Who will be the next leader of the NC Community College System?

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 were forwarded this email, you can sign up for the Awake58 newsletter here, and you can find last week’s edition on our website.

We rotate who writes Awake58 each week, giving you the opportunity to know more of our team. This week’s edition is by Analisa Archer, senior director of policy.

The State Board of Community Colleges has approved a profile for the next system president… Catch up on community college priorities for this legislative short session… Legislators visit Forsyth Tech to learn more about Boost… Plus, a recap of the N.C. Community College System awards ceremony…

Good morning and welcome to Awake58 — Analisa here.

Candidate recruitment for the next president of the N.C. Community College System is officially underway. During a State Board meeting last week, a presidential profile was approved — the culmination of a months-long stakeholder engagement process led by the presidential search committee and advisory council.

Here are a few key things to know about the search and what comes next:

President and CEO: For the first time, CEO has been added to the president’s title.
Stakeholder input: The profile was informed by interviews, surveys, and group sessions that engaged more than 1,300 stakeholders in February and March.
Timeline: Interviews will take place in May and June. The Board plans to approve a final candidate on June 19, with onboarding between July and October. Given that Jeff Cox’s retirement is effective June 30, the Board anticipates that an interim president will be named.
General Assembly approval: This is the first system presidential candidate that will require confirmation by the General Assembly. Board Chair Tom Looney acknowledged the timeline challenges this may create: “Speed can kill, and I want to make sure we get this right. … So while this will depend upon the legislature approving the final person, we are looking at avenues to make sure that if we need additional time, we’ll have that time to make sure we make the right decision for the state of North Carolina.”

In other news, the 2026 legislative session kicked off yesterday, and EdNC has a recap of key community college items to keep an eye on.

As in past years, the system’s primary legislative priority is still a $93 million recurring request for Propel NC, a new funding model that would prioritize high-wage, high-demand sectors. The system is also requesting $102 million to fund “historic” enrollment growth, $3.1 million to maintain the capacity of ApprenticeshipNC, and pay raises for community college staff and faculty.

Separately, myFutureNC is advancing a four-pillar Workforce Act, focused on funding for ApprenticeshipNC, North Carolina Workforce Credentials, improving transfer systems, and improving NCCareers.org.

Catch up on our full legislative preview here, and stay tuned to EdNC for more as the session gets underway.

Until next time,

Analisa Archer

Senior Director of Policy, EdNC.org

EdNC reads

Who will be the next leader of the NC Community College System? Here’s what the State Board is looking for

The charge for the next system president and CEO, outlined in the profile, reads: “This role carries a clear mandate: Accelerate the System’s impact on workforce and economic growth.”

Legislative preview | Community colleges request funds for Propel NC, enrollment growth

The bulk of the North Carolina Community College System’s legislative agenda focuses on passing a $93 million recurring request for Propel NC, an overhaul of the system’s funding model.

NC Community College System honors top educators and business partners at annual awards celebration

At the celebration last week, 10 awards were presented to students, faculty, staff, and workforce partners from across North Carolina.

NC legislators visit Forsyth Tech to learn about the impact of Boost on student success

Forsyth Tech recently hosted Rep. Amber M. Baker, D-Forsyth, Sen. Dana Caudill Jones, R-Forsyth, and Sen. Paul A. Lowe, Jr., D-Forsyth, to discuss the college’s strategic plan and the implementation of the Boost program.

Governor’s visit to Guilford Tech highlights early childhood workforce programs

Gov. Josh Stein recently visited Guilford Tech alongside educators, students, and leaders from Forsyth Tech to highlight child care workforce training programs in the Triad.

Belk Center launches guidebook on NC Reconnect program for adult learners

According to the guidebook, now in its third edition, more than 5,400 adult learners reenrolled in colleges from the first four cohorts of NC Reconnect, which included 20 colleges.

These zero-interest, outcomes-based loans are making short-term workforce training a reality for NC students

Even when short-term workforce programs are provided at little to no cost, students may face financial strain as they try to keep up with life expenses from child care to rent payments. That’s where The Forward Fund comes in.

Around NC

Q&A with Zach Barricklow | In this blog, SHEEO recaps a conversation with Barricklow about his role, system office priorities, and how data and strategic partnerships inform efforts to strengthen outcomes for rural colleges.

NC selected for skills-first workforce pilot | The NC Chamber Foundation and NC Community College System were selected by the Burning Glass Institute as one of two regional partners for an initiative focused on advancing skills-first workforce practices.

Audit of Hurricane Helene funds | The state auditor released a report on how select community colleges used funds allocated to expand mental health support for students and staff impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Cape Fear launches Apprenticeship Accelerator | Through a $3 million investment, the college is launching an initiative focused on expanding apprenticeships, including the creation of a dedicated Apprenticeship Department.

UNC System study finds growing workforce gaps | The report predicts significant talent gaps in fields such as nursing, engineering, and education. Read the report here.

Trends in transfer degrees | A new analysis from the state Department of Commerce explores trends in arts and science transfer pathways between 2003-2023.

Financial pressures facing K-12 school districts | EdNC takes a look at the state of school district fund balances and how property tax limits could strain already tight school district budgets.

Higher ed & NC Community Schools | A recent conference focused on how colleges and universities — including community colleges — can engage with the growing number of NC Community Schools across the state.

Literacy efforts in Burke County | Supported by adult education dollars through the community college system, the Burke County Literacy Council offers free ESL classes every week.