Elam will become HCC’s fifth president pending approval of the state community college board.
HCC’s Board of Trustees made the decision this evening during a called meeting at Hampton Inn in Roanoke Rapids.
“Dr. Elam came highly recommended by presidents of other community colleges around the state,” said Michael Felt, chair of the HCC board.
Felt said he believes Elam will continue the work of outgoing president Ervin Griffin Sr.
Felt said the process with the state community college system should not take long and the paperwork will be submitted Wednesday.
Elam said in an interview last week he realizes the challenges Northeastern North Carolina faces. “We need to get our region economically ready to go to work. We need to help position ourselves to draw business and industry back to Northeastern North Carolina.”
He also said in that interview he would like to see the area become a strong catalyst in the community for economic development. “I think that it’s important for us to be out there in the forefront doing what we can to help the community to grow and draw business and industry to the area.”
Elam was chosen from a field of six finalists.