Dr. Lawrence Rouse, JSCC President, Receives President of the Year Award

KENANSVILLE, N.C. – Dr. Lawrence Rouse, president of James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) in Kenansville, was recently named President of the Year by the State Board of Community Colleges.  During Dr. Rouse’s tenure at JSCC, he has strengthened the collaboration between JSCC and Duplin County Schools (DCS) to address educational and workforce challenges.  Under his leadership, JSCC, DCS, parents and community partners implemented a Pre-K to College and Career Readiness program through a shared vision that all students in Duplin County will be prepared for college, career and life success in a global world.  Additionally, Rouse began a three-year capital campaign that has already raised $2 million of the $3 million goal to provide resources for classrooms, student scholarships and staff and faculty development to help strengthen JSCC’s “Bridge to Success.”

On Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 3:00 p.m., Dr. Rouse was honored at a presidential reception in the Boyette Building lobby, on the campus of James Sprunt Community College.  Many colleagues, staff from the system’s office, elected officials, faculty, staff, students, friends and family were present to honor Dr. Rouse’s highest achievement. Greetings and congratulatory remarks were given by Geraldine Tucker, chair of the JSCC Board of Trustees, Bob Kornegay, vice-chair of the JSCC Board of Trustees and Delilah Gomes, JSCC Foundation board director. 

Special tributes were given on behalf of the students by Hunter Pope, president, JSCC Scholarly Men of Success; on behalf of the staff by Stephanie Stuart, executive administrative assistant to the president; on behalf of the President’s Council by June Davis, executive vice president; and on behalf of the faculty by Angela Carr-Grady.  For an added special tribute, Dr. Rouse’s wife, Janie, and children, Lee and Whitney, also shared inspirational words on behalf of their husband and father.  One of Dr. Lawrence Rouse’s mentors, Dr. Donald Reichard, former president of James Sprunt Community College and Johnston Community College, was also present to share congratulatory words on behalf of Dr. Rouse.

“The North Carolina Community College System is the best in the nation because of the people that work here and Lawrence Rouse is the epitome of what is great about the 58!” stated Mr. Scott Shook, State Board Chairman of the North Carolina Community College system, who made a special presentation on this honorable day. “His commitment to excellence and his caring for his students’ future is why he is the President of the Year, the people of North Carolina are better off because he is here! Congratulations Dr. Lawrence Rouse!” 

In closing, Dr. Rouse followed up with special remarks thanking James Sprunt Community College students, faculty, staff, family, Board of Trustees, colleagues and mentors. Dr. Rouse later shared “I am delighted to have my James Sprunt family to join with my family, friends and colleagues to celebrate the honor that has been bestowed upon me as the North Carolina Community College President of the Year.  I am proud to serve this college as president and thankful of the support you have given me over the past 11 years.  Receiving this award is the pinnacle of my career with community colleges.”

A special reception was held immediately following the program.  Music was provided by WL2F of Wilmington, North Carolina. •