On Tuesday, July 9, Sampson Community College (SCC) reappointed two faithful members to the Board of Trustees (BOT): Sandra Carroll and Herb Sanderson, while also swearing in new member, Clay Strickland for 2024-2028.

SCC is governed by a volunteer board of twelve trustees appointed by the governor, the Sampson County Board of Commissioners, and the Sampson County Board of Education. Trustees are sworn in for a four-year term and are eligible for reappointment.

Among their responsibilities, trustees establish collegiate policies, approve the annual budget, and overall serve as advocates for both the College and its students.

As a dedicated educator for over forty years, Carroll is no stranger to community leadership. A former member of the Sampson County Board of Education, she has faithfully served on the SCC BOT since 2012. Through her reappointment, Carroll hopes to assist SCC in developing greater educational opportunities for all.

“It is an honor to continue to serve,” she shared in a press release. “Thank you again to the commissioners for the confidence they have placed in me all these years. I will make you all proud.”

Like Caroll, Sanderson also boasts a life-long career dedicated to education. Combined, he spent over 30 years working with the state government and as a school administrator with Sampson County Schools. Appointed to the BOT in 2018, Sanderson followed in his father’s footsteps of service, who previously served on the SCC Board for 22 years.

“I’m honored to have been reappointed by the General Assembly and to serve as a Trustee with Sampson Community College,” voiced Sanderson in a press release. “It gives me great joy to be a part of an organization that assists in turning visions into realities. For many, a career change, professional development, college credits, a certification within a trade or an associate degree can change their lives and lifestyles forever. Having a part in that should be satisfying to all involved. Begin at SCC, go anywhere, but please come back to make Sampson County home.”

The newest face to the BOT this year, Strickland comes from a generation of successful farmers in Sampson County. A graduate of North Carolina State University with his B.A. in Business Management, he currently serves on the NC State Agricultural Foundation, Inc. Board as part of the Research and Extension Committee. He’s also the former President of the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina and current President of CMS Farming Company in Clinton, NC.

As a trustee, Strickland brings extensive business and agricultural knowledge to the Board. Through his appointment, he plans to aid in the continuous growth of SCC as it strives to increase its educational and vocational outreach across NC.

He remarked, “It’s a privilege to serve this amazing institution and all that it offers the citizens of Sampson County and surrounding areas. Even more important, I’d like to thank the current County Commissioners and the effort they have made to ensure Sampson Community College continues to be the top tier educational institution in Southeastern NC.”

Strickland’s induction follows the passing of dedicated trustee, Mr. Russell “Pat” Jones who proudly served on the SCC Board since 1998.

During the meeting, Dr. Ted Thomas, Chair of the BOT; and Larinda Haight, Vice-Chair of the BOT, were also re-elected to serve in their respective positions throughout the next term. Both have served in their roles since 2020. In addition, Dr. Bill Starling was elected secretary of the Board.