PEMBROKE — After 32 years in education, including the past 16 years leading the Robeson County Career Center, Principal Mark Smith has witnessed firsthand the difference career and technical education can make in the lives of students.
Now, as principal of the new Robeson Career and Technical Education Center, Smith is helping lead a new chapter of career preparation and hands-on learning for students across Robeson County.
“I have always believed that career and technical education classes provide students the opportunity to put theory into practice in a tangible way,” Smith said. “Students can learn skills that will allow them to chase the American dream without having to incur the debt that a college education can cause.”
For Smith, the value of that learning can be seen in the moments when students overcome challenges and recognize what they are capable of accomplishing.
“Seeing the excitement in their eyes when they ‘get it,’” Smith said. “When a tough concept and/or skill is finally mastered, the pride they exhibit is amazing.”
Beyond helping students develop technical knowledge and career skills, Smith wants students to know their personal growth and success matters to Robeson CTEC educators and staff.
“I hope students realize that their development into successful men and women is paramount to me,” Smith said. “I hope they are able to see a caring adult, in me, on that campus daily.”
Smith believes the opportunities available at Robeson CTEC can help students prepare for careers both close to home and far beyond the county's borders.
“The opportunity that exists at CTEC opens up a world of possibilities to our students,” Smith said. “They will be able to engage professionally, not just in the local economy, but in the global economy as well.”
As students and staff begin the 2026-2027 school year in the new center, Smith is challenging the Robeson CTEC community to embrace a simple theme: “Be Better.”
“Our theme for the year is ‘Be Better,’” Smith said. “I am challenging our staff and I hope they challenge their students to ‘Be Better’ in every academic endeavor during the 2026-2027 school year.”