December 5, 2025

North Carolina Community College System President Visits R-CCC

Cox meets with college leaders and Hertford County Early College students to discuss enrollment growth, workforce training and student success initiatives

                                                                       

AHOSKIE, NC – Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the North Carolina Community College System, visited Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) on Dec. 2 to meet with college leadership and students from Hertford County Early College High School. The visit highlighted R-CCC’s commitment to student success and its strong partnerships with local schools.
 
During the meeting, Cox engaged with R-CCC’s executive team including Dr. Tanya Oliver, executive vice president of academic and student affairs, and Steven Mathews, vice president of workforce and institutional advancement. Discussions focused on enrollment trends, workforce development initiatives and innovative programs such as the “Power of 15,” which encourages high school students to complete at least 15 college credit hours before graduation.
 
Cox praised R-CCC for its leadership in dual enrollment, noting that more than half of the college’s students participate in these programs. “It’s both a wonderful opportunity and a challenge, and your intentional partnerships are making a real difference,” he said.
 
Students from Hertford County Early College High School shared their experiences with Cox, emphasizing the benefits of earning college credits while in high school. Senior Caroline Lassiter said the program will save her “a ton of money” as she pursues a degree in biology and psychology. Fellow student Amir Rankins, who plans to become a lawyer, noted that early college will “skim two years off” his educational path.
 
The visit also showcased R-CCC’s workforce training programs, including welding and customized training partnerships with local industries. Mathews highlighted recent successes, such as producing 106 certified welders in one year and expanding maritime-related training to meet regional demand.
 
Cox, who announced he will retire in June, said the visit was part of his goal to meet with every campus before leaving office.
“I didn’t want to retire without having been on every campus,” he said. “I appreciate the time and the incredible work being done here.”

 
For more information about Roanoke-Chowan Community College and its programs, visit www.roanokechowan.edu or call 252-862-1200.

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