Presidential Search

President Candidate Profile

History

FTCC enjoys a rich history that began as a result of a vision shared by concerned business leaders in Cumberland County, NC who recognized the need for a local institution to provide job training for area industries and educational opportunities for high school graduates and adult learners. From that vision and through the perseverance of those leaders, the Fayetteville Area Industrial Education Center (IEC) was established in 1961. Two years later, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill creating the statewide Community College System, and from this opportunity in that same year, the Fayetteville Area IEC became known as Fayetteville Technical Institute (FTI). In January 1988, the name of the College changed to Fayetteville Technical Community College to broaden and enhance the public image of technical and vocational postsecondary education.

From the College’s humble beginning, with just one building (Lafayette Hall) to its current 130-acre Fayetteville campus, plus multiple outlying educational centers and undeveloped properties.  FTCC has grown not only in numbers of buildings and acreage but also in student enrollment with moderate declines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following chart reflects the measured growth in number of facilities from 1961 to present:

New Facility Projects Coming Soon 

• FTCC, Cumberland County Regional Fire and Rescue Training Center, including Swift Water Rescue Training
• Nursing Education and Simulation Center (Repurposing of the Early Childhood Center)
• Addition of a Softball Field
• Regional Truck Driver Training Center

Programs: 

The Trustees recognize the College is well-positioned to take advantage of its internal strengths and capitalize on new opportunities in its programs of instruction, for curriculum and corporate and continuing education. The College currently has 94 associate degree offerings, 17 diploma offerings, and 207 certificate opportunities supplemented by the largest corporate and continuing education program within the NC Community College System.

The College is a leader in class offerings with multiple instructional modalities, including face-to-face, on-line, hybrid and hyflex to meet the changing educational needs of students. FTCC has been a leader in on-line instruction for many years including allowing students to complete selected programs in an online modality of instruction. The flexibility of program offerings allows civilian and military students to complete their education regardless of changes in their location  while attending the College.

FTCC Trojan athletic programs include baseball, softball, basketball and volleyball.  Opportunities to participate in National Junior College Athletic Association Region 10 sports allow students to demonstrate their pride and enthusiasm for Trojan players and the College.

The Candidate:

The Trustees seek a charismatic and visionary leader to further build upon the significant successes of our current President, Dr. J. Larry Keen, who announced his intention to retire on January 1, 2023. Dr. Keen served as President for the past 15 years, continually moving the College on an upward trajectory of student success, retention, job placement and/or college transfer. The President works collaboratively with faculty, staff and business/government leaders throughout the College service-area and beyond.

Presidential Profile and Professional Skills and Talents:

• Visionary leader that inspires trust, empathy and compassion
• Focused on student success in achievement, retention, and job placement or transfer to continue education goals
• Strong supporter of community colleges
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with governmental and business leaders to affect positive growth and expansion
• Reputable engagement in workforce development activities
• Able to maintain trust and support of faculty and staff through dynamic team-building
• Expand economic development support for activities across the region, including building of new classes or programs to support regional educational and industry needs
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
• Willingness to take measured risks, as needed, to expand College academic student success and operational success across the College
• Strong knowledge of budgets and other financial documents to effectively and efficiently operate a large community college
• Personnel management skills, including strong support for diversity, equity and inclusion
• College representation, as needed, across the region, state and nationally
• Understanding and articulating the concept of business success through education
• Strong knowledge and vision for fundraising to support educational programs and students
• Strong supporter of the military and their dependents, and able to expand educational support in the military environment
• Strong believer and supporter of the general education proponent of education
• Experience in accreditation compliance standards
• Knowledge of non-discrimination and Title IX compliance requirements for a large public college
• Enthusiastic, approachable, and compassionate
• Enjoy community engagement activities to promote the College
• Project management competencies to achieve high levels of efficiency and effectiveness across the College divisions

Required Qualifications: 

• Earned master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of 5 years senior-level experience or equivalent
• Documented evidence of team building through consensus in prior executive-level experience(s)

