In 1964, construction began on the Vocational Building with much of the work being done by students in the building trades classes. On December 1, 1964, the Jackson County Industrial Education Center opened with 133 students enrolled in short-term courses and an additional 60 enrolled in full-day courses

Additional buildings were added and in 1967, the status of the Industrial Education Center was changed to that of a Technical Institute, independent of Asheville/Buncombe Technical Institute. In 1970, after an extensive self-study effort, the college received a five year accreditation by the Southern Associations of Schools and Colleges. The ten year accreditation came in 1976 and again in 1986 as well as additional expansion of the campus. The 24,000 plus volume Learning Resources Center was added in 1982.

The largest construction project in the history of the college began in 1985 with ground breaking ceremonies for the WNC Regional Allied Health and Geriatric Training Center. Completed in 1988, the project included the three floor, 74,000 square foot facility, three-tiered parking lot, and furnishings and equipment for the center.

Of course all this physical growth was precipitated by increases in enrollment and expansion of program and course offerings over the years. In the first year of operation, the college was approved to offer only four curriculum courses: automotive mechanics, carpentry and cabinetmaking, block and brick masonry, and radio, television and small appliance servicing. Today, Southwestern Community College employs 50 full-time and 300 part-time instructors to provide instruction in 45 curriculums on campus in Sylva, and at the College's Macon County, Swain County, and Cherokee Centers.

Southwestern Community College is only as strong as its employees and those who give it direction and support. The college is blessed with well educated and dedicated faculty, staff, administration, and Board of Trustees. In addition, the college receives strong support from area county commissioners and our legislative delegation. It is through the efforts of these people that Southwestern has grown from a vocational education center to an accredited two year college offering easily accessible, inexpensive, quality education for the citizens it serves.