BEST Center's leader talks about what's taking shape in Wilson

With a planned opening in early 2027, work is moving ahead on the Biomanufacturing Education & Skills Training (BEST) Center of Eastern North Carolina, operated by Wilson Community College.

The Center is funded by a $30 million investment from the N.C. General Assembly and a $13 million grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation to purchase state-of-the-art equipment. The state’s 2026 budget includes an additional $12 million for Wilson Community College to expand the BEST Center’s workforce training capabilities to include drug product manufacturing, supporting Johnson & Johnson’s second major project in Wilson. 

We spoke with Stephanie Winstead, who was named executive director of the center in April, about the latest progress and plans for the Center. Winstead, who was previously the biotechnology program coordinator for Wilson Community College, has spent her career in the life sciences industry, starting as a QC analyst at Eon Labs in Wilson and advancing to interim training manager at Pfizer in Rocky Mount.

What drew you to the executive director role at the BEST Center?
While at Eon Labs and Pfizer, I discovered a passion for developing and training people, so transitioning from biopharmaceutical manufacturing to education felt like a natural next step.

As a Wilson native, I feel a personal connection to this work. When I was beginning my career, many of my peers and I had to leave the area or commute long distances to find opportunities in our field because local options were limited. It's been exciting to watch Wilson and Eastern N.C. grow into a thriving life sciences manufacturing hub.

During my time at Pfizer, we regularly transported employees to Raleigh for specialized biopharmaceutical training. The BEST Center is bringing that same caliber of workforce development and industry training closer to the communities where people live and work.

The life sciences industry is creating tremendous opportunities in our region, and it's exciting to know that the careers of tomorrow can be built right here at home.

What has been going on behind the scenes as the BEST Center prepares to open in the spring?
Many moving parts are coming together as the BEST Center takes shape. Construction is progressing well on the drug substance portion of the facility, while design work is already underway for the future drug product expansion.

At the same time, we're building the team that will bring the center to life. We're currently hiring a bioprocess manager and a lab manager, and we'll soon begin hiring technicians to support both training areas.

Equipment selection and procurement have also been a major focus. We're prioritizing equipment that will be integrated into the facility's infrastructure while scheduling benchtop equipment purchases later because of their shorter lead times. This will help ensure we're ready to begin training as soon as the facility is operational.

On the academic side, we've developed the overall training framework and completed our introductory course. The BEST Fundamentals of Life Science Manufacturing course is currently in development, and existing programs such as BioWork and biotechnology curriculum courses will transition into the BEST Center once construction is complete.

Another important priority right now is community awareness. We want students, job seekers, and employers across Eastern N.C. to understand the opportunities available through the center.

Tell me more about the types of training that will be available at the BEST Center?
The BEST Center will offer three primary training pathways: Wilson Community College's Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Biotechnology degree program, open-enrollment short courses for individuals seeking to build or expand their skills, and customized training solutions designed specifically for employers.

The center's value lies in the breadth of industry-focused training available in one location. Instruction areas include automated biomanufacturing, maintenance of regulated facilities and equipment, analytical chemistry and microbiology testing, quality assurance, regulatory affairs and electronic batch records.

We will be among the first training centers in the region to offer hands-on training in electronic batch records, an increasingly important technology as manufacturers continue to modernize and digitize their operations.

The facility will support training across a wide range of career paths, from entry-level bioprocess technicians to more advanced manufacturing, quality, operations, and engineering roles. Our goal is to provide practical, hands-on learning that prepares individuals to contribute immediately when they enter or advance within the industry.

We have partnered with regional employers as well as institutions such as Wayne Community College, East Carolina University, Barton College and N.C. State University to ensure our programs complement existing educational pathways and address workforce needs across the region. Together, we are creating opportunities for individuals to enter the industry, advance their careers, and continue developing new skills throughout their professional journey.

I saw that you have already piloted one course. How did that go?
In June, we piloted the BEST Introduction to Life Science Manufacturing course at both Wilson Community College and the Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center at N.C. State University. The course provides a broad overview of life science manufacturing and helps participants understand the variety of roles available within the sector before they commit to a two- or four-year degree program.

At Wilson Community College, the course was open to the public and drew strong engagement. The pilot sessions provided valuable feedback that helped us refine the course content and delivery as we developed the final version. To make this training accessible, this introductory course will be offered at the BEST Center at little to no cost for participants.

In addition to the introductory course, the BEST Center is developing several specialized training programs. We are partnering closely with N.C. BioNetwork and N.C. State BTEC to ensure these courses reflect industry best practices and provide the high-quality, hands-on training that both employers and learners expect.

What new training opportunities will the drug product manufacturing expansion bring to the BEST Center?
Thanks to the expansion, the BEST Center will be one of the first facilities in the state to offer hands-on training in both drug substance and drug product manufacturing under one roof. Learners will have the opportunity to experience the full manufacturing process, from biologic production through final fill, finish, inspection, labeling and packaging.

The drug product manufacturing expansion will include industry-relevant equipment such as a filler/isolator, capper/sealer, visual inspection booths, labeling systems and packaging equipment. This will allow students and incumbent workers to train using technologies and processes that closely mirror those found in commercial manufacturing environments.

Ultimately, this expansion positions the BEST Center as a resource not only for training, but also for regional economic growth. Our goal is to help employers access the talent they need to succeed while creating more opportunities for people in Eastern N.C. to build rewarding careers close to home.

What are you most excited to see come to life at the BEST Center?
What excites me most about the BEST Center is the opportunity to create pathways for people at every stage of their careers. Whether someone is exploring the life sciences industry for the first time, seeking a new career opportunity or looking to advance into a more specialized role, we want the BEST Center to be a place where they can gain the skills and experience they need to succeed.

This project is also a great example of what can happen when education, industry and community partners work together toward a common goal. The support we've received from regional employers, N.C. State BTEC, N.C. BioNetwork, our university partners and organizations like the North Carolina Biotechnology Center has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

Read more about BEST Center, Wilson

1. Wilson Community College shares first look at training center | North Carolina Biotechnology Center
2. NC’s $230M biomanufacturing training investment: doubling down on workforce development | North Carolina Biotechnology Center