James Sprunt Community College’s Board of Trustees has narrowed the search for the college’s next President to four candidates.
Those candidates are:
- Dr. Dean Roughton, who is currently serving as Vice President of Institutional Research, Planning, Effectiveness and Technology; SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison at College of The Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC.
- Dr. Robin Ross, who is currently serving as Vice President of K64 and Talent Development at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, NC.
- Dr. Shannon Hair, who is currently serving as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Development at Danville Community College in Danville, VA.
- Dr. Dustin Walston, who is currently serving as Vice President of Curriculum/Chief Academic Officer at James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville, NC.
Following protocol established by the North Carolina Community College System, the Board of Trustees forwarded the names of the finalists to the State Board of Community Colleges and received their approval. The four candidates have been invited to the college for public forums in which community members, students, faculty, and staff will have an opportunity to meet with the candidates.
The forums will be held on December 9, 10, 15, and 16 at 3:30 p.m. in the Monk Auditorium of the Hoffler Building at James Sprunt Community College. A virtual attendance option will also be available, with access details shared prior to the forums. Following each forum, participants will have the opportunity to share their perceptions anonymously of the candidate on the James Sprunt Community College’s Presidential Search web page which will then be shared with the Board of Trustees.
The schedule of candidates are as follows:
- December 9 – Dr. Dean Roughton
- December 10 – Dr. Robin Ross
- December 15 – Dr. Shannon Hair
- December 16 – Dr. Dustin Walston
The Board of Trustees began the search process in September. A nationwide search was conducted under the guidance of Executive Leadership Associates (ELA). ELA is a consortium of former North Carolina Community College Presidents who are committed to ensuring that North Carolina’s internationally recognized community college system continues its proud tradition of excellence.
The board plans to have the new president in place by February 1, 2026.
Below are biographies of each of the four candidates:
Dr. Dean Roughton serves as Vice President of Institutional Research, Planning, Effectiveness, and Technology: SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison at the College of The Albemarle (COA) in Elizabeth City, NC. A longtime North Carolina community college leader, he has spent more than two decades advancing student success, institutional quality, and workforce development across the region. Since joining COA in 2006, Dr. Roughton has held progressive leadership roles, including Dean of Arts and Sciences, SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison, and Division Chair. Prior to his tenure at COA, he taught at several institutions across the Carolinas and Michigan, including Central Carolina Community College, Southeastern Community College, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and Oakland University. A North Carolina native, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Arts in English from North Carolina State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University.
Dr. Robin Ross serves as Vice President of K64 and Talent Development at Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) in Hickory, NC. A longtime North Carolina community college leader, she has spent more than two decades advancing workforce development, student success, and collaborative partnerships across the region. Since joining CVCC in 1997, Dr. Ross has held progressive leadership roles, including Dean of the School of Health and Public Services, Director of Clinical Education, and Instructional Coordinator. Before transitioning into higher education leadership, she spent more than a decade in clinical practice and hospital administration, serving in respiratory therapy leadership roles at Frye Regional Medical Center and Iredell Memorial Hospital. A North Carolina native, Dr. Ross holds an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy from Catawba Valley Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from East Carolina University, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University, and a Doctor of Education in Adult and Community College Education from NC State University.
Dr. Shannon L. Hair serves as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Development at Danville Community College (DCC) in Danville, Virginia. A seasoned higher-education leader with more than two decades of experience in community college advancement, workforce development, and economic growth, he has played a central role in expanding student opportunity, strengthening community partnerships, and securing transformational philanthropic support for the college. Since joining DCC in 2010, Dr. Hair has held progressive leadership positions, including Director of Development and Executive Director of the Danville Community College Educational Foundation. Prior to his tenure at DCC, Dr. Hair spent more than a decade in economic development with Dewberry, Inc., leading regional workforce initiatives and supporting localities across Virginia and North Carolina in securing state and federal funding for major projects. He holds an Associate of Applied Science in General Engineering and a Diploma in Drafting and Design from Danville Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Old Dominion University, a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Nebraska, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from National University.
Dr. Dustin Walston serves as Vice President of Curriculum/Chief Academic Officer at James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) in Kenansville, North Carolina. An experienced educator with more than 18 years of leadership in K–12 and higher education, he has focused his career on strengthening academic quality, expanding workforce pathways, and advancing student success across eastern North Carolina. Since joining JSCC in 2021, Dr. Walston has provided strategic oversight for all curriculum programs, served as Accreditation Liaison, and led key areas including Distance Learning, Library Services, Career and College Promise, Early College, and College and Career Readiness. Before joining JSCC, Dr. Walston spent nearly a decade at Lenoir Community College in roles including Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education and Director of Transitional and Career Studies, where he led one of the system’s largest continuing education and basic skills divisions. A North Carolina native, Dr. Walston holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in Education in Reading, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from East Carolina University. He is also a graduate of the NC Community College Leadership Program.
James Sprunt Community College is excited to host each of the four finalists on campus for interviews and open-forum conversations with community members, students, faculty, and staff. These visits will provide the Duplin County community an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and learn about their vision for the College’s future. JSCC is grateful to every finalist for their commitment to serving our community and supporting the success of our students.
