N.C. State Board of Community Colleges Selects Executive Search Firm to Lead Presidential Search

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges has unanimously approved Buffkin Baker as the executive search firm to lead the national search for the next President of the North Carolina Community College System.

The selection follows a recommendation from both the Presidential Search Committee and the Search Advisory Committee. The Board voted unanimously to endorse the recommendation at its regularly scheduled meeting on January 16.

“Selecting a nationally respected executive search firm is a critical step in identifying the next leader of North Carolina’s community college system,” said Tom Looney, Chair of the State Board of Community Colleges. “This position calls for a national-caliber higher education leader — someone who will guide the state’s most important workforce development engine and help shape North Carolina’s economic future. We are confident Buffkin Baker brings the experience and reach necessary to support this work.”

Buffkin Baker will partner with the System Office and the Board to design and implement a comprehensive search process. The initial phase of the engagement will focus on developing a presidential profile, outlining key qualifications and leadership attributes, and establishing a timeline and set of activities to guide the broader search effort.

The presidential search follows the retirement announcement of Dr. Jeff Cox in August. Dr. Cox has served as President of the North Carolina Community College System since 2023 and will continue in the role through June.

An initial planning meeting with Buffkin Baker is expected to take place in the coming weeks to begin laying out the search framework. Additional information regarding stakeholder engagement opportunities and key milestones will be shared as the process progresses.

Further updates will be posted on the North Carolina Community College System website as they become available.

 

About the North Carolina Community College System

The North Carolina Community College System is the state’s largest higher education network, serving approximately 600,000 students annually across 58 colleges. NCCCS plays a critical role in preparing North Carolina’s workforce, advancing economic development, and providing affordable access to education and training in every county of the state. 

For more information, visit www.nccommunitycolleges.edu. 

Media Contact:

Nathan Hardin
Executive Director of Communications
North Carolina Community College System
hardinn@nccommunitycolleges.edu