Page 31 - Harnett Life Winter 2020

age over $34 million all to advance our work to provide more Dr. Merritt earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Educa-
intentional student support, innovative instruction, and work- tion Administration from Walden University, a Master of Arts
force development opportunities. I am confident the team will in Higher Education Administration from Appalachian State
continue this great work.” University, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Social Sci-
ences Education from Appalachian State University.
Dr. Chapman said of Dr. Merritt’s work: “Many of the op-
portunities and much of the recognition that CCCC currently In 2020, Merritt was chosen as one of 40 leaders nationally for
enjoys are due to our strong commitment to and successful, the 2020-21 class of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, a
innovative work in supporting student completion as well as highly selected leadership program preparing the next genera-
student access. Dr. Merritt has led and been engaged in all of tion of community college presidents to transform institutions
this work. His efforts and expertise have allowed CCCC to be- to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success.
come consistently successful in securing external funding. His
leadership supported bringing TRIO programs to CCCC. With “My passion is to help transform students’ lives. I have had
Brian at the helm, the College led the 10-college First In the the best team, and after serving as Chief Academic Officer for
World Grant efforts to evaluate the impact of success coaching six-and-a-half years, I know that CCCC’s faculty truly makes
-- work that will have lasting impact on many students across the difference. We lift each other up, make each other better,
the nation.” and our focus has always been on the students,” said Dr. Mer-
ritt. “I am appreciative of Dr. Chapman’s support during this
Dr. Merritt is excited about the opportunity of serving as a col- transition process and to Dr. Marchant for taking a chance on
lege president. “My time at CCCC has prepared me well to be- me all those years ago. I am grateful to serve the North Caro-
come a college president. I was mentored by great leaders and lina Community College System in this new role and to help
learned from the best of the best,” said Dr. Merritt. “Starting advance the primary principle of its founder, Dr. Dallas Her-
a presidency during a pandemic will be a challenge. However, ring, of ‘taking people where they are and carrying them as far
I will always take to heart the challenge Dr. (T.E.) Marchant as they can go.’”
gave me when I became a vice president: Always put students
at the center.”

“McDowell Tech has made an outstanding selection and while
CCCC will greatly miss Dr. Merritt, we are happy for him and
for our colleagues at McDowell,” said Dr. Chapman. KATHRYN JOHNSTON TART, PLLC

“Dr. Merritt did an outstanding job for CCCC,” said Dr. March-
ant. “He clearly demonstrated the skills of innovation and lead- KATHRYN TART,
ership. He will do a great job for McDowell Tech.”
ATTORNEY
Dr. Merritt speaks highly of CCCC’s future: “CCCC’s new Vi- info@ kjt-law.com
sion is to provide exceptional learning for all. In the midst of
a pandemic, with the economic situation we are in, it is more Real Estate - Estate Planning
important than ever for community colleges to be nimble and Business Formations - Family Law
to find new, innovative ways to provide learning opportunities
that are relevant to the workforce. I am confident the teams we
have in place will continue to be on the cutting edge,” said Dr. OFFICE: (910)892-3112 FAX: (910)892-4010
Merritt. 209 S. Wilson Ave., Dunn, NC 28334 PO Box 2177, Dunn, NC 28335

While Dr. Merritt will miss CCCC, he looks forward to his
newest challenge at McDowell Tech.
Dustin Hinson Insurance Agency Inc.
“McDowell Tech has a great reputation. It is a solid institution Dustin Hinson, Agent
with strong partnerships in its community,” said Dr. Merritt. 1109 W Broad Street
“My wife, Jessi, and I are both alumni of Appalachian State Dunn, NC 28334-4601
University. We are thrilled about the opportunity to live in and Bus 910.892.7003 Fax 910.892.7263
raise our small family in a town like Marion. Community is [email protected]
important to us, and that was the primary factor that drew us to www.dunnsf.com
this opportunity at MTCC.” NMLS#1239716 NMLS MLO #912429
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Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there
Harnett Life ~ Winter 2020