Local community colleges are built to provide North Carolina businesses with sustainable solutions.

In 1957, the North Carolina General Assembly adopted the first Community College Act and provided funding for community colleges. By 1966, there were 43 institutions with 28,250 full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollments. In 1969, there were 54 institutions with 59,329 FTE. The system had grown very rapidly, exceeding ten percent annually nearly every year until the late 1970s. The number of colleges has not increased since Brunswick Community College became the 58th in 1978. The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) through its Customized Training Program is one of the ten partners of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP).

The mission of the NCCCS is to open the door to high-quality, accessible educational opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success, develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce, and improve the lives and well-being of individuals by providing education, support and services. NCCCS also helps businesses to recruit the talent and skills needed, train and develop their workforce to help retain their employees, and expand their workforce to meet the growing and diversified needs.

We’re clocking in with the vice president of economic development of NCCCS, Dr. Bruce Mack. Dr. Mack has earned an associate’s in applied science from Gaston College, a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering Technology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a Master’s in Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Doctorate in Education from Gardner-Webb University.

In this episode, Mintz and Dr. Mack discuss the relationship between NCMEP and NCCCS, the journey Dr. Mack took to become the vice president of the NCCCS, what solutions NCCCS provides to North Carolina business and more.

NCMEP

North Carolina Community College System

Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.

Dr. Bruce Mack

Dr. Bruce Mack is the vice president of economic development for the North Carolina Community College System. Dr. Mack has earned an associate’s in applied science from Gaston College, a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering Technology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Master’s in Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Doctorate in Education from Gardner-Webb University.