Preferred Experience: 

• Earned doctorate from an accredited college or university
• Successful faculty or staff community college experience
• Prior experience in fundraising and grants management
• Prior experience in workforce development activities
• Successful experience in fundraising and grants management
• Prior experience managing a large multi-divisional budget

The North Carolina Community College System:   

The North Carolina Community College System Office’s (NCCCS) mission is to open the door to high-quality, accessible educational opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success, develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce, and improve the lives and well-being of individuals by providing:

• Education, training and retraining for the workforce including basic skills and literacy education, occupational and pre-baccalaureate programs
• Support for economic development through services to and in partnership with business and industry and in collaboration with the University of North Carolina System and private colleges and universities
• Services to communities and individuals which improve the quality of life

The NC State Board of Community Colleges has adopted a strategic plan to guide the North Carolina Community College System through 2022. The plan is titled “Putting Education to Work”. FTCC is governed by a local Board of Trustees, as one of the 58 community colleges in NC, and continues to fully support the State Board’s vision and goals for the System.

FTCC Mission:

Serve our community as a learning-centered institution to build a globally competitive workforce that supports economic development.  (Last reaffirmed by the Board of Trustees on February 21, 2022)

FTCC Purpose:

The purpose of Fayetteville Technical Community College is to provide affordable vocational-technical, business and industry, general education, college transfer, and continuing education programs, which meet the needs and desires of its diverse students and economic development needs for the community. To improve the educational base of society, FTCC encourages life-long learning and strives to prepare students for further workforce and educational experiences.

FTCC identifies the educational needs of applicants and assists students in satisfying these needs at a minimal expense. Each adult who applies will be admitted to a program appropriate to his/her abilities and interests. The College is in partnership with the public-school system through College Connections and other programs. Further, agreements with four-year colleges and universities support the educational continuum from high school through the baccalaureate degree.

Curricular programs reflect the changing technical, commercial, industrial, and health needs of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and surrounding areas. Various curricula offer certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees.  As a learning-centered College, FTCC offers courses and programs at times and places convenient to students in a variety of delivery modes.  Courses are also available for high school graduates who need additional academic preparation before attempting college work.

FTCC provides instruction in life skills needed to contribute effectively to society.  Continuing Education programs are designed to meet specific needs in educational competencies, high school completion, upgrading occupational skills, and other avocational or practical skills required for the rapidly changing technological advances in the community. (Last Reaffirmed: February 21, 2022)

FTCC Institutional Goals:

• Goal 1: Increase the number of students earning degrees, diplomas, and/or certificates by responding to student and community needs and successfully preparing students for transfer to continue their education and/or their career goals
• Goal 2: Maintain a culture of quality customer service and continuous improvement
• Goal 3: Ensure fiscal responsibility, accountability and financial stability
• Goal 4: Focus on improving the economic mobility of citizens in Cumberland County, and the region, through workforce preparedness that aligns with business needs supporting economic development initiatives

Quality Enhancement Plan: 

The College’s accreditation was reaffirmed in December 2021 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.  As part of this reaffirmation, the Quality Enhancement Plan, FTCC C.A.R.E.S. (Coaching, Advising, Realizing, Engaging, Succeeding) was approved to further expand the College’s ongoing commitment for Student Success.

To apply:  

All applications and supporting materials must be submitted electronically by clicking on the following link: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com/postings/6372

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter (limited to 5 or less pages), resume or curriculum vitae, copy of earned master’s degree or doctorate-level graduate transcript, list of six professional references, with current address and telephone number(s) for their business and personal telephones. Any additional documents will be considered at the discretion of the committee.  Documents submitted outside the electronic applicant tracking system (at the link above) will not be considered by the Presidential Search Committee.

Open and Closing Date: 

The position will open for application submission on May 17, 2022 and will close at midnight on June 15, 2022. The Trustees will not accept or examine applications received after the position closing time and date.

