Regional Community College leaders gather at Sandhills Community College with new System President Monty Sullivan

Sandhills Community College hosted North Carolina Community College System President Dr. Monty Sullivan as part of his regional introduction to North Carolina and its community colleges.

Sullivan and Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Stewart, President of Sandhills Community College, were joined with other college presidents and leaders from Fayetteville Technical CC; Robeson CC; Richmond CC; Montgomery CC; and South Piedmont CC for a morning discussion at the Dempsey Student Center. A facilitated conversation took place later in the afternoon with area community leaders to discuss workforce, economic development and education needs of Moore County. They met at the USGA Golf House in Pinehurst.

“The visit gave us an important opportunity to showcase our people, programs, campuses, and the distinctive ways we serve Moore and Hoke Counties,” said Stewart. “It was nice to hear from the other college president’s too regarding their initiatives with skilled trades and accessible education to citizens in their districts too.”

A facilitated discussion of regional workforce needs, economic opportunities, challenges facing community colleges, and priorities for the future of North Carolina’s community college system allowed Dr. Sullivan to hear directly from presidents and trustees and strengthen relationships across the region. Together, they gathered perspectives that can inform system strategic planning and the future of North Carolina’s community college system.

Invited guests to the afternoon session included Sullivan; interested community college presidents and trustees; NCCCS leadership; USGA leadership; Mickey Foster, CEO, FirstHealth; JR Mullis, CEO, Watchtower; David O’Donahue, COO Pinehurst Resorts, Natalie Hawkins, President, Moore County Economic Development Partnership; Linda Parsons, President, Moore County Chamber of Commerce; Representative Neal Jackson; Sandhills Community College leadership; and additional regional business/industry representatives.

Community and industry leaders shared opportunities and challenges facing their organizations, discussed current and future talent needs, and identified ways community college partnerships can support continued economic growth and regional prosperity in Moore County.

“Overall, we want to glean what opportunities are driving growth and success in Moore County and the Sandhills region, what workforce or talent challenges pose the greatest threat to sustained growth and economic competitiveness and how Sandhills Community College and the North Carolina Community College System help address those challenges and better support employers, industries, and communities,” said Stewart. “It was a productive day and we were pleased to welcome Dr. Sullivan to our beautiful Sandhills region and I would say, one the most beautiful community college campuses in North Carolina of the fifty-eight.”

To learn more about workforce development at Sandhills Community College, visit:

https://www.sandhills.edu/workforce-development/index.html

Oct. 23, 2026

Jennifer J. Pearce

SCC Director of Marketing and Communications

Feature photo is courtesy of SCC Rick Brown. Leaders gathered for the morning session at Sandhills Community College included:

1st Row L to R

Claudia Robinette, Richmond CC, Board Chair

Dr. Stacy Waters-Bailey, South Piedmont CC, President

Dr. Julie Voigt, Sandhills CC, Chief of Staff

Pat Kahle, South Piedmont CC, Board Chair

Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Stewart, Sandhills CC, President

2nd Row L to R

Dr. Chad Bledsoe, Montgomery CC, President

Gordon Knowles, Montgomery CC, Board Chair

Alex Fagg, NC Community College System, Vice President of Governmental & External Relations

Dr. Monty Sullivan, NC Community College System, President

Larry Caddell, Sandhills CC, Board Chair