Robeson Community College is pleased to announce that after a nationwide search, it has selected Dr. Johnny Smith to lead as the new Vice President of Instruction and Student Support Services.

Smith comes to RCC with a wealth of knowledge for the position with almost 30 years of experience in education. He also brings an energized spirit to campus that seemingly cannot be contained, as demonstrated by his love for people, shown through his words, expressions, and laughter as he is seen greeting students, staff, and faculty.

“I have a love for the community college system and I really wanted to give back and support student success,” stated Smith in a press release. “I have seen firsthand the impact that education and that community college has had on the lives of students and families and I want to be a part of that… I’m looking to add value to people, I’m looking for meaning… at this point in my life, meaning and adding value to people’s lives is true wealth for me.”

Smith started his career in K-12 education holding various positions for five years until he discovered the joy of working with adult learners at Isothermal Community College.

While at Isothermal, he served in various positions including that of an adjunct instructor; health science advisor; director of the career center; dean of learning, support, and retention; and dean of health and public services. Each experience helped to prepare him for the next few roles he would have including that of Vice President of Student Development Services and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Pitt Community College, Associate Vice Chancellor of External Affairs at Fayetteville State University, and now Vice President at Robeson Community College.

Smith, a native of Shelby, received his bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee, and is a three-time graduate of Appalachian State University, earning a master’s degree in education, an education specialist degree, and a doctorate degree in educational leadership.

A first-generation college student himself, with parents who were textile workers, Smith says that he understands the challenges students face and wants to help them realize their full potential, meeting them from where they are and taking them to where they want to go.

“Here at Robeson Community College, we have a desire and passion to see students succeed,” Smith said. “We can be that launching pad, that beacon of hope, that ray of light for students who may feel like they can’t make it.”

“Coming to Robeson Community College and serving under President Singler’s leadership is a good fit for me,” Smith said in a press release. “I enjoy working in diverse settings and I love going out in the community and building community partnerships…. I appreciated the opportunity to transition over to the university system… but I’ll be honest with you, I started missing all the things that we do with helping students achieve economic mobility and prosperity.

“Overall, I knew I had to be back in the middle of student engagement, student involvement with faculty and staff,” Smith stated in a press release. “I’m so glad to be here at Robeson Community College and to have an opportunity to work with President Singler, the Board of Trustees, the Executive Team, and our faculty, staff, and students.”

“All of these incremental steps along the way and where I am now have prepared me for this time, this season to be at Robeson Community College,” Smith said in a press release. “It’s my time, this is the place for me and I am excited about this new chapter of possibilities.”