WS Chronicle

On Oct. 19, the Forsyth Technical Community College Board of Trustees named Janet N. Spriggs, Ed.D. the next president of the college, succeeding Gary Green, Ed.D. who announced he would retire in February, following a 17-year career with the college.

Spriggs brings 22 years of service in the North Carolina Community College System, most recently serving as the chief operating officer, and prior to that as the vice president and chief financial officer of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Additionally, she served as vice president of administrative services and  chief financial officer of Carteret Community College.

Recently she was one of 40 leaders selected from community colleges across the nation by The Aspen Institute for the 2018-2019 Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence. This program prepares the next generation of community college presidents to transform institutions to achieve high and equitable levels of student success both in college and in the labor market. 

A native of North Carolina, Spriggs grew up in Milton and attended both Rockingham Community College and Durham Technical Community College as a first generation student. She said this personal experience taught her how critically important access to higher education is for so many students.

“I have witnessed countless life-changing moments that illustrate the power of education to improve lives and indeed change the world, or at least our small corner of the world,” said Spriggs.

“I am committed to diversity and achieving a climate that promotes inclusion and treating everyone with respect. As a leader, I believe leaders are more effective when they lead from within rather than above and by influence instead of authority.”

Spriggs received her doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University in 2018; she received her master’s degree in computing technology from Nova Southeastern University in 1999; and her bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Roger Williams University in 1992.

“The board feels confident that Spriggs can build on the successes of president of Forsyth Tech Gary Green, given her proven leadership style and her student-centric focus,” said Board of Trustees Chair and Co-Chair of the Search Committee Ann Bennett-Phillips. “Her work ethic, energy, passion and experience position her well to further the mission of Forsyth Tech as a creative visionary.”

Spriggs will begin full time in January 2019. At that time, the college will host community forums to introduce Spriggs to the community.