Jeffrey Cox is resigning as president of the N.C. Community College System, effective next June, he announced to system officials Friday.
The Alleghany County native has had the job since June 2023. Thomas Stith held the post in 2021-22, while Peter Hans was president from 2018-20. Hans is now president of the UNC System.
“This decision comes after thoughtful reflection and discussion with my family,” Cox said in a statement to system officials. “I believe that providing this notice now will allow the Board ample time to plan for a thorough and successful leadership transition process.”
Cox called it the “honor of a lifetime to serve this System, and I remain fully committed to continuing the important work we’ve begun — from advancing Propel NC and workforce-aligned programs to strengthening student success, enrollment, and partnerships across the state.”
The system provides support for the state’s 58 community colleges. Cox reports to a 22-member board.
“Dr. Cox stepped up at a critical moment and brought much-needed stability and experience to the system, serving with heart,” Tom Looney, Chair of the State Board of Community Colleges, said in a release. “We thank him for his service and unwavering commitment to our colleges, students, and communities across North Carolina.”
Cox spent much of his career in K-12 public schools in several N.C. counties. He was superintendent of schools in Alleghany County, then worked nine years as president of Wilkes Community College.
In 2023, system officials picked Cox over a semi-finalist pool that included several current or former college presidents, elected representatives, and former system executives from North Carolina who had key roles at other U.S. college systems, the EdNC website reported at the time.
Cox has recruited several leaders in the system office, including Brian Merritt as chief academic officer, Phillip Price as chief finance officer, John Loyack as vice president of economic development, Chris Harrington as director of ApprenticeshipNC, and Amy Mast as executive director of State Board relations, EdNC reported.
The state board will outline a formal transition process in the months ahead, according to its release.
Cox has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Appalachian State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from UNC Charlotte.
David Mildenberg is editor of Business North Carolina. Reach him at dmildenberg@businessnc.com.