Cannon Foundation Awards $100,000 for
‘One Door’ Renovation

Modernizing McGee to ‘OneDoor’

Carteret Community College is proud to announce a generous $100,000 award from the Cannon Foundation in support of the College’s “One Door” renovation project—an essential transformation of the Henry J. McGee Student Services Building.

As the oldest building on campus, the McGee Building has been a vital hub for student services since its last major renovation in 1972. Now, with the “One Door” project, the College is set to modernize this critical space, ensuring a streamlined and welcoming experience for students. The renovation will focus on the west end of the first floor, relocating the main entrance to enhance accessibility and functionality.

“The ‘One Door’ renovation is a transformative step forward for Carteret CC, aligning our facilities with the evolving needs of our students,” said Dr. Tracy Mancini, President at Carteret Community College. “We are grateful to the Cannon Foundation for this investment in improving our front-door experience for all students – new or returning, continuing education or degree-seeking.  The updates will create an open, student-centered environment that streamlines the admissions process and student access to essential support services.”

The McGee Student Services Building houses the College’s busiest departments, where students engage in recruitment, admissions, enrollment, academic advising, tutoring, and counseling. By modernizing this space, Carteret CC aims to provide a more intuitive and accessible layout, ensuring students receive the guidance and resources they need to thrive.

Carteret Community College’s commitment to student success closely aligns with the Cannon Foundation’s mission of supporting capital and equipment projects that enhance educational opportunities across North Carolina. To date, the Cannon Foundation has awarded Carteret CC a total of $417,916, funding significant initiatives such as:

• Support toward the construction of the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center
• Support for the Living Shoreline along the campus perimeter
• Equipment for the Healthcare Simulation Laboratory

These investments have played a pivotal role in enhancing Carteret CC’s campus and strengthening its ability to provide high-quality education and workforce training. The Cannon Foundation’s continued support of the “One Door” project further solidifies the College’s ability to serve students effectively and build pathways to economic mobility for Carteret County residents.

With funding momentum growing, the McGee Building’s “One Door” renovation is well underway and is expected to be completed by August 2026.

About Carteret Community College

Carteret Community College, located in Morehead City, N.C., offers high-quality education and workforce training to support local economic development. The College provides associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs, along with continuing education opportunities tailored to meet the needs of students and businesses.

About The Cannon Foundation

Established in 1943 by Charles A. Cannon, the Cannon Foundation continues its legacy of philanthropy by funding capital and equipment projects for educational institutions across North Carolina. The foundation prioritizes support for private colleges, community colleges in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties, and small public colleges, with a focus on infrastructure and training equipment investments.