August 28, 2025

R-CCC Welcomes New Trustees and Announces Board Leadership

 

 

AHOSKIE, NC –Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) is pleased to welcome five newly appointed members to its Board of Trustees, representing Hertford, Bertie and Northampton counties. These appointments reflect the College’s ongoing commitment to strong regional partnerships and community-focused leadership.


New Trustee Appointments:

• John Horton, appointed by the Hertford County Board of Commissioners, will serve through 2026.
• Shavonda Pugh, appointed by the Bertie County Board of Commissioners, will serve through 2026.
• Ron Roberson, also appointed by the Bertie County Board of Commissioners, will serve through 2028.
• Dr. Deborah Gatling, appointed by the Northampton County Board of Commissioners, will serve through 2029.
• Dr. Keedra Whitaker, also appointed by the Northampton County Board of Commissioners, will serve through 2027.

“We are honored to welcome these distinguished individuals to our Board,” said R-CCC President Dr. Murray J. Williams. “Their diverse backgrounds and dedication to public service will help guide the College as we continue to expand access to quality education and workforce development in our region.”

New Board Leadership:

In addition to the new appointments, the Board has elected new leadership for the 2025–2026 academic year:

• Chair: Jeri Pierce
• Vice-Chair: Dr. Otis Smallwood

Pierce and Smallwood bring a wealth of experience and a shared vision for student success and institutional growth.

Roanoke-Chowan Community College remains committed to serving the educational and economic needs of northeastern North Carolina. The College looks forward to working with its new trustees and leadership to continue building a brighter future for the communities it serves.

 

Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission

Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”

Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243