North Carolina community college system selects new leader

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – The man who leads the South Carolina Technical College System will become the next president of North Carolina’s community colleges.

Officials with the State Board of Community Colleges said in a news release that the board voted Thursday to hire James Williamson, who will begin his new position July 1 at an annual salary of $285,000.

According to South Carolina’s salary database, he currently makes $187,000.

Williamson has spent two years as president of South Carolina’s system, which includes 16 colleges and two statewide programs.

Scott Ralls was the previous president of North Carolina’s system of 58 community colleges. He left in September to become president of Northern Virginia Community College.

George Fouts became interim system president in September and will continue in that role until June 30.

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