Presidential Search

A Legacy of Leadership: JSCC President Jay Carraway to Retire in February 2026

With deep gratitude and admiration, James Sprunt Community College announces the retirement of President Jay Carraway, a leader whose vision, dedication, and heart have profoundly shaped our college and community. After six years of extraordinary service as president and a remarkable 43-year career in education, President Carraway will retire in February 2026, leaving behind a legacy of growth, innovation, and family spirit that will forever define JSCC.

In his message to faculty and staff, Carraway reflected,

“Serving as President of JSCC has been the most meaningful and rewarding period of my 43-year career in education. Since I joined this incredible community on April 29, 2019, we have accomplished so much together.”

In announcing his retirement, Carraway emphasized his commitment to serving with excellence until his final day. His legacy of growth, innovation, and family spirit ensures that James Sprunt Community College is positioned for an even brighter future.

Looking ahead, the Board of Trustees will soon begin the Presidential Search to identify the next leader of JSCC. We invite our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to join in this critical process by completing the survey below and sharing the qualities and attributes you believe are most vital in our next president. Your voice matters, and together, we will help shape the next chapter of James Sprunt Community College.

Presidential Search Update

James Sprunt Community College has completed the initial stages of its presidential search, including accepting applications and conducting first-round screenings. The Search Committee has now selected finalists who will participate in community forums. These sessions mark the next step in gathering input from students, employees, and community members as we work toward identifying the next president of JSCC.

James Sprunt Community College Presidential Finalists Announced

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 currently serves as Vice President of Curriculum/Chief Academic Officer at James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville, NC.

         

Click here to learn more about each finalist!

We Invite You to the Community Forums

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 community 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 via the links shared below. Following each forum, participants will have the opportunity to share their perceptions anonymously of the candidate, which will then be shared with the Board of Trustees.

The schedule of candidates are as follows:

December 9 – Dr. Dean Roughton
3:30 PM, Monk Auditorium
Live link: YouTube Live

December 10 – Dr. Robin Ross
3:30 PM, Monk Auditorium
Live link: YouTube Live

December 15 – Dr. Shannon Hair
3:30 PM, Monk Auditorium
Live link: YouTube Live

December 16 – Dr. Dustin Walston
3:30 PM, Monk Auditorium
Live link: YouTube Live

The board plans to have the new president in place by February 1, 2026.

    Presidential Candidate Feedback (anonymous)


    Following your attendance at the forum (either virtually or in person),
    please provide your perception of the presidential candidate and be sure
    to reference the candidate by name in your feedback. Your participation
    strengthens the search process and helps shape the future of James Sprunt
    Community College. Please note that all feedback is anonymous.


    (Required)