The Cleveland Community College Board of Trustees held a special called meeting on Monday, July 17, 2017 for the purpose of discussing the hiring of an interim president. The Board has selected Dr. William C. (Bill) Aiken to serve as the Interim President of Cleveland Community College. Pending approval by the North Carolina Community College System, he will assume his responsibilities as Interim President at Cleveland Community College on August 1, 2017.
"We have been very impressed with Dr. Aiken's credentials and with him personally," said Wes Westmoreland, Board Chairman. "The Board believes Dr. Aiken will help us move the College forward."
Dr. Aiken, a native Tennessean, completed 30 years of experience in education before coming to North Carolina. His career began as a teacher at the K-12 level progressing to Director of Cooperative Education. After completing his graduate program, he joined the Tennessee Department of Education as an education specialist in vocation education. Later, he accepted a position with the Tennessee Board of Regents as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Institution Research, which involved working with six regional universities and twelve community colleges. Aiken concluded his employment in Tennessee at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he served as Associate Provost and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration.
In 2000, Aiken joined the North Carolina Community College System as President of Sampson Community College until his retirement in 2012. During his tenure, the college made significant progress in serving the needs of business, industry, and students. Growth occurred in enrollment, financial giving, grants and college visibility in the community. Aiken was honored as NC Community College President of the Year in 2010. The Sampson/Clinton Chamber of Commerce recognized him as Business Person of the Year.
Since retirement, Aiken has served as Interim President at Haywood Community College, Rockingham Community College, Paul D. Camp Community College (VA), and Robeson Community College.
"I am pleased to accept the position of Interim President at Cleveland Community College," said Aiken. "It is my hope to continue the long and rich tradition that CCC has established in serving the people of Cleveland County. My aim will be to continue that service by moving the institution forward as the
college serves the students who attend. Equally important is responding to the needs of business, as the college plays an important role in advancing economic development for the region. Whether students are seeking advanced training skills or are hoping to transfer to a four-year institution, we will strive to meet their needs. Being a part of campus life as well as being visible in the community will be among my top priorities. Each of the 58 North Carolina Community Colleges possesses its own uniqueness. I look forward to learning more about the attributes of Cleveland Community College."