Bob Shiles

Staff writer

LUMBERTON — The search for Robeson Community College’s next president is under way with one seat on the college’s board of trustees still unfilled after being vacant for several months.

The seat, which is one of four gubernatorial appointments to the board, has been vacant since Alicia Oxendine resigned to pursue new career opportunities.

Harvey Godwin, owner of Two Hawk Employment Services in Lumberton, is being considered for the seat. Godwin said he does not know if he the only candidate being considered for the position by the governor.

“But I think we will hear something soon,” he said.

The RCC board includes 13 members, four appointed by the governor, four appointed by the Public Schools of Robeson County, and four appointed by the Robeson County Board of Commissioners. The 13th member is a student elected by the student body, who by state statute also serves as the president of the Student Government Association.

As of Tuesday, the Governor’s Office had not provided answers to a reporter’s questions about the status of Godwin’s application. There also was no indication of when the appointment might be made.

Godwin has been closely aligned with the college for the past 10 years. He has served two years as chairman of the board of directors for the Robeson Community College Foundation, as well as serving eight years as a foundation board member.

“If I am appointed as a trustee, I will have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Robeson County,” Godwin said. “Having been involved with RCC for 10 years, I know the impact the college has had on improving the lives of the students, faculty, staff and everyone else associated with the college.”

The search for President Charles Chrestman’s successor was launched earlier this month. Chrestman announced in July that he would retire effective Dec. 31, one day before his 10-year anniversary at the college.

The college’s trustees expect to have their next president named by February. The position is being advertised in two national publications — “Chronicle of Higher Education” and “Community College Times” — and on the college’s website.

The trustees are being assisted in their search by consultant Donny Hunter, the president and CEO of the N.C. Community College Trustees Association. Hunter is also president of National Search and Education Consulting, a private company that conducts searches for college presidents.

According to the presidential search schedule, applicants will be reduced to 10 to 12 semifinalists by Nov. 1, with five to six finalists being selected at a meeting of the trustees on Nov. 28.

Finalists will be interviewed by Jan. 10. The trustees will then submit a name and two alternates to Scott Ralls, president of the North Carolina Community College System, who will then put that name before the state Board of Community Colleges for final approval.

Reach staff writer Bob Shiles at 919-272-6117 or bshiles@heartlandpublications.com.