Dr. Johnson called Representative Grady a "champion for community college students." She thanked him on behalf of the entire system for his support for additional resources for community colleges.

As co-chair of the Appropriations Committee and chair of the sub-committee on Education Appropriations in the North Carolina House of Representatives, Representative Grady played a key role in community college successes in the 2004 legislative session. Those successes included identifying needs for essential equipment for high-tech training and increased support for programs focused on keeping jobs in North Carolina.

Dr. Johnson noted Representative Grady's leadership in improving the transfer process for community college graduates seeking admission to University of North Carolina campuses and private colleges and universities. She also emphasized his key role in establishing the successful relationship between Coastal Carolina Community College and UNC-Wilmington for baccalaureate completion programs.

Representative Grady serves District 15 in the North Carolina House of Representatives. The Jacksonville businessman completes his ninth term this year and is unopposed in the November election.

The North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents consists of the presidents of each of the 59 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System. The association works with the State Board, System President and staff, community college trustees and other associations and individuals to inform legislators and other decision-makers about the programs, services and needs of the state's community colleges.

The North Carolina Community College System enrolls 800,000 adults a year in 59 institutions. Designated North Carolina's primary provider of workforce education and training, adult education and literacy services, the System is the third-largest community college system in the United States.

For details, contact the public affairs office of the North Carolina Community College System at 919-807-6962.