North Carolina’s Community Colleges Primed for Transformation Under New Leadership
A statewide effort to modernize college funding, technology, and workforce training continues as Monty Sullivan begins as acting president
RALEIGH, N.C., AUGUST 24, 2026 – North Carolina’s 58 community colleges are advancing a transformation built around a single goal: preparing students for the careers that power the state’s economy. That work enters a new chapter this week as Dr. Monty Sullivan begins as acting president of the North Carolina Community College System.
That transformation has gathered pace over the past year. Through Propel NC, the system is modernizing how the state funds workforce programs, tying what colleges teach more closely to the high-demand fields driving the economy – from advanced manufacturing and healthcare to construction and information technology. Students are also gaining new ways to pay for fast, career-focused training: the federal Workforce Pell Grant took effect this summer, and North Carolina has already approved its first 43 short-term community college programs, across 16 colleges, for the new aid.
The colleges are modernizing behind the scenes as well, building a new statewide enterprise system and a shared platform to recruit and support students – so that a learner’s access to tools and guidance is shaped by their goals, not by where they live. Much of that work is backed by a historic state investment in this year’s budget, which the General Assembly aimed squarely at workforce development.
In July, the State Board of Community Colleges voted unanimously to elect Sullivan as the system’s next president and CEO, following review by the presidential search committee, an advisory council, and the governor’s office. His nomination is now before the North Carolina General Assembly, with confirmation expected in fall 2026.
“I’m excited to get to work and build on the momentum already underway across North Carolina,” Sullivan said. “Our focus will be on execution, partnership, and results – making sure our 58 community colleges deliver for students, employers, and communities. I look forward to working with the state board, General Assembly, governor, college leaders, and employers to strengthen North Carolina’s workforce for years to come.”
Sullivan brings more than 30 years in higher education and workforce development, including 12 years leading the Louisiana Community & Technical Colleges System, where graduation numbers nearly doubled and the system invested more than $500 million in new and modernized training facilities during Sullivan’s tenure.
About the North Carolina Community College System
The North Carolina Community College System is the engine for workforce development in North Carolina and the only public entity dedicated to providing affordable college access to anyone in the state. The system is governed by North Carolina’s State Board of Community Colleges with administration from the System Office, supported by the North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation, and powered by the 58 community colleges and their respective foundations. Together, the system serves 600,000 students and awards more than 60,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates annually.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
