Colleagues, friends, students and former students gathered to send long-time instructor
Paul Steel into retirement on June 25, 2026, at Little Hall on the Pinehurst campus
of Sandhills Community College. Steel was in the first graduating class of the Computer
Engineering Program at the college, created in 1986, that is now a robust program
full of students 40 years later. In addition, he is the only remaining faculty member
who worked under all three SCC presidents.
“For decades, Paul has been a fixture at Sandhills, inspiring students through his
expertise, dynamic teaching, and genuine passion for learning,” said Ed Spitler, Dean,
Workforce and Applied Programs and Distinguished Professor, Engineering and Construction
Technologies. “As a teacher, mentor, leader, and colleague, he has left a lasting
mark on our programs and on everyone fortunate enough to work and learn alongside
him. His legacy will endure through the countless students he inspired, educated,
and prepared for successful careers, whose contributions will continue to strengthen
our community and beyond for generations to come.”
Today there are four Associate in Applied Science Computer Engineering pathways including:
Hardware and Software Support, Medical Equipment Support, Networking, and Cybersecurity.
Steel’s family moved from England to North Carolina in December 1981. His father
had been called to be pastor at Putnam Friends Church, a church in the northern end
of Moore County, where he met his wife of 37 years. In January 1982 he was placed
in the 11th grade at North Moore High School, since he was only 17 years of age.
He completed the prescribed 11th grade classes including American History and then
took 12th grade English in summer school so he could graduate early.
He enrolled at SCC while still age 17. After earning two associate degrees from Sandhills
Community College in 1984 and 1986, he went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in
Computer Science while studying at Fayetteville State University and Franklin University.
He also maintained Cisco certifications throughout his career. He taught at SCC from
1999 to 2026 and was the Department Chair of Computer Technologies from 2006-2016.
Prior to teaching he worked for Internet of the Sandhills, Daniel Adams Construction,
Southern Software, Inc., Wheeler and Associates. He was promoted to Full Professor
in July 2011 and was awarded a sabbatical in the 2017-2018 academic year. He was presented
with the Advisor of the Year award in 2018, an honor that he proudly shares with some
very distinguished company. He is a past member of the American Society for Engineering
Educators (ASEE) and attended a national conference and other regional meetings.
Steel has served on various committees at the college and has served as the primary
faculty advisor for the Computer Technology Club since its inception in 2007. He also
served on the CTE Advisory Committee for Moore County Schools for six years and developed
various Associate in Applied Science degrees, including one focused on the maintenance
and repair of medical equipment in response to a need from FirstHealth.
Community involvement has been a priority for Steel where he has served as an elder
in his church (Putnam Friends Church) and has sung in small group for 39 years and
participate in a local nursing home singing and visitation ministry; served on the
Board of Directors for the Highfalls Fire & Rescue Department since 2019; provided
computer technology support for the department and has participated in many fund-raising
activities for the department for the last 14 years; was instrumental in providing
technical support with students for Habitat for Humanity by refurbishing computers
and harvesting recyclable materials from electronic component to support the Habitat
ReStore; and has been associated with the Chamber of Commerce in a support role for
technical services for the last 37 years as well as a longtime member. In addition,
he has given presentations to many local groups including various local computer clubs,
while also promoting the programs and offerings of the college.
“We will always be grateful for the contributions Paul has made at SCC and to our
community,” said Spitler. “His talent has left an impactful legacy to generations.”