Elizabeth City, N.C. – The College of The Albemarle (COA) Foundation is pleased to announce a generous metal donation from Nucor Steel’s Hertford County production facility to the college’s Welding Technology program. This year’s donation was valued at $12,859.50. This marks Nucor’s second consecutive year of support, following last year’s donation valued at $10,390.22.

Photo (l-r): Howard Sutton, COA Welding Technology Instructor; Chris Williams, Nucor Maintenance Staff; Jeff Spear, COA Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for Welding Technology; Brock Eure, Nucor Melt Supervisor; Harley Draper, Nucor Accounting Staff; Dr. Jack Bagwell, COA President; Michelle Waters, COA Dean of Business, Industry and Applied Technologies; Valerie Mueller, COA Interim Development Officer/Executive Assistant to the President

The donation will enhance student learning and hands-on training opportunities in COA’s Welding Technology program, equipping students with real-world experience and skills necessary for a successful career in welding.

“The donation from Nucor Steel is an incredible asset to our program and our students,” said Jeff Spear, COA Assistant Professor, Coordinator, and Instructor for Welding. “This partnership allows us to provide top-notch training with the materials students will use in the workforce, ensuring they’re prepared to meet industry standards.”

Brock Eure, a COA alumnus and a representative from Nucor Steel’s Hertford County facility, has been instrumental in securing these donations for the college. “As a former student, it’s rewarding to give back to the program that helped launch my career,” said Eure. “Nucor is committed to fostering education and workforce development in our communities, and we are proud to support COA and its Welding Technology program.”

Dr. Jack Bagwell, President of College of The Albemarle, expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership. “Nucor Steel’s generosity highlights the power of collaboration between industry and education. Their support strengthens our ability to provide high-quality training that meets the needs of our local workforce and prepares students for meaningful careers.”

Michelle Waters, Dean of Workforce Development and Career Readiness at COA, emphasized the importance of these types of contributions. “Donations like this are vital to our programs,” said Waters. “They allow us to stay current with industry standards and ensure our students have the resources they need to excel in their chosen fields.”

The Welding Technology program at COA provides comprehensive training in welding techniques, safety, and fabrication, preparing graduates for a range of employment opportunities in the manufacturing, construction, and industrial sectors.

Nucor Steel, a leading manufacturer of steel and steel products in North America, is committed to supporting education and workforce development. To learn more about Nucor’s initiatives, visit www.nucor.com.

For more information about COA’s Welding Technology Program, visit www.albemarle.edu/welding or contact Jeff Spear, COA Assistant Professor/Program Coordinator, at 252-335-0821, ext. 2335 or [email protected].

For all other COA-related information or media inquiries, contact Tammy W. Sawyer, COA Director of Communications and Marketing, at [email protected] or 252.335.0821 ext. 2420.