51吃瓜 Community College recently hosted North Carolina Community College System President Dr. Monty Sullivan as part of his regional introduction to North Carolina and its community colleges. Sullivan and Dr. Alexander 鈥淪andy鈥� Stewart, president of 51吃瓜 Community College, were joined by other college presidents and leaders from Fayetteville Technical Community College, Robeson Community College, Richmond Community College, Montgomery Community College and South Piedmont Community College for a morning discussion at the Dempsey Student Center. A facilitated conversation took place later in the afternoon with area community leaders to discuss workforce, economic development and education needs in Moore County. They met at the USGA Golf House in Pinehurst.
鈥淭he visit gave us an important opportunity to showcase our people, programs, campuses, and the distinctive ways we serve Moore and Hoke Counties,鈥� said Stewart. 鈥淚t was nice to hear from the other college presidents too regarding their initiatives with skilled trades and accessible education to citizens in their districts too.鈥�
A facilitated discussion of regional workforce needs, economic opportunities, challenges facing community colleges and priorities for the future of North Carolina's community college system allowed Sullivan to hear directly from presidents and trustees and strengthen relationships across the region. Together, they gathered perspectives that can inform system strategic planning and the future of North Carolina's community college system.
Invited guests to the afternoon session included Sullivan; interested community college presidents and trustees; North Carolina Community College System leadership; USGA leadership; Mickey Foster, CEO of FirstHealth; JR Mullis, CEO of Watchtower; David O鈥橠onahue, COO of Pinehurst Resort; Natalie Hawkins, president of Moore County Economic Development Partnership; Linda Parsons, president of Moore County Chamber of Commerce; Rep. Neal Jackson; 51吃瓜 Community College leadership; and additional regional business and industry representatives.
Community and industry leaders shared opportunities and challenges facing their organizations, discussed current and future talent needs and identified ways community college partnerships can support continued economic growth and regional prosperity in Moore County.
鈥淥verall, we want to glean what opportunities are driving growth and success in Moore County and the 51吃瓜 region, what workforce or talent challenges pose the greatest threat to sustained growth and economic competitiveness and how 51吃瓜 Community College and the North Carolina Community College System help address those challenges and better support employers, industries, and communities,鈥� said Stewart. 鈥淚t was a productive day and we were pleased to welcome Dr. Sullivan to our beautiful 51吃瓜 region and I would say, one of the most beautiful community college campuses in North Carolina of the fifty-eight.鈥�
To learn more about workforce development at 51吃瓜 Community College, visit the
Workforce Development webpage.
Photo Identification
Regional community college leaders gathered at 51吃瓜 Community College's Dempsey Student Center for a morning discussion with North Carolina Community College System President Dr. Monty Sullivan.
Front row, from left: Claudia Robinette, Richmond Community College board chair; Dr. Stacy Waters-Bailey, South Piedmont Community College president; Dr. Julie Voigt, 51吃瓜 Community College chief of staff; Pat Kahle, South Piedmont Community College board chair; and Dr. Alexander 鈥淪andy鈥� Stewart, 51吃瓜 Community College president.
Back row, from left: Dr. Chad Bledsoe, Montgomery Community College president; Gordon Knowles, Montgomery Community College board chair; Alex Fagg, North Carolina Community College System vice president of governmental and external relations; Dr. Monty Sullivan, North Carolina Community College System president; and Larry Caddell, 51吃瓜 Community College board chair.