PCC Hires Smith to Oversee Student Services

WINTERVILLE—Following an extensive search process, interviews, surveys and meet-and-greets, Pitt Community College has selected Dr. Johnny Smith to serve as vice president of its Student Development Services Division.

Smith, who started Jan. 16, spent 17 years with Isothermal Community College in Spindale, N.C., before joining PCC’s senior staff. He was most recently Isothermal’s Dean of Health and Public Services.

PCC President G. Dennis Massey says Smith will be “an important leader and strong advocate for student learning” at the college, adding that he has “hit the ground running.”

“Pitt Community College is fortunate, indeed, to have an energetic and highly-qualified leader in Student Development Services, like Dr. Smith,” Massey said. “He is truly committed to students and will be a major voice for their needs and priorities on the President’s Leadership Team.”

As vice president, Smith will oversee personnel responsible for everything from admissions and counseling to career services and student activities. He says he is looking forward to his division engaging and equipping students for success along with the interaction the job entails.

“I love working with people,” Smith says. “People are my passion. Serving in this capacity allows me to work directly with students, staff and faculty.”

In addition to becoming more familiar with PCC and eastern North Carolina, in general, Smith says his immediate goals include serving as a mentor and encourager for students and collaborating with Pitt County Schools officials and community leaders.

As someone who enjoys motivational books by Dr. John Maxwell, Smith maintains a positive outlook on life. “I don’t see challenges,” he says. “I see opportunities.”

A Shelby native, Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in human services from Carson Newman University in Tennessee. He completed a master’s degree in higher education administration at Appalachian State University as well as an educational specialist degree in teaching and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership.

In nearly two decades with Isothermal, Smith served in a variety of positions, most dealing with student services. He was a counselor, Career Center director and Dean of Learning before accepting the Dean of Health and Public Services position in 2014. His professional background also includes five years in public education with Cleveland County Schools.

In his free time, Smith said he enjoys CrossFit workouts and attending church.

01/29/2018