New System President meets with Taiwan ambassador about future workforce development in North Carolina

Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System, met with Director-General Elliot Wang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office on Wednesday morning to explore opportunities for community college students to meet future workforce needs of Taiwan businesses considering a move to North Carolina.  

The meeting was organized by North Carolina Senator W. Ted Alexander, who has been deeply involved in building strong business partnerships with Taiwan.  

Cox discussed the importance of community colleges and how they can play a vital role in new businesses coming to the area. 

“One of my goals as System President is that we want every single business and industry throughout North Carolina to know they have a community college within a 30-minute drive of their business, ready to be a critical partner in their workforce talent pipeline,” Cox said.  

Wang said Taiwan businesses are most interested in the southeastern region of the United States and have already formed educational partnerships with other states. They recently signed an MOU with the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. 

“The community college is one of the bright stars in our education system,” said North Carolina Senator, W. Ted Alexander, also in attendance. “We have a good education system all over, but the community college is very nimble, and it is doing the kinds of economic development we are seeking in North Carolina. We are very pleased, as a legislature, with our community colleges.” 

Cox said a critical first step is to connect Wang with the System’s new Vice President of Economic Development, John Loyack.  

“As things move forward and companies are considering a move here, we want to be at the table and help with that transition by providing the skill sets they’re looking for. It’s not just an initial investment. It’s an ongoing partnership between our community colleges and the businesses and communities we serve,” Cox said. 

Also in attendance was State Treasurer and member of the State Board of Community Colleges, Dale Folwell; Assistant General Counsel at the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer, Jason Sass; and the Commissioner of Insurance, Mike Causey.