HENDERSON COUNTY, NC – Blue Ridge Community College celebrated the grand opening of its new automated greenhouse on April 10, 2025, during a ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Henderson County Campus. The event, titled “Growing Bright Futures: A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony,” brought together local leaders, supporters, faculty, and students to mark the completion of the cutting-edge, 4,320-square-foot facility designed to support agriculture education and workforce development across the region.
Funded by generous support from the Golden LEAF Foundation, The Cannon Charitable Interests, and Henderson County, the $1.79M state-of-the-art greenhouse will serve as a high-tech training ground for horticulture students and local agribusiness professionals, while also offering interdisciplinary learning opportunities for programs like information technology and engineering technology.
“This state-of-the-art facility will provide our students and graduates with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed for successful careers while strengthening our local and regional workforce in an ever-evolving industry,” said Kelly Leonard, vice chairman of the Blue Ridge Community College Board of Trustees, during his introductory remarks.
Leonard acknowledged the contributions of numerous partners, including project architect Clark Nexsen, builder Cooper Construction, manufacturer Stuppy Greenhouse, and members of Blue Ridge’s own facilities, maintenance, and administration teams.
Special guest speakers included Marilyn Chism of the Golden LEAF Foundation, Kara Hemenway King of The Cannon Foundation, Chairman William “Bill” Lapsley of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, and Rachel Meriwether, Horticulture faculty instructor at Blue Ridge. Each spoke about the importance of the facility to the region and its workforce.
Meriwether had the honor of cutting the ribbon to officially open the new facility.
“Blue Ridge’s new automated greenhouse embodies the latest in agricultural technology, using smart systems, environmental controls, and predictive weather technology to create an optimal environment for learning and growth,” said Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, president of Blue Ridge Community College. “But this greenhouse isn’t just about plants - it’s also about people. Just as our students will utilize this greenhouse to nurture plants to their full potential, Blue Ridge Community College is cultivating a workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
Following the ceremony, guests were invited inside the greenhouse for student-led presentations. Horticulture students shared insights into landscape design, nursery production, pest management, and the future of Western North Carolina’s agriculture industry. Meanwhile, Cybersecurity students discussed the critical role of cyber defense in protecting the nation’s food supply, highlighting the interdisciplinary potential of the new facility.
“In Henderson County, Blue Ridge Community College is a vital partner in shaping the future of our residents and our local economy,” said Lapsley. “Here, students gain the education and training that will open doors to opportunity and a better life, while also supplying local employers with the skilled talent they need to thrive.”
Horticulture Technology student Marissa Deem spoke with guests inside the greenhouse following the ceremony. She explained that she currently works at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River and plans to continue this work following her graduation this fall.
"This new greenhouse is important because the one facility allows us to do different practices, namely production and research,” she said. “It's also very similar to the greenhouses used in the industry. It has a lot of advanced technology. If you work here, then you can take that experience elsewhere."
The new greenhouse, located just north of the Spearman Building on Blue Ridge Community College’s Henderson County Campus, stands over 25 feet tall and is designed with advanced features that support both education and innovation. The facility includes motorized shade curtains, automated irrigation and fertigation systems for precise water and nutrient delivery, real-time weather tracking, and integrated data systems. It also offers accessibility features, safety and first aid stations, forklift and utility vehicle access, and a backup power generator. Together, these elements make the greenhouse a premier learning environment for students and a model for modern agricultural education.
For more information about Blue Ridge Community College’s Horticulture and Information Technology programs, visit www.blueridge.edu/horticulture and www.blueridge.edu/it. Admissions for the summer and fall semesters is underway, with more information available at www.blueridge.edu/admissions.
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About Blue Ridge Community College
Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year, post-secondary institution that elevates the educational experience to prepare students for 21st-century success in the workplace or at four-year colleges and universities. Providing real-life, affordable, and accessible education, the College offers more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates; more than 200 online courses; and fast-tracked job training. To learn more about Blue Ridge Community College, visit blueridge.edu.
