What the Community is Saying
 

Former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt

“I am excited that J.B. Buxton will be the next president of this fine college because he is one of the most forward-thinking education leaders in America. He will be great for education and economic development.”

 

Former Durham Mayor William “Bill” Bell

Search Committee Member

“My participation on the presidential search committee has given mean me an even greater appreciation of Durham Tech's ability to have an outsized impact on our residents' ability to access educational opportunity and the skills needed to obtain the growing number of good paying jobs being created and attracted to the Research Triangle. JB Buxton impressed all of us with his strategic vision and creativity at a time of great social change, his appreciation of collaborative educational and business partnerships and his lifelong passion to lift up the underserved through education. He will be a great addition to Durham and I am confident a worthy successor to President Bill Ingram.”

 

Cathy Collie-Robinson

Director, Durham Tech Early Childhood Education Program
Search Committee Member

“We are excited about the addition of JB Buxton to our community. JB’s experience in the classroom, leadership in shaping educational policy and connections to the communities that Durham Tech serves will be an asset as the college looks to its future. Our commitment to provide students an innovative educational environment that prepares them to meet the workforce needs of our communities requires a continuation of the passionate and disciplined leadership from which Durham Tech has benefitted throughout its history. We are fortunate to have found that in our new president.”

 

Dr. Micara Lewis-Sessoms

Durham Tech Assistant Dean, Business Programs/ Coordinator, Work-Based Education Programs
Search Committee Member

“This is an exciting time for the College’s internal and external communities! JB Buxton has the opportunity to support the great existing work which has situated Durham Tech at the nucleus of education and workforce training for Durham and Orange counties. As we propel forward, we are excited to have a leader at the helm who possesses a shared passion for education and commitment to our mission.”

 

Peter Hans

President of the NC Community College System

“JB has the knowledge, personal skills, and leadership abilities to take Durham Tech to another level. He’s creative. He listens. And he understands how education creates opportunity.”

 

Mark Dorosin

Orange County Board of Commissioners
Durham Tech Board of Trustee Member

“As the Durham Tech trustee representing the Orange County Commissioners, I am delighted by the selection of JB Buxton as our new president. His longtime experience with education issues and policy in North Carolina combined with his commitment to racial equity and social justice will be invaluable as we face new challenges meeting the broad range of educational needs in our community.”

 

Scott Ralls

President of Wake Technical Community College

“JB Buxton has the heart for students, student success and education. He is one of the smartest, most strategic thinkers in education that I’ve known. Community colleges tie together the other parts of education: the public schools and the universities. JB will bring a unique knowledge of how community colleges fit into the larger environment.”

 

Ellen Reckhow

Durham County Commissioner
Durham Tech Board of Trustee Member

“As a Durham Technical Community College Trustee and Durham County Commissioner, I am very pleased that J.B. Buxton will be our next college president. One of the biggest challenges we face in Durham County is preparing our citizens to take the terrific new jobs coming here, particularly in the life sciences sector. With J.B.'s 20 years of leadership experience in education in North Carolina, he will be able to hit the ground running to help create a robust education to work pipeline, working closely with the Durham Public Schools, the Workforce Development Board, local employers, and other key local partners. He recognizes the critical role that community colleges play in promoting economic mobility and equitable outcomes for our citizens.

 

Justin Hall

2019-20 Durham Tech Student Government Association President
Search Committee Member

“Durham Tech’s Student Government Association was thoroughly impressed by JB’s commitment to student success and his refreshing engagement with the students during the interview process. We are enthusiastic to see what opportunities await JB and the rest of our family at the college.”

 

Dr. Catherine Edmonds

Superintendent
, Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools

“I’ve worked with JB for many years, he has a clear understanding of the issues and challenges that face our state. His unique background and experience gives him great insight to understand the k-12 pipeline to higher education and the important role the community college plays in the economic growth of our state. Given my role as Superintendent of Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools and my prior work experience in both K-12 and higher education, I’m confident in his ability to accomplish great things for the community he will serve.”

 

Mike Krause

Executive Director, Tennessee Higher Education Commission

“I have had the privilege of working with JB Buxton for nearly a decade, and his vision and insight regarding higher education is nationally recognized. He has a unique grasp on the crucial intersections of K12 and higher education, is a skilled communicator, and most of all, has a relentless focus on students. JB has been a source of advice and counsel on countless occasions to education leaders across the nation, and will bring that unmatched breadth of experience to this role.”

 

Howard N. Lee

Executive Director of the North Carolina Education Cabinet

“I am delighted that JB Buxton has been chosen to lead the Durham Community College, as President. He is one of the brightest young leaders with whom I worked as Senator, Chairman of the NC Board of education, Executive Director of the Governor’s Education Cabinet, and President of the Howard Lee Institute. He is an insightful individual and educational visionary. I am confident you have might the right choice of the person who can join with the Board to lead the College during these uncertain times.”

 

Sandrika Freeman '20

Human Development and Family Studies Major - Pre-MAT
Resident Advisor - Kenan Community
Undergraduate Advisory Council Member - UNC School of Education
Carolina Athletic Hospitality - Fangineer

“Mr. Buxton is one of the most inspirational educators that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting! He has been a major influence on my educational journey. His class at the University of North Carolina at Chapel - Hill has helped shaped my mind on education policy. As a student, having a professor that is passionate about all aspects of education is extremely important and I am beyond grateful. Even after I left his class in 2017, he has continued to assist me in my educational journey in any way possible! Additionally, he has also been a great sounding board for when I have any questions about my educational journey! I know that he will continue to do great things within the field of education!”

 

Aaron Nelson

President, The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro
Durham Tech Board of Trustee Member (2007-2015)

“The business community is excited to welcome JB Buxton to the presidency and look forward to partnering with him and the talented faculty and staff of Durham Tech to well-prepare the workforce we need to meet the opportunities of today and tomorrow. I am pleased to join the chorus of voices cheering his selection and count myself among the many ready to work with president-select Buxton to build on Durham Tech’s strong foundation as we leap at the future.”

 

Pascal Mubenga

Durham Public Schools Superintendent

“Having J.B. Buxton on board at Durham Tech is a fantastic opportunity for our community. His role in establishing North Carolina's Early College high schools paved the way to some of the success Durham Public Schools has enjoyed, including a National Blue Ribbon for J.D. Clement Early College at North Carolina Central University. We are excited to work with him as we strengthen our partnerships with Durham Tech, including invigorating our Middle College at Durham Tech and offering more opportunities for our high school students to leap ahead with college credits.”