COA’s Dr. Jack Bagwell named N.C. Community Colleges’ President of the Year
College of The Albemarle President Dr. Jack Bagwell has been named the 2024 President of the Year by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges.
The award, sponsored by the John M. Belk Endowment, “recognizes Bagwell’s exceptional leadership qualities, steadfast commitment to the community college mission, and achievements in furthering higher education within North Carolina”, according to a press release.
“College of the Albemarle has a rich history and an integral role in our community, and Dr. Bagwell is ensuring that it remains at the heart of the Albemarle region,” said W. David Harris, Chair of the COA Board of Trustees. “His infectious leadership style has a profound impact, and he truly deserves recognition as one of the finest in his profession.”
“His innovative approach and dedication to excellence have advanced our institution and set a standard for community colleges nationwide,” Harris said. “This award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions.”
Bagwell began his tenure as the 11th President of College of The Albemarle on December 2, 2019.
He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Winthrop University and his doctorate in educational studies with a specialization in educational leadership and higher education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
In addition to his earned degrees, Dr. Bagwell has participated in the Executive Leadership Institute offered through the League for Innovation in Community Colleges and the South Carolina Technical College System’s Leadership Academy.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition, which I contribute to the COA team’s efforts and commitment,” Bagwell said.
“Our achievements are the result of the hard work, innovation, and spirit of collaboration that defines our college community,” Bagwell said. “I am grateful for this opportunity to lead an institution that truly makes a difference in our students’ lives and the broader community.”
“He cares about people, he cares about COA, he cares about our community and you can see that in day-to-day interactions. I like to think when people are not looking, he’s still the same person and that’s pretty amazing,” said Kris Burris, Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Management at College of the Albemarle.
“I like to keep doing things and changing things, and there’s no better place to do that than the community colleges. We have to be nimble and swift, and have to make decisions fast and deliver on those decisions,” Bagwell said. “The magic behind being president of the year is having good people doing great things every day at a wonderful college.”
Bagwell’s career in community colleges began over 33 years ago at York Technical College in South Carolina, where he served 23 years in various roles, including biology instructor, instructional specialist, dean of learning resources, culminating in associate vice president of academic affairs and interim vice president for development.
He transitioned to Piedmont Technical College (PTC) in South Carolina, serving from 2014 until he accepted the position at COA. He served as vice president of academic affairs during his tenure at PTC.
Bagwell developed expertise in accreditation-related issues during his career by serving on many Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation committees.
He has also worked in his local communities by serving on committees and taskforces, primarily focusing on education, quality of life, and economic development issues.
Dr. Bagwell is an ex-officio board member on the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Economic Development Commission, and the Edenton-Chowan Partnership. He also serves on the College of The Albemarle Foundation Board and is an Elizabeth City Rotary Club member.
In addition to his community-based service, Bagwell is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Coastal Studies Institute, a multi-institutional research partnership located in Wanchese.
The President of the Year Award, presented by the NC State Board of Community Colleges and sponsored by the John M. Belk Endowment, exemplifies the importance of visionary leadership in promoting the community college mission.
