Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the North Carolina Community College System, will step down from his role in June 2026. (Photo: NCCCS)
The North Carolina Community College System will soon embark on a search for its fifth new president in roughly six years. Current president, Dr. Jeff Cox, announced plans to retire from the position at the end of the fiscal year in June 2026.
Cox became the 11th president of the 58-campus system in June 2023, having served as the president of Wilkes Community College for nine years.
In announcing his departure, Cox called the presidency the greatest honor of his career.
“As a first-generation college student from rural Alleghany County, I could never have imagined that one day I would lead the state’s community college system. Our colleges play a pivotal role in changing the lives of 600,000+ students every year,” Cox said in a prepared statement.
Cox is credited with overseeing the early implementation of Propel NC, a new model for funding North Carolina’s community colleges that prioritizes connecting students to high-demand, high-wage jobs.
The system also credits Cox with strengthening partnerships with K-12 schools and universitiesto help drive a statewide enrollment recovery. Enrollment at public two-year colleges jumped 8.3% this Spring compared to a year earlier.
Over the past year, Cox had Hurricane Helene recovery added to his plate. The storm impacted nearly 74,000 students and more than 6,000 faculty and staff.
State Board of Community Colleges Chair Tom Looney acknowledged Cox’s steady hand and long-term impact.
“Dr. Cox stepped up at a critical moment and brought much-needed stability and experience to the system, serving with heart,” Looney said.
Cox plans to depart in 10 months, hoping that his early notice provides the State Board with adequate time to conduct a comprehensive search to find the next system president.
Indeed, North Carolina’s community college system has found it challenging to hold on to its leaders.
Cox was preceded in the position by Thomas Stith, former chief of staff to Gov. Pat McCrory. His appointment in December 2020 was considered to be a popular choice among conservative leaders in the state. But after just 18 months in the role, Stith resigned abruptly leaving William Carver to serve as the system’s interim president.
Prior to Stith, the role was held for three years by Peter Hans. Hans was lured away to become president of the UNC System, a position he has held since the summer of 2020.
The 58-campus system is viewed as a critical component in helping the state meet its educational attainment goal of having two million North Carolinians with a degree or industry credential beyond high school by 2030.
When Cox took the helm, he said it was a crisis that 30-40% of the state’s high school graduates were not pursuing a post-secondary degree.
Today, North Carolina’s post-secondary completion rate for students who began at a 2-year public institution is 50%.
“Finish Line Grants” have helped bolster that number in recent years by aiding students on the cusp of graduating with housing, medical needs, and other unforeseen financial challenges.
The State Board of Community Colleges will outline its formal transition process in the coming months. This will likely include the hiring of a national search firm with expertise in higher education. While the State Board can select its finalist for the position, the General Assembly will have the final say.
Legislators often credit the North Carolina Community College System with helping the state keep its top ranking for business and helping recruit new industry.
A 2022 study found that combined the 58 college campuses have a $19 billion annual impact on the state’s economy and support 1 out of every 19 jobs across North Carolina.
In June, the system along with Guilford Technical Community College announced plans to tailor a new curriculum for the future workforce of JetZero. Economic developers say the aviation start-up will bring more than 14,500 jobs to North Carolina.
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