State Board of Community Colleges adopts resolution supporting NC postsecondary education goal
RALEIGH, N.C. – The State Board of Community Colleges today (May 17) adopted a resolution supporting the goal that 2 million North Carolinians ages 25-44 should have a high-quality postsecondary degree or credential by 2030.
The goal was announced earlier this year by the myFutureNC Commission, a group composed of leaders in education, business, philanthropy, faith‐based and nonprofit organizations.
The resolution noted that, “to make progress towards that goal, the North Carolina higher education community must improve student outcomes, reduce the time to graduation, and create opportunities that meet the needs of today’s students.”
In other action, the board:
- Approved the appointment of Dr. Brian Busch as acting president of Martin Community College. Bush is the college’s executive vice president.
- Voted to begin the process of amending its rules to allow the NC Community College System president to approve certain allocations of funds, contracts and capital projects. The proposed rule changes are aimed at reducing the number of routine items that need State Board approval, which would free the board to focus on more strategic issues. The proposed changes will be open for public comment for 30 days beginning May 21.
- Approved two new Career and College Promise pathways for high school students who are dually enrolled at community colleges. The new pathways will assist high school juniors and seniors who wish to begin study toward the Associate in Fine Arts Music or Associate in Fine Arts in Theater degree.
- Approved a Practical Nursing Diploma to be offered by Haywood Community College, beginning in spring 2020.
- Approved an associate degree in agribusiness technology to be offered by Southeastern Community College, beginning this fall.
- Approved an associate degree in digital media technology to be offered by South Piedmont Community College, beginning this fall.
The board honored four members whose terms are expiring June 30. Ernie Pearson, Lynn Raye, Jerry Vaughan and Candler Willis received resolutions commemorating their service on the board.
The board also welcomed David Willis of Union County, who was elected by the North Carolina House to fill a vacant seat on the board until June 2021. A Union County resident, Willis is owner and operator of Kiddie Academy learning center in Charlotte.
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