North Carolina goes out of state for its new community college system president

Tom Looney, chair of the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, said Sullivan rose to the top following a comprehensive national search.

“Dr. Sullivan has the passion, experience, vision, character, and proven record to lead our Community College System at the speed of business and innovation,” said Looney. “We are confident he is the right leader.”

Sullivan is credited with helping Louisiana’s community colleges double the annual number of graduates and increasing enrollment to more than 130,000 students.

“North Carolina’s Community College System has built something the rest of the country watches,” Sullivan said in a statement. “That work happens across North Carolina — in welding labs, nursing programs, and early college classrooms. I’m committed to reaching every student who wants a better job and every employer who can’t find enough skilled workers. I’m grateful to the State Board for its confidence, and we will deliver.”

Prior to his retirement in January, Sullivan worked with legislators in both parties in Louisiana to secure requests of more than $500 million for new and modernized training facilities for the state’s 12 community and technical colleges. He also raised more than $72 million in private contributions for student scholarships, endowments, and capital projects.

Sullivan is a Louisiana native who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, a master’s in English education, and his doctorate in education from Louisiana Tech University.

Thursday’s announcement comes almost a full year after Dr. Jeff Cox announced his plans to retire as system president following three years in the position. Cox was preceded by interim president Bill Carver, and Thomas Stith, former chief of staff to Gov. Pat McCrory, who held the title for just 18 months.

While a start date has not been set, Sullivan will serve as the system’s acting president pending contract approval and confirmation by the North Carolina General Assembly.

That approval could come as early as next week when the legislature returns to Raleigh.

NC Community College System to embark on search for new leadership

Lawmakers recently approved a state budget that included $99 million for community college enrollment growth and $57.5 million in recurring funds for Propel NC, the system’s new funding model that prioritizes connecting students to high-demand jobs. Community college faculty and staff received a 3% salary increase and one-time employee bonuses in the FY2026-27 state budget. The spending package also earmarked $250,000 in additional funding for the system president’s compensation.

North Carolina’s community college system serves 600,000 students and adult learners on 58 campuses, awarding more than 60,000 diplomas and certificates annually.