With college enrollment at an all-time high, the Richmond Community College Board of Trustees placed a high priority Tuesday night on improving scholarship access to eligible students.

There are 100 scholarships offered through the RCC Foundation: the Board’s goal is to award all available scholarships to qualified students.

RCC President Dr. Dale McInnis said the application process has been streamlined to be more convenient and user-friendly. He emphasized that high school students considering RCC will be targeted and encouraged to apply.

The Board approved beginning a two-year, two-phase capital campaign to expand the RCC Forte Building by 10,000 square feet to house an industrial training center and all engineering programs. Trustee Bert Unger said the first-year phase will focus on pursuing federal, corporate, and non-profit funding sources. The second-year phase becomes a local campaign with a goal of raising $500,000. The cost of the expansion project approaches $4.5 million.

The Board reviewed a report on funds from the Carl Perkins Career and Technical Education Act that indicated the college was in full compliance. These funds support vocational and technical programs and services.

Budget requests to commissioners in Richmond and Scotland counties were approved by the Board.

The Board will host a legislative breakfast on Monday at 7:30 a.m. at the Cole Auditorium. The event provides trustees the opportunity to discuss budget concerns at a time when the college is facing its highest enrollment and budget reductions.

Trustee J.C. Lamm was supported by Board members in requesting a letter of commendation be written to Danny Thames, Danny Miller, and Wallace Jones for their work in making RCC such a beautiful campus. Dogwoods, pansies, and Japanese maples are at their peak. The public is invited to walk through the campus and enjoy the gardens.