Page 16 - Harnett Life Spring 2019

New Era of Leadership for

Central Carolina

Community College

By Brian Allen

A changing of the guard is happening at our local community college, Central
Carolina. Shortly after the start of the new year, the college’s board of trustees
selected a veteran of the NC Community College system to replace retiring
president, Dr. T. Eston “Bud” Marchant. Dr. Lisa Chapman, current system
senior vice president and chief academic officer will take over on April 1. Dr. Lisa Chapman

Dr. Chapman is no stranger to Central Carolina Community College. She served the community college as executive
vice president from 2012-2014, in addition to teaching and serving in other administrator roles there for twenty- seven
years. Dr. Chapman had a strong desire to return to CCCC because “I get to come home to serve and lead the college
that taught me how important community colleges are”.

As the new chief executive, she wants to ensure CCCC maintains the focus of meeting the needs of our changing com-
munity and the changing face of postsecondary education, by serving as a catalyst for individual, community and eco-
nomic development through accessible life-long learning. She holds a bachelor’s degree in zoology from UNC-Chapel
Hill, a master of science in Physiology from East Tennessee State University and a doctor of education in curriculum
and instruction from UNC-Chapel Hill.

As the new face of Central Carolina, CCCC will remain a vital tool for our local economic development. The college
will be an integral partner as there is a growing need for postsecondary credentials for today’s and tomorrow’s labor
force. This will be done by working with community partners to address business and industry needs, as well as,
support the economic mobility of local citizens of Harnett and Lee counties. Dr. Chapman says “we want to keep and
attract community-engaged employers and ensure that individuals in our communities are sufficiently prepared to earn
family-sustaining wages”.

Central Carolina Community College is completing its current strategic plan and as they move forward they will con-
tinue, as always, with a focus on student learning and success. Dr. Chapman and her leadership team are in the early
stages of establishing strategic goals and priorities for the next five years. Through this process, they will seek involve-
ment from all college stakeholders.

As with all community colleges, Central Carolina Community is no stranger to funding challenges. The current funding
model does not currently provide for all they do; whether it is; salaries for personnel or instructional equipment.

One of Central Carolina’s greatest challenges, but also opportunities is to make sure communities know about the
availability of quality jobs for which the college can help them become prepared. As the college’s new leader, Central
Carolina Community College will continue to leverage all workforce development partners; that include; K-12 schools,
the chamber, industry and government leaders. Dr. Chapman feels that the community is on the right track with the
Central Carolina Promise-2 years of education, tuition free for qualifying high school graduates. “I am so appreciative
of the community support”.

Dr. Chapman, is ready to lead as she stated, “My husband is just as excited about this next phase in our lives - since he
is an alum of the community college.” They both share great love for the college.

Page 16 Harnett Life ~ Spring 2019