Southeastern Community College Board of Trustees has selected Dr. William Aiken to serve as interim president after approval from the State Board of Community Colleges on Friday, October 18.

“Dr. Aiken brings extensive knowledge and experience of community colleges and he understands the mission of SCC. He will become engaged with employees here at SCC and get involved with the initiatives, learning pathways and economic development initiatives. We are grateful and fortunate that he is available to lead the college” said SCC Board of Trustees Chair Henry Edmund.

Aiken is no stranger to community colleges. He served as President of Sampson Community College for 12 years from 2000-2012. He’s also served as Interim President for six other community colleges including Wake Tech, Cleveland and Robeson.  Aiken brings over 40 years of experience in higher education with 20 of those years in the North Carolina Community College System.

“During my time in the North Carolina Community College System, I have often heard of the accomplishments at Southeastern Community College.  I am pleased to become a part of that success.  I hope to see us continue that impetus as we work together during the coming months,” said Aiken. “SCC is a critical part of the economic vitality of Columbus County, and we will aim to insure that there is a well-trained workforce as we strive to meet the needs of business and industry.”

Aiken earned his bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Wesleyan University. He holds both a master’s degree  and doctorate of education from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.