A note from us
Welcome to Awake58 — a weekly newsletter where you’ll find the latest updates on community college related news and events around the state. Plus, a look at what’s trending nationally in higher education.
If you’re new to Awake58, welcome! If you were forwarded this email, you can sign up for the Awake58 newsletter here. You can also find the latest edition on our website.
NCCCS President Dr. Jeff Cox announces his retirement… A decade of transition at the N.C. Community College System… A recap from the State Board of Community Colleges’ July meeting… Pell Grants to cover short-term workforce training programs… New ‘FutureReady States’ Initiative underway… CNBC ranks North Carolina #1 for business… Automatic college admission for eligible high school seniors… North Carolina General Assembly passes a mini-budget… Brookings Institution’s Reimagine Rural podcast features Canton, Haywood Community College, and Old Fort… Plus, upcoming events…
Hi all — Emily Thomas with Awake58.
We’re glad to be back in your inboxes. We have several updates and articles for you this week.
On Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the N.C. Community College System, announced his retirement effective June 30, 2026. Cox said the early notice was so the State Board of Community Colleges would have adequate time to conduct a comprehensive search.
“Dr. Cox stepped up at a critical moment and brought much-needed stability and experience to the system, serving with heart,” said Looney in a recent system press release. “We thank him for his service and unwavering commitment to our colleges, students, and communities across North Carolina.”
During Cox’s tenure he’s helped launch collaborative efforts, deepened partnerships with philanthropy, including the John M. Belk Endowment and Arnold Ventures, and led through the Hurricane Helene crisis.
Cox has served as system president since June 1, 2023, and is the 11th president since the unified system was codified in 1963.
EdNC’s Mebane Rash lays out the last ten years of transition for North Carolina’s community college system. Seven leaders (note that one served twice) have held the position of interim president, acting president, or president of the system since 2015.
With Cox’s announcement, the question is, who will lead next?
The job of president of the system, as Rash points out, “is challenging given the number of stakeholders who need to have buy-in to the leadership, including elected leaders, the Board, the system office, the presidents of the 58, the boards of trustees for the 58, and increasingly external stakeholders, like industry partners and philanthropists.”
In other news, the State Board of Community Colleges met last month to discuss adult literacy, pilot programs, and competitive grants, among other things.
The Board reappointed three members: John Kane, Geoffrey Lang, and Paula Benson and swore in six new members: Stacy Griffin, Dr. David Lowry, Dr. Dale McInnis, Scott Ottman, Terry Yeargan, and Bannock Scott (Student Government Association).
During July’s meeting, David Heatherly, president of Coastal Carolina, gave his last Board update. Heatherly has served as president of the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents for the last year. Bladen Community College’s Dr. Amanda Lee will replace him.
You can read the full Board recap here.
Do you have story ideas or input? We want to know. We always appreciate learning about your communities, stories, and innovative practices.
Be sure to scroll down for more EdNC Reads.
Until next time,
Emily Thomas
Regional Director of Western North Carolina — EdNC.org
EdNC reads
A decade of transition for NC’s community college system: Who will next lead?
After Cox started, in September 2023, the state budget bill included governance changes that stripped the governor of appointments to the Board and for the first time required confirmation of the next president by the N.C. General Assembly through a joint resolution from both houses.
State Board of Community Colleges discusses adult literacy, digital credentials
Dr. Robert Van Dyke, associate vice president for federal programs at the North Carolina Community Colleges System, said that 65,000 adult learners statewide were served through adult education and literacy programs in the state in 2024-25, which he said is an increase from 45,000. This year, students exceeded the state’s measurable skill gains target by nearly six percentage points, meaning more students are improving their reading, math, English, and career readiness.
Pell Grants will cover short-term workforce training programs
New federal legislation will allow students in short-term workforce training programs at North Carolina’s 58 community colleges or other eligible institutions to use Pell Grants for tuition, fees, and other expenses, according to a press release from the NCCCS.
New ‘FutureReady States’ initiative will promote short-term credential programs in North Carolina, other states
Lumina Foundation announced a new initiative last month called “FutureReady States” with the goal of increasing access to education and credential training that “pays off in the labor market.” Lumina — a private foundation based in Indianapolis — and partner organizations will do that by offering states technical assistance and policy guidance, according to a press release.
In 12 states, including North Carolina, Lumina will make investments “to improve credential quality and learning outcomes,” the release said. National Skills Coalition, one of five intermediary organizations, will work with the foundation in North Carolina.
CNBC ranks NC #1 for business, gives state an A- in education
“The Tar Heel State is on a roll,” finds CNBC in its newly announced and highly coveted rankings on America’s top states for business.
CNBC announced that for the third time in four years, North Carolina landed the #1 ranking, citing our “solid economy, a world-class workforce, and a wealth of corporate hospitality.”
Around NC
Mini-budget | On July 29-30, the North Carolina General Assembly voted to pass a “mini-budget” that funds essential parts of the state government. The mini-budget authorizes step adjustments for employees on salary schedules, but does not raise salaries. The mini-budget also funds enrollment growth adjustments for public schools, community colleges, and the University of North Carolina System. You can read more about the mini-budget here.
College admissions | Eligible high school seniors in North Carolina are now automatically admitted to select colleges and universities across the state through NC College Connect, a program that offers a simpler and faster way to be admitted to college in North Carolina. Through the program, seniors enrolled at a North Carolina district or charter public school during the 2025-26 school year with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above, and who meet the NC College Connect requirements, are directly admitted to select North Carolina colleges and universities. You can read more about the program and requirements here.
Rural podcast | The Brookings Institution’s Reimagine Rural podcast recently kicked off season three with two episodes featuring areas in western North Carolina, including Canton and Old Fort. The Canton episode dives into the multiple disasters Haywood County experienced, both natural and economic, over the last five years. The Old Fort episode features outdoor recreation and the restoration process after Hurricane Helene.
Upcoming events | The Latine Education Summit is scheduled for Oct. 15-17 in Greensboro. Additional details and information about registering can be found here.
Registration is open for the 38th annual NCWorks Partnership Conference, which is also scheduled for Oct. 15-17, at the Koury Convention Center/Sheraton Four Seasons in Greensboro. This year’s theme is “Stronger Together. Unlimited Possibilities.” You can read the draft agenda and more information here.
To register, visit www.train.ncworks.gov. If you don’t have a TRAIN account, click on “Create an Account” or contact the NCWorks Training Center at [email protected] for assistance.
Registration for the 2025 N.C. State Fair Apprentice Contest is open. The contest is scheduled for Oct. 20-25, 2025. According to a press release, “these contests are an opportunity for Masonry, Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC/R Registered Apprentices and Carpentry Pre-Apprentices from across the state to test their skills and knowledge, win prizes, and make lasting connections with fellow tradespeople.” You can find the contest entry form here. The contest form closes on Sept. 5, 2025.
Registration for the 11th annual Dallas Herring Lecture is now open. The virtual event, presented by the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. EST. Dr. Jason Wood, president of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, will deliver the 2025 lecture, titled, “We Don’t Graduate People Into Poverty: Designing the College Experience Around Student Success.”
Other higher education reads
Sign up for Awake58, our newsletter on all things community college.
