The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) has appointed a new president, Jeff Cox, marking the system’s third president in three years. After Peter Hans departed in 2020 to become president of the University of North Carolina System, Thomas Stith was chosen as his successor but resigned in July 2022. In April, the State Board of Community Colleges selected Cox, previously the president of Wilkes Community College and superintendent of Alleghany County Schools, to be NCCCS’s 11th president. Cox brings three decades of educational experience to his new role.
Earlier this month, Cox discussed his vision and goals for the community college system with the Martin Center. Below is an edited transcript of the interview.
Top Priorities for the First Year
Martin Center: What are your top priorities for your first year as NCCCS president?
Jeff Cox: Building a strong senior leadership team is my first priority, given the significant turnover in these roles. We’ve already filled three out of four high-level positions and expect to complete the team soon. Beyond that, our focus is on meeting North Carolina’s emerging workforce needs. Our state has been recognized as the number-one state for business, but to maintain this status, we must become the top state for workforce talent. This means ensuring our community colleges can provide the necessary post-secondary credentials to meet business and industry demands.
Measuring Student Success Beyond Graduation Rates
Martin Center: How can the success of North Carolina’s community colleges be better measured beyond graduation rates?
Cox: Success varies for each student. Some aim to complete a two-year degree and transfer to a university, while others seek specific workforce credentials. For example, a student who earns a welding credential and secures a job making $20 an hour is a success, even if they don’t complete a degree. We need performance measures that capture these varied outcomes and reflect the real value our programs provide to students and employers.
Responding to Enrollment Challenges
Martin Center: How does NCCCS plan to address enrollment challenges due to the pandemic and declining numbers of college-aged students?
Cox: We are focusing on attracting high-school graduates who aren’t pursuing further education and adult learners who need additional credentials for better job opportunities. Marketing the accessibility and value of community college programs is crucial. Additionally, initiatives like NC Reconnect help bring back adult learners who didn’t complete their education.
Expanding Apprenticeships and Technical Education
Martin Center: Are there plans to expand apprenticeship opportunities and improve career and technical education?
Cox: Absolutely. We’re expanding apprenticeships, particularly in high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, and advanced manufacturing, with support from the General Assembly. Increasing diversity in these programs is also a priority. We’re working closely with industries to ensure our training meets their needs and provides valuable credentials for students.
Enhancing Dual Enrollment Programs
Martin Center: What is the future of dual enrollment programs?
Cox: Dual enrollment has expanded significantly, allowing high-school students to earn college credits and realize their potential for higher education. We’ve streamlined these programs to ensure they lead to specific degrees or credentials, aligning with the goal of having two million residents with post-secondary credentials by 2030.
Strengthening Credit Transfer Agreements
Martin Center: Is there work left to be done to ensure seamless transfer between community colleges and universities?
Cox: Yes, while the current articulation agreement is strong, there are areas to improve. We aim to make the transfer process more seamless, reducing barriers and ensuring students can complete their degrees efficiently. Regular meetings with leaders from the university system and independent colleges will help us address these issues.
Adapting to Labor Market Changes
Martin Center: How will the system keep up with changes in the labor market?
Cox: Our decentralized model allows local colleges to respond quickly to regional needs. Programs can be added or dropped based on demand. For example, if a new industry emerges, a college can start a relevant short-term credential program swiftly.
Improving Academic Quality
Martin Center: What are the plans to improve academic quality across the community college system?
Cox: We provide open access to all students and help them succeed regardless of their starting point. Our transfer students generally perform well at universities. We aim to remove nonacademic barriers, particularly economic challenges, to help students succeed academically.
Future Vision for NCCCS
Martin Center: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Cox: We are reimagining the future of our community college system, focusing on becoming the top workforce provider in the country. This includes evaluating our funding formula and ensuring we are agile enough to meet the needs of our citizens and industries. We will engage with stakeholders to shape our vision and path forward.
