
CCC’s Jason Hurst named President of the Year
(January 27, 2021 Issue)
The NC State Board of Community Colleges on January 21, 2021, announced its selection of Dr. Jason Hurst, president of Cleveland Community College, as the recipient of the 2021 President of the Year Award.
Dr. Hurst arrived at CCC in April 2018 with a clear vision to grow the College, strengthening its community presence, expanding its top-quality educational opportunities and fostering highly effective partnerships with industry.
In addition, he has led the launch of Yeti Athletics, not only recognizing the strong correlation between a vibrant athletics program and student retention but also working to deepen the College’s relationship with the broader community.
In the award announcement, the State Board of Community Colleges said:
Dr. Hurst came to Cleveland Community College with extensive experience in workforce education and economic development in several states. His career includes leadership roles at community colleges in Florida and Alabama, most recently Senior Director for Workforce Development for the Alabama Community College System. As president of Cleveland Community College, Dr. Hurst has championed strong relationships with industry and community partners. His accomplishments include expanding the Electrical Lineworker program to include CDL truck driver training, and renovating BLET and Criminal Justice classrooms to include a defensive tactics training space and an interactive firearms simulator. He is currently overseeing the construction of an Advanced Technology Center to address local workforce training needs. Dr. Hurst also worked with the college’s Chief Financial Officer to purchase simulation software for virtual instruction and software for virtual advising to help keep students and staff safe during the pandemic.
Commenting on the award, Dr. Hurst said, “I am so honored and grateful for this recognition. This is a great day in the life of our college and a true testament to the tremendous work we are doing at CCC. We have a wonderful team, and this award reflects our group’s effort. We are a part of this community and strive to meet meeting its needs and those of our business and industry partners.”
The NC State Board of Community Colleges on January 21, 2021, announced its selection of Dr. Jason Hurst, president of Cleveland Community College, as the recipient of the 2021 President of the Year Award.
Dr. Hurst arrived at CCC in April 2018 with a clear vision to grow the College, strengthening its community presence, expanding its top-quality educational opportunities and fostering highly effective partnerships with industry.
In addition, he has led the launch of Yeti Athletics, not only recognizing the strong correlation between a vibrant athletics program and student retention but also working to deepen the College’s relationship with the broader community.
In the award announcement, the State Board of Community Colleges said:
Dr. Hurst came to Cleveland Community College with extensive experience in workforce education and economic development in several states. His career includes leadership roles at community colleges in Florida and Alabama, most recently Senior Director for Workforce Development for the Alabama Community College System. As president of Cleveland Community College, Dr. Hurst has championed strong relationships with industry and community partners. His accomplishments include expanding the Electrical Lineworker program to include CDL truck driver training, and renovating BLET and Criminal Justice classrooms to include a defensive tactics training space and an interactive firearms simulator. He is currently overseeing the construction of an Advanced Technology Center to address local workforce training needs. Dr. Hurst also worked with the college’s Chief Financial Officer to purchase simulation software for virtual instruction and software for virtual advising to help keep students and staff safe during the pandemic.
Commenting on the award, Dr. Hurst said, “I am so honored and grateful for this recognition. This is a great day in the life of our college and a true testament to the tremendous work we are doing at CCC. We have a wonderful team, and this award reflects our group’s effort. We are a part of this community and strive to meet meeting its needs and those of our business and industry partners.”