College of The Albemarle’s Edenton-Chowan Campus, the Chowan County Commissioners, the Edenton Chamber of Commerce and many others were on hand Wednesday, January 18th for a celebration and ribbon cutting.  The Edenton-Chowan Campus was recently consolidated to one location at the former D.F. Walker site located on North Oakum Street.  The campus’ Administration Building was formerly housed at the Food Lion Shopping Center on North Broad Street.  Many areas of the campus were renovated to provide an increase in the number of student classrooms and labs, an enhanced atmosphere for learning, and room for new programs that are on the horizon.

Dr. Kandi W. Deitemeyer, President of College of The Albemarle stated, “Today, we are excited to come together to celebrate the history of this campus, as well as the future opportunities this campus will provide to Chowan County, its residents, and the region.  This campus has strong roots in the community and has a strong history of teaching and learning.  This campus has brought the college robust partnerships with the county commissioners, the chamber of commerce, the Northeastern Workforce Development Board, the Tourism Development Authority, and Destination Downtown.  And we are glad for those partnerships. They strengthen not only the college, but this community as well.”

Others on the program included Dr. W. Roger Lambertson, Chair of the COA Board of Trustees, Mr. Edward Goodwin, Chair of the Chowan County Commissioners, Mr. Morris Small, Chair of the Edenton-Chowan Advisory Committee, Ms. Deborah Lee, President of the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce and Mrs. Lynn Hurdle-Winslow, Dean of the Edenton-Chowan Campus.

Enrollment at the Edenton-Chowan campus has increased over the years as additional programs and classes have been offered from the location.  The additions of the HVAC, Electrical, and Culinary programs, when first moved to the location in 2003, have been key elements to the enrollment growth.  To put it in numbers – in the Fall of 2003, the campus served a total of 569 students which includes Curriculum, Workforce Development and Continuing Education, and Basic Skills and Transitional Studies students.  Today, the campus is serving over 830 students - a 47% increase.

Dr. Deitemeyer closed her comments by stating, “At College of The Albemarle, Opportunity Changes Everything.  This campus consolidation is a tremendous opportunity for us to serve Chowan County and its residents like never before.  One campus location has allowed us to be centered and focused.  It has brought a sense of pride to our students – they are excited about being here and having a great location to learn and grow.  COA has been a part of this community for quite some time now and we look forward to many more years making a difference in this county.  I would again like to thank our Board of Trustees and the Chowan County Commissioners for their passion, dedication, and commitment to this college, this county, and the citizens that we serve.”

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