North Carolina Community College’s new system president Dr. James C. “Jimmie” Williamson recently visited Catawba Valley Community College to learn more about its innovative programs as part of his statewide get-acquainted tour.
Dr. Williamson began his role as N.C. Community College president July 1 and is in the process of visiting each of the 58 community colleges from Murphy to Manteo.
Dr. Williamson toured many CVCC facilities, including the flagship campus on Highway 70 in Hickory, and the Catawba Valley Furniture Academy. He and CVCC President Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw discussed strategy for CVCC and the entire community college system.
Drs. Williamson and Hinshaw were accompanied by N.C. Community College State Board Member Bill McBrayer. As human resources director for Lexington Home Brands in Hildebran, McBrayer played a key role in developing CVCC’s Catawba Valley Furniture Academy. He illustrated to Dr. Williamson the integral role that CVCC played in developing the academy and supplying area furniture manufacturers with a much needed skilled workforce.
Williamson has served 27 years in higher education in South Carolina, including 20 in the South Carolina Technical College system, rising through roles from registrar to dean to two college presidencies and then to System President. From 2008-14, he was in a leadership position with Agapé Senior, a healthcare-related industry in South Carolina.
CVCC is an accredited comprehensive community college serving Catawba and Alexander counties. Approximately 4,700 students are enrolled in college credit courses and more than 10,000 students are enrolled in short-term, non-credit learning opportunities. It offers programming in Hickory, Newton and Taylorsville and in many community and workplace locations. For more information, visit www.cvcc.edu.