Kinston, North Carolina, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Lenoir Community College (LCC) and East Carolina University (ECU) have signed a bilateral transfer agreement aimed at enhancing student success and workforce development in eastern North Carolina. This partnership provides guaranteed pathways for LCC students in various Associate in Applied Science degrees to transfer into ECU’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology program, ensuring they can seamlessly continue their education and career goals. Additionally, LCC plans to construct a new $25 million aviation center to further enrich educational opportunities for its students.
Kinston, North Carolina – Lenoir Community College (LCC) and East Carolina University (ECU) have signed a new bilateral transfer agreement aimed at enhancing student success and workforce development in eastern North Carolina. The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, September 24, at ECU’s Science and Technology Building.
This partnership guarantees that students completing LCC’s Associate in Applied Science degrees in various fields will have a pathway to ECU’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) program. Eligible degrees for guaranteed admission include:
- Automotive Systems Technology
- Aviation Management
- Business Administration
- Career Pilot Manned
- Industrial Systems Technology
- Information Technology/Networking
- Manned Pilot
- Pilot Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- Welding Technology
In order to qualify for transfer, students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0. Those who are eligible can transfer 53-56 credit hours towards their four-year degree at ECU. The BSIT program is recognized nationally and prepares students for careers across multiple fields, offering seven concentrations:
- Architecture design technology
- Bioprocess manufacturing
- Distribution and logistics
- Industrial management
- Industrial engineering technology
- Information and cybersecurity technology
- Mechanical design technology
Interestingly, five concentrations of the BSIT program can be completed fully online, providing added flexibility for students balancing work and education commitments.
ECU’s Associate Provost of Learner Operations highlighted the significance of this agreement in reducing barriers for students. The President of LCC noted that the partnership demonstrates a commitment to both students and the local industry needs. Furthermore, the collaboration will involve joint projects at ECU and LCC’s Senator Jim Perry Aviation Center for Excellence, exemplifying a shared mission to expand educational access and strengthen the skilled worker pipeline vital for the region’s economic growth.
In addition to this agreement, LCC is set to break ground on a new $25 million aviation center located at Kinston’s North Carolina Global Transpark. This center will support careers in aviation, aircraft maintenance, and advanced manufacturing, featuring facilities for both traditional degree programs and vocational training. An aviation academy established in the new center will provide high school students opportunities to earn credentials.
The aviation center is designed to include 11 functional labs and 8 classrooms, with an expected completion date of winter 2026. The initiative is aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills to succeed in the aviation and manufacturing industries.
In a personal testament to the impact of educational opportunities in the community, Zacchaeus Jones, a senior at Lenoir County Early College High School, has already secured multiple scholarships and plans to return to his community as an educator following his time at ECU. The James and Connie Maynard Scholarship offers up to $40,000 for students committing to teach in Eastern North Carolina, and Jones has demonstrated a strong commitment to both community service and leadership throughout his education.
LCC continues to leverage partnerships like these to train the workforce of tomorrow and further strengthen economic ties within the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new bilateral transfer agreement between Lenoir Community College and East Carolina University about?
What degrees from LCC guarantee admission into ECU’s BSIT program?
What GPA must students maintain to qualify for transfer?
What are the concentrations offered in ECU’s BSIT program?
What facilities will the new aviation center include?
What is the expected completion date of the aviation center?
Key Features of the LCC and ECU Agreement
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Signing Date | September 24 |
| Partner Institutions | Lenoir Community College and East Carolina University |
| Guaranteed Degree Pathways | Automotive Systems Technology, Aviation Management, Business Administration, Career Pilot Manned, Industrial Systems Technology, Information Technology/Networking, Manned Pilot, Pilot Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Welding Technology |
| Required GPA for Transfer | 2.0 |
| Credit Hours Transferable | 53-56 credit hours |
| Online Concentrations | Five concentrations |
| Aviation Center Investment | $25 million |
| Aviation Center Completion Date | Winter 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Neuse News: Transfer Agreement Between LCC and ECU
- Wikipedia: Community College
- WCTI12: Lenoir Community College Breaks Ground on Aviation Center
- Google Search: Lenoir Community College aviation center
- Neuse News: Lenoir County Early College Senior Awards
- Google Scholar: Lenoir Community College
- Business NC: Global TransPark Economic Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation Education
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