By Kaylie Simmons
SCC
Southeastern Community College is proud to announce a significant multi-year commitment from Black’s Tire Service, Inc., a longtime local business and trusted community partner. This generous multi-year pledge will support the college’s mission, students, and programs through the Southeastern Community College Foundation, with funds designated to be used where the need is greatest.
This pledge represents a significant private investment in the college. In recognition of this investment, Black’s Tire Service will receive naming rights to the front entrance area of the Automotive Technology Building, along with prominent logo placement inside the facility.
“This commitment is about more than a building or a name,” said Joe Hooks, Chair of the Southeastern Community College 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.”
Dr. Chris English, President of Southeastern Community College, added, “Black’s Tire Service has stepped forward in a powerful way, and we are deeply grateful for their leadership and partnership.”
The gift comes at a pivotal moment for SCC as construction is underway on a new $22 million, 21,000-square-foot Transportation Technology/STEM Building, designed to house Automotive Systems Technology, Diesel Training, and Truck Driver Training programs.
The state-of-the-art facility will feature modern classrooms, expansive climate-controlled lab space, a Commercial Driving License (CDL) lab, automotive and diesel training areas, a Dyno lab, and space to support emerging technologies, including electric vehicle diagnostics. Modeled after today’s high-tech, advanced automotive service facilities, the building is designed to create an immersive, real-world learning environment that mirrors today’s industry standards and supports long-term program growth.
“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 Southeastern Community College Foundation. “Black’s Tire Service’s generosity will have a lasting impact for our students and our community.”
The investment further strengthens SCC’s Automotive and Diesel Technology programs while reinforcing the College’s focus on workforce development and economic mobility. As part of the partnership, Black’s Tire Service will utilize SCC’s automotive and diesel programs for technical education and training for current employees and new hires, supporting both entry-level preparation and upskill opportunities.
In addition, the partnership includes a collaborative marketing relationship that extends SCC’s reach beyond campus. Southeastern Community College’s logo and marketing materials will be featured in Black’s Tire Service promotional efforts, including NASCAR races, education and training initiatives, and recruiting events. Likewise, the college will promote Black’s Tire Service through marketing and promotional materials connected to SCC’s automotive programs, further strengthening the connection between education and industry.
“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. “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.
“Southeastern Community College is right here in our backyard, and we’re excited to be part of this special moment in SCC’s history. This new automotive and diesel technology center represents a state-of-the-art training environment that mirrors today’s industry. We’re proud to partner with SCC and are committed to growing together and investing in students and workforce education for many years to come.”
In addition to its retail operations, Black’s Tire Service also operates Black’s Tire Service Tire and Wheel Distributor, which serves automotive dealerships and independent tire sellers across the Carolinas, Virginia, and Tennessee. Together, Black’s Tire Service and Southeastern Community College are leveraging their regional reach and shared commitment to the trades to support workforce education and career pathways that extend well beyond the local community.
Through this historic commitment, Black’s Tire Service is helping ensure Southeastern Community College can continue opening doors for students, meeting workforce demands, and strengthening the local economy for generations to come.
For more information about the SCC Foundation or ways to support Southeastern Community College, visit sccnc.edu.
