#United States #North Carolina #Community College #Presidential Search

North Carolina Community College System Launches Presidential Search

The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) has officially launched a nationwide search to find its next President, a strategic move aimed at advancing the educational framework of the state. This initiative is supported by the State Board of Community Colleges in partnership with a newly formed Advisory Council composed of distinguished leaders from various sectors, including business, government, and higher education.

Visionary Leadership Needed

The State Board is in pursuit of a visionary leader who is capable of driving modernization, enhancing workforce partnerships, and harmonizing the efforts of all 58 community colleges across North Carolina. The next President will take on the critical task of ensuring that the community college system adapts swiftly to the evolving business landscape, crucial for safeguarding North Carolina’s competitive edge in workforce development.

Currently, the NCCCS operates with more than 30,000 employees and serves over 600,000 students each year, demonstrating its significant impact on the state's educational landscape. With an approaching operating budget of $2 billion, the system is recognized as one of the largest and most influential networks of higher education in the United States. Each of the 58 community colleges provides vital educational access, training programs, and resources essential for local growth and competition.

Thomas F. Looney, Chair of the State Board, articulated the initiative's core objective, stating, “We aim to identify a transformative leader who can propel our System forward, matching the pace of business and fostering innovation.” This transparent and collaborative process is designed to yield significant results, focusing on finding an individual who will unite the colleges under a mission of excellence.

Fostering Economic Growth

Vice Chair John Kane underscored the importance of collaborative engagement throughout the search process. He noted that the economic prosperity of North Carolina heavily relies on the strength and adaptability of its community colleges. This search is not just about finding a new leader but engaging statewide business and government leaders in the conversation, ensuring that the upcoming President continues the mission to modernize the system and enhance the alignment between education and workforce needs.

The approach taken in this search is to identify a leader who not only emphasizes results but also inspires cooperation among educational institutions and garners public trust through an engaging and transparent process. The State Board intends the selection process to be both thorough and efficient, nurturing continuity and providing reassurance to all stakeholders involved.

Leadership and Advisory Council

The search is co-chaired by Thomas F. Looney and John Kane, who will work alongside other State Board members. To foster openness, the Board has established a Search Advisory Council comprising seven respected figures representing diverse sectors:

• - Dr. Amanda Lee, President, NC Association of Community College Presidents
• - Gene Rees, Chairman, NC Association of Community College Trustees
• - Chris Chung, CEO, Economic Development Partnership of NC
• - Ward Nye, Chairman & CEO, Martin Marietta
• - Sen. Michael Lee, North Carolina Senate
• - Rep. David Willis, North Carolina House
• - Seth Dearmin, Chief of Staff for the North Carolina Governor's Office

The Role of NCCCS

Serving approximately 600,000 students annually, the North Carolina Community College System plays a pivotal role in preparing a skilled workforce, driving economic development, and providing affordable education accessible to residents in every county. As the search for a new President unfolds, the System remains committed to enhancing its support for local businesses and fostering a robust educational environment that meets the demands of a dynamic economy. For more information about the NCCCS, interested parties can visit NCCCS Official Website.