October 29, 2025

Roanoke-Chowan Leaders Share Governance Wisdom on National Stage

                                                                       

AHOSKIE, NC – Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) was in the national spotlight at the 2025 Association of Community College Trustees Leadership Congress in New Orleans and was proudly represented as Board Chair Jeri Pierce and Foundation Board Chair and former Trustee Andre’ M. Lassiter, Sr. took the stage before a standing-room-only audience of trustees and presidents from across the nation. Pierce and Lassiter delivered an inspiring and authentic presentation titled “Building a Strong Board of Trustees” that offered a candid look at the realities of board service, sharing not only the successes but also the challenges faced by those who govern rural and resilient institutions like R-CCC.

Addressing the crowd, Pierce emphasized the gravity of board service, sharing, “Serving on a college board is a tremendous responsibility and privilege. The work we do shapes the trajectory of both our institution and the community it serves. At times, it can feel like a delicate balancing act—managing different perspectives, expectations, and pressures from all sides. We wanted our colleagues across the country to know that it’s normal to experience growing pains, and that true progress comes from honest dialogue, integrity, and a willingness to address challenges head-on. Sharing our story was about letting others see that if we can overcome obstacles and rebuild trust, so can any college board willing to do the hard work.”

Lassiter echoed the importance of resilience and authenticity, noting, “As trustees, we know that every decision we make ripples out, impacting students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. What I hope people take home from our session is that resilience, humility, and mutual respect are key ingredients to success—especially when you hit roadblocks or face criticism. Our message to other boards is don’t be afraid to own your journey, stay authentic, and keep students at the center of every conversation. There’s power in telling the unvarnished truth, and there’s hope in knowing that stronger, healthier board-president partnerships are possible when both sides are committed to the mission.”

Pierce and Lassiter delved into critical topics such as establishing effective board-president partnerships, engaging legislators, navigating periods without external support, and rebuilding trust when boards are seen as “rogue.” Their honest storytelling and real-world strategies resonated deeply with attendees, sparking robust discussion and a flood of thoughtful questions from colleagues eager for guidance on strengthening board operations and leadership relationships at their own colleges.

The session was received with gratitude, with both presenters praised for their genuineness, integrity, and courage in demystifying board governance. Their willingness to share lessons learned, including moments of uncertainty and transformation, empowered other college leaders to candidly assess and improve their own practices. Attendees left with actionable tools to bring back to their campuses, aiming to foster stronger, more collaborative boards that champion student success and institutional stability.

This marked the second consecutive year that Pierce and Lassiter have been invited to present at the ACCT’s premier national conference, a testament to their leadership and the impact of R-CCC’s evolving governance story. Their participation not only elevates Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s voice on a national stage but also underscores the power of transparency, partnership, and community in guiding higher education through times of change.

 

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