of 91ΧΤΕΔ’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 91ΧΤΕΔ and a former president of the college.

A 1954 graduate of 91ΧΤΕΔia’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 91ΧΤΕΔia 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 91ΧΤΕΔia, Stewart became a part-time business law instructor at 91ΧΤΕΔ before the construction of the Dallas campus and later served as the institution’s attorney. Jesse Caldwell, current chairman of the 91ΧΤΕΔ 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 91ΧΤΕΔ Foundation in honor of his two daughters who both graduated from the Associate Degree Nursing program at 91ΧΤΕΔ.

Dr. Patricia Skinner, who served as president of 91ΧΤΕΔ 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 91ΧΤΕΔ, acknowledged Stewart’s instrumental role in the planning and fundraising for 16 buildings at 91ΧΤΕΔ, including the Morris 91ΧΤΕΔ. “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.”

91ΧΤΕΔ has recorded its highest enrollment numbers in history as the 2025 fall semester begins. As of Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2025, total curriculum enrollment, which includes students seeking a degree, diploma, or certificate, stands at 6,925, reflecting a rise of 669 students from the previous year. This marks the fourth consecutive year of enrollment growth at the college, with an impressive increase of 32% since fall 2021.

β€œReaching this level of enrollment is an exciting moment for 91ΧΤΕΔ. It shows that more and more people are recognizing the value of the programs, partnerships, and opportunities we offer,” said John Hauser, President of 91ΧΤΕΔ. β€œWe’re building momentum that not only strengthens our college, but also the entire community we serve. This year’s growth is a big step forward, and it’s a testament to the work our faculty and staff are doing to reach, recruit, and retain more students every semester. We can’t wait to see the impact these students will have in the years ahead.”

In the 2024–25 academic year, 91ΧΤΕΔ awarded 867 associate degrees, 179 diplomas, and 1,176 certificates. The current cohort includes students from various programs, including university transfer/general studies and several career and technical pathways, such as business, industrial trades, healthcare, and public safety.

With enrollment continuing to grow, 91ΧΤΕΔ is expanding opportunities for students and enhancing its role in the region’s economic and workforce development. During the 2023–24 academic year, 91ΧΤΕΔ students received over $10 million in institutional, federal, state, and scholarship aid, benefiting 61% of its student population. This support highlights the college’s mission to make education attainable.

91ΧΤΕΔ has announced its Student Government Association (SGA) officers for the 2025-26 academic year. Bannock Scott will take the helm as president, with Alexis Odell stepping in as vice president. Micajah Hanna will serve as the parliamentarian, while Amara Bailey, Lizette Reyes-Lopez, Helanea Killian, and Amina Elliott will join as senators.

β€œThe SGA serves as the β€˜Voice of the Student’ at 91ΧΤΕΔ and acts as a liaison between the student body and college administration,” said Meagan Lingerfelt, 91ΧΤΕΔ’s Coordinator of Student Life & Special Projects. β€œA great example of this liaison is that the SGA president sits on the 91ΧΤΕΔ Board of Trustees as a non-voting member and represents the student body to the board.”

Scott, who served as vice president last year, is eager to support and advocate for students, aiming to “make sure that the best group of people are represented in the best way” through the SGA’s efforts this academic year.

Students interested in joining the SGA next year are encouraged to contact SGA Advisors Meagan Lingerfelt or Kendrick McDowell for more details.

Field’s extensive background encompasses a decade of service in Long Island, N.Y., followed by another ten years with the Pine Island/Matlacha Fire and Golden Gate Fire Department in Florida. This wealth of experience now benefits the eager students at the Lincoln County School of Technology.

Field’s enthusiasm for teaching is evident as he discusses the program’s return in the fall of 2024. “It’s more satisfying than you can imagine,” he says. “The Lincolnton Fire Department and the Lincoln County Fire Chief’s Association have been amazing. They’ve had trucks come in to show students all sorts of things. A lot of those firefighters are products of my classes at 91ΧΤΕΔ, which makes it really gratifying to see them in the field and giving back to the students.”

The inaugural class of 2024 began with 12 students. Notably, nine of these students are already volunteer firefighters in Lincoln County, utilizing the program to enhance their skills and knowledge. Field, who moved from part-time to full-time teaching at 91ΧΤΕΔ in June 2024, is positive about the program’s future. “It’ll absolutely grow,” he predicts confidently. “I anticipate there being a waiting list the next time we offer the class.”

The comprehensive curriculum addresses essential aspects of firefighting, including personal protective equipment, forcible entry, ladders and ventilation, rescue, extrication, hazardous material safety, and emergency medical care. “There’s a lot that goes into it other than just working for the fire department,” Field explains.

Local fire departments have supported the program, recognizing its role in preparing their future workforce. The path to becoming a certified firefighter involves completing 16 modules, totaling around 440 hours of training. High school juniors and seniors in Lincoln County can participate in courses while attending school, with a mandatory 40-hour Firefighter Ops 9 course at 91ΧΤΕΔ.

Field outlines the certification process: “You need a high school diploma and to complete your OPS 9 to become a certified firefighter. There are tests for every class. In order to pass the written test, you also have to pass some physical skills. As soon as you’ve done those successfully, you do your state test.”

This is just one of several partnerships between 91ΧΤΕΔ and Lincoln County Schools that is helping to prepare students with essential skills to enter the workforce upon graduation.

The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) has announced the new , which could cover the full cost of tuition and fees for students at 91ΧΤΕΔ or any of the other state’s community colleges. The scholarship is available to students who enroll for the 2024-2025 academic year, and is awarded to those who qualify after completing the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Eligible community college students will receive at least $3,000 per year. Students who plan to attend 91ΧΤΕΔ are encouraged to complete the by August 15, 2024, in order to receive all of the Next NC Scholarship funds for which they are eligible. The application for the 2024-2025 year is now open.

To receive the Next NC Scholarship, you must be:

• A North Carolina resident who is eligible for in-state tuition
• A high school graduate (high school equivalency completers are eligible)
• From a household with an annual Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less
• Enrolled in an eligible undergraduate curriculum program for the 2024-2025 academic year
• Taking at least 6 credit hours per semester (part-time students will receive a partial award)
• Meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards of the school you plan to attend
• A student who has completed the 2024-2025 FAFSA, with a resulting Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 7,500 (once complete, the financial aid office at the college/university you plan to attend will determine and confirm eligibility.)

Find more info about the scholarship and eligibility at .