Southeastern Community College has announced a major multi-year partnership with Black’s Tire Service, Inc., marking one of the most significant private investments in the college’s history.
The pledge, made through the Southeastern Community College Foundation, will support SCC’s mission and programs with funding directed to areas of greatest need. In recognition of the commitment, Black’s Tire Service will receive naming rights to the front entrance of the Automotive Technology Building and prominent logo placement inside the facility.
“This commitment is about more than a building or a name,” said Joe Hooks, Chair of the SCC Board of Trustees. “It reflects a shared belief in our students, confidence in workforce education, and a long-term commitment to the future of our community.”
SCC President Dr. Chris English called the partnership a powerful step forward. “Black’s Tire Service has stepped forward in a powerful way, and we are deeply grateful for their leadership and partnership,” he said.
The announcement comes as SCC continues construction on a new $22 million, 21,000-square-foot Transportation Technology/STEM Building. The facility will house programs in Automotive Systems Technology, Diesel Training, and Truck Driver Training, and will feature climate-controlled labs, a CDL training area, a Dyno lab, and space for emerging technologies like electric vehicle diagnostics.
“This pledge provides long-term stability that helps ensure SCC can continue responding to student and workforce needs year after year,” said Terrie Priest, Executive Director of the SCC Foundation. “Black’s Tire Service’s generosity will have a lasting impact for our students and our community.”
The partnership also includes a workforce training component, with Black’s Tire Service using SCC’s automotive and diesel programs to train current employees and new hires. The collaboration supports both entry-level preparation and upskilling opportunities.
In addition, SCC and Black’s Tire Service will launch a joint marketing effort. SCC’s logo and materials will appear in Black’s Tire promotions, including NASCAR events, training initiatives, and recruiting campaigns. SCC will also highlight Black’s Tire Service in its own automotive program marketing.
“At Black’s Tire, we’re a family business, and we believe much of our future will continue to be built by people who work with their hands, their heads, and their hearts,” said Rick Benton II, Owner of Black’s Tire Service. “We are deeply committed to the trades—especially automotive and diesel technology—because that’s where real opportunity, mobility, and long-term careers are created.”
Black’s Tire Service operates retail locations and a regional distribution network serving dealerships and independent sellers across the Carolinas, Virginia, and Tennessee. The company’s partnership with SCC aims to strengthen workforce education and expand career pathways across the region.
For more information about the SCC Foundation or ways to support Southeastern Community College, visit sccnc.edu.
Proposed new $22 million, 21,000-square-foot Transportation Technology/STEM Building
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