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William A. Martin served as the first president of the Lee County Industrial Education Center, the institution that grew into Central Carolina Community College. During his tenure, July 1961 to August 1969, Martin set the standard for educational leadership and service to the community that is still a hallmark of the college today. CCCC is celebrating its 50th anniversary during 2011-12.

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Avron Upchurch went to work for the Lee County Industrial Education Center in February 1962 as coordinator of the Agricultural Technology program. He worked closely with then-President William Martin until Martin's resignation in 1969 to pursue a doctorate. Upchurch worked as LCIEC assistant director, then left to serve as Lee County Schools assistant superintendent from 1965-68. He returned to the center, which was then called Central Carolina Technical Institute, as director of Occupational Education, and went on to become dean of Instruction. The institution became Central Carolina Community College in 1988 and Upchurch retired as executive vice president and chief academic officer in 1994. He still resides in Sanford.

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Hubert Garner was hired by Lee County Industrial Education Center in 1964 to teach the Agriculture Technology program and later became director of Student Services. Garner went on to serve as dean of Student Development Services from 1971 until his retirement in 1991 from the school, which had become Central Carolina Community College. Garner still resides in Sanford.

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Elbert Price, now deceased, was hired in July 1964 as an agriculture teacher, and became the institution's business manager, then dean of Administrative Services, serving until his retirement in 1990.

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Shepherd Rice, now deceased, was coordinator of Diversified Occupations at Sanford Central High School when he became involved in working to establish the LCIEC. He was hired as the institution's first employee, serving as counselor coordinator starting July 1, 1961, the same date Director (later President) William Martin began his duties. Rice went on to become the institution's director of Vocational Education.

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The first building of the Lee County Industrial Education Center was erected in 1961 and opened for classes in 1962. The dedicatory plaque still hangs in the building, now called Douglas H. Wilkinson Sr. Hall in honor of an early trustee.

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The first building of the Lee County Industrial Education Center opened for classes in 1962. The building has been expanded and still serves as a classroom/shop facility for the institution, now known as Central Carolina Community College. The building has been named Douglas H. Wilkinson Sr. Hall in honor of an early trustee.

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Automotive engine repair was one of the first programs taught at the Lee County Industrial Education Center. The program continues today at Central Carolina Community College, with students now trained on computers as well as hands-on under the hood.

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The Adult Education Center of Central Carolina Technical Institute (now Central Carolina Community College) opened in 1966 to provide literacy and vocational training for Lee County residents. The building was the former County Home for indigents. The building was torn down to make room for the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center, which opened in 1991 as part of the college.