Community College System

The North Carolina Community College System is the third largest in the nation. Each year the system's 58 institutions enroll more than three-quarters of a million students on campuses that are within 30 miles of 100 percent of the state's population. The system's mission from its beginning has been to provide opportunities for the citizens of North Carolina to further their education and to obtain training in order to successfully compete in an expanding job market. The North Carolina Community College System is the primary agency for providing job training and both literacy and adult education.

A list of community colleges in North Carolina is available on the Community College System website at: http://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/colleges_map.aspx

Organization

The state president is the chief executive officer of the Department of Community Colleges. He is responsible for organizing and managing the Department and carrying out the philosophy, policies and directions of the State Board of Community Colleges.

Each institution in the community college system is administered by a local board of trustees and a president. Presidents of individual institutions are chosen by the local boards and approved by the state board. Programs and services offered by each institution reflect the needs and concerns of the citizens and industries in that community.

There have been seven presidents and one acting president of the North Carolina Community College System:

• I. E. Ready (1963-1970)

• Ben E. Fountain Jr. (1971-1978)

• Charles R. Holloman (Acting President, September 1978 to July 1979)

• Larry J. Blake (1979-1982)

• Robert W. Scott (1983-1995)

• Lloyd V. Hackley (1995-1997)

• Martin Lancaster (1997- 2008)

• Scott Ralls (2008 - present) 

Programs

The community college system serves a broad range of persons whose needs, skills and interests require a broad range of educational and training resources. North Carolina's community colleges offer a variety of programs including:

Technical Programs

Technical programs prepare persons to enter occupations such as electronic engineering technology, computer programming, dental hygiene and business administration. The two-year programs offer associate degrees in applied science upon completion.

Vocational Programs

Vocational programs train persons for entry into skilled occupations such as welding, electrical installation and maintenance, practical nursing and automotive mechanics. Either certificates or diplomas are awarded, depending upon the length of the program.

Continuing Education Programs

Continuing education programs offer opportunities for persons currently employed to upgrade their skills. There are also a number of training programs in such areas as fire fighting, law enforcement, emergency medical services and hospitality.

Basic Adult Education Programs

Basic adult education programs offer opportunities to learn basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics to the twelfth grade level. Students can earn a high school diploma or its equivalent. English language classes are offerred for speakers of other languages. Compensatory Education classes are also offerred.

College Transfer Programs

College transfer programs are designed so that students can complete up to two years of a four-year bachelor's degree at a community college. An associate degree in arts, science or fine arts is awarded upon completion of the program.

General Education Programs

General education programs offer individuals an opportunity to take courses tailored to their personal interest, growth and development. An associate degree in general education is available to those who complete the two-year program.

Industry Service Programs

Industry service programs guarantee new and expanding training programs tailored to meet the particular needs of an individual company.

Sources:

The preceding information was originally excerpted from the 1991-92 North Carolina Manual (published by the NC Department of the Secretary of State), and continually supplemented by information from Community College System staff. A short history is also available at the NC Community College System webpage: (http://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/pr/MissionHistory/mission-history.htm)

Related entry: History of the NC Community College System