With the strong support of local industry, as well as the Chamber of Commerce of 100 and the Merchants Association, a $575,000 bond issue was proposed to match federal funds for building new facilities to be used exclusively by CFTI.

In recent years, nearly all of the scandals are associated with Jim Morton, including the issues surrounding his lack of credentials and allegations that he has created a toxic work environment.

[6] Although there was evidence uncovered by the NC State Auditor of Spring engaging in inappropriate behavior, he was successful in a lawsuit against the CFCC Board of Trustees due to their process in asking him to resign, which Spring successfully argued violated his "due process rights".

Jim Morton was given the top job in spite of the fact that he had no higher-education experience prior to his hiring to CFCC in 2015.

[9] After Mr. Morton took control of the college, he has been criticized for ignoring transfer programs in favor of vocational programs,[10] creating a toxic work environment,[9] engaging in retaliation against employees,[9] having an inappropriate relationship with his executive assistant,[9] paying his executive assistant significantly more than average, hiring friends and loyalists,[9] and engaging in gross mismanagement.

In early 2020, the issues at CFCC relating to President Jim Morton were covered by national news outlets.

[11] National Review Reporter, George Leef, argued that Morton's administration of CFCC was an example of an“abuse of power”, and that “...[T]he root of the problem seems to be that the Board of Trustees, rather than exerting independent oversight of the president, is in league with him.

"[11] Investigative Reporter Ann McAdams uncovered a dramatic increase in the fees paid by CFCC to their law firm.

[15] Cape Fear Community College has over 240 programs of study, offering every student an opportunity to seek a credential, degree, certificate, or short-term job training to find a pathway to a career.