Catawba College Will Manage State Education Program
The North Carolina Environmental Education Certification Program will move to the Salisbury college on October 1.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Administration
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Beginning October 1, 2026, Catawba College will assume administration of the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification Program. The transition follows the removal of state funding for the program in July 2026.
Why it matters
The shift ensures the continuation of a long-standing initiative that provides specialized training for educators across the state. This move to the college's Center for the Environment maintains existing resources and staff roles following the state budget decision.
The program has operated for 30 years and certified over 1,600 educators. The transition includes moving the program's official listserv, calendar, and staff to the college's Center for the Environment.
The players
Catawba College
This private liberal arts institution located in Salisbury will serve as the new home for the environmental education initiative.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
This state government agency previously funded and hosted the environmental education program until budget cuts took effect.
The details
The program will operate out of Catawba College's Center for the Environment in Salisbury. All existing program materials and administrative functions previously housed under the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality will be transferred to ensure a seamless experience for participants.
Timeline
The program began operations in the early 1990s.
State funding for the program was removed in July 2026.
Catawba College will take over administration on October 1, 2026.
Culture Shift
This transition reflects a broader shift toward privatizing or outsourcing state-run professional development programs in response to changing fiscal policies. The move follows the priorities set forth in the North Carolina state budget, marking a departure from traditional government oversight.
Educators seeking certification will now interact with Catawba College instead of state government offices for program materials and calendar updates. Participants can expect a consistent curriculum and staff support despite the change in administrative host.
The takeaway
The transfer demonstrates how academic institutions can step in to preserve essential public services when government funding is redirected. Educators should check the updated program calendar for any changes to scheduled events following the official transition.
Further reading
For more on how state-level programs operate, visit Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Salisbury Post.
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