For more information related to this position, please visit the FTCC Presidential Search website.

Fayetteville Technical Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer

President Job Description

General Summary Statement (Exempt)

The President is the chief executive officer of the College and is responsible directly to the Board of Trustees.

Specific Responsibilities

Receives supervision from the Board of Trustees.

Exercises direct supervision over the Executive Council members and indirectly supervises all other College employees.

Essential Duties—Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Demonstrate innovative and creative leadership while guiding all College personnel and operations.

Guide the strategic vision to sustain student success and the College’s drive toward excellence.

Motivate and support the faculty and staff in their efforts to provide high quality and accessible programs and services to students.

Exemplify administrative integrity, set high standards for himself/herself, accept full responsibility and accountability, and demonstrate ethical, fair, honest leadership and exemplary personal qualities.

Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to instill in others a passion for the mission and a commitment to the core values, traditions and past successes of the College.

Demonstrate sensitivity to and an appreciation of diversity, equity and inclusiveness and promote cultural diversity with a record of building consensus and reaching out to various and diverse stakeholders.

Understand and maintain proper relationships between the Board of Trustees and the President. Provide oversight of financial resource management and direct equitable and effective allocation of resources.

Expand the resource base of the College by obtaining additional funding through the Foundation, grants and other alternative means.

Expand the use of technology and other innovative tools in support of institutional success.

Make decisions and collaborate with faculty, staff and other stakeholders when appropriate.

Visible leader who is approachable and accessible to constituents internal and external to the College.

Work effectively with students, faculty, staff and administration.

Maintain balanced support for quality programs and services across the College in all programs and all areas.

Provide direction and oversight for the College’s intercollegiate athletics program and exercise ultimate responsibility for appropriate administrative and financial control of the program.

Champion the College’s role in economic development and workforce preparation.

Serve as an articulate spokesperson for the College locally, statewide, nationally and internationally.

Demonstrate political astuteness with proven advocacy skills and a solid understanding of local, state and national legislative processes.

Build partnerships with business/industry, educational entities, military officials, and other community groups or agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree – An earned master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience – A minimum of five years senior level administrative experience or the equivalent.
• Documented evidence of team-building through consensus in prior executive-level experience(s).

Preferred Qualifications/Requirements

• Degree – An earned doctorate from an accredited institution.
• Successful faculty or staff community college experience.
• Prior experience in fundraising and grants management.
• Prior experience in workforce development activities.
• Prior experience managing a large multi-divisional budget.

Institutional Information

Fayetteville Technical Community College is the third largest of North Carolina’s 58 public community colleges. 

Established in 1961, FTCC serves more than 27,000 students (unduplicated) in a wide variety of Curriculum and Corporate and Continuing Education programs. Courses are offered in person on two campuses and at six other off-site locations in Cumberland County and also online, in both synchronous and asynchronous settings. [Read More]

Timeline (Anticipated)

• April 25-29: Conduct focus groups. Please click here to see the schedule.
• May 1: Online survey closes.
• May 2-6: Staff compiles results of survey and focus groups and drafts profile and job announcement.
• May 16: Presidential Search Committee meets, reviews results of survey and focus group responses. Considers a presidential profile and an application process.
• May 17: Solicitation of applications begins.
• June 15: The application period ends. All applications are made available to the Presidential Search Committee and the Board of Trustees.  Staff begin its identification of top 15 candidates.
• June 22: Staff notifies Presidential Search Committee of its top 15 candidates.
• June 23-24: Presidential Search Committee meets and selects semi-finalists to interview via Zoom.
• July 11-15: Presidential Search Committee meets and interviews semi-finalists via Zoom. 
• August 1-5: Full Board meets and interviews its top three candidates.  Each candidate spends a day at the College meeting with various groups and being interviewed by the Board.
• August 15: Full Board meets, selects its president and forwards the selection to the State Board.
• September 23: State Board considers/approves the candidate selected.