Special to the Journal

Campbell University. UNC-Pembroke. Wingate University. Richmond Community College. The four higher education institutions offer thousands of students the opportunity to expand their educational and career goals, but they also share a very unique common denominator.

Each college’s top leader grew up in Richmond County.

Richmond County Schools will host a special reception to honor Dr. Jerry McGee (Wingate), Dr. Dale McInnis (RCC), Dr. Charles Jenkins (UNC-P) and Dr. Jerry Wallace (Campbell) on Wednesday. The event will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the RCS Central Office Board of Education Room.

RCS Superintendent Dr. George Norris says he is excited to honor the college presidents who continue to have a profound impact on education in the education.

He says RCS is likely the only school system in the state to have four top-ranking college officials serving at the same time.

“This is such a great success story for our school district.” Norris said. “It’s important that we highlight our academic achievements along with successes we experience in athletics. We have a number of our graduates who like these men have gone on to accomplish amazing things in their careers and lives. We will celebrate their achievements, and allow them to share their experiences with our students, staff and others in the community.”

Dr. Jerry Wallace, serves as the president of Campbell University. Dr. Charles Jenkins, serves as interim Chancellor for UNC-Pembroke. Dr. Jerry McGee, is president of Wingate University, and Dr. Dale McInnis serves as president of Richmond Community College.

The four leaders, have a number of accomplishments and achievements in common, but all trace their academic beginnings to public school in Richmond County.

Three of the four also earned their undergraduate degrees at East Carolina University, and have remained close friends throughout their careers, often collaborating in their roles as leading officials in the higher education realm.

During Wednesday’s event, local students will have an opportunity to meet with and interview the four presidents about their life experiences.

Dr. Jerry McGee, has been president of Wingate University since 1992. He has the longest tenure as a top-ranking university official of the four. McGee credits his former Richmond County teachers with sparking his interest in education at an early age.

“When we were growing up, teachers were the only people we knew who were college educated,” he recalls. “We aspired to be like them.”

McGee grew up in the Roberdel area community, knowing he wanted to become a teacher and coach. In higher education, McGee saw the opportunity to prepare students for success at the next level.

Just down Highway 74, Dr. Charles Jenkins, serves as interim Chancellor of UNC-Pembroke. Jenkins was appointed chancellor in 2009 after having served for 14 years as provost. He grew up in East Rockingham, and graduated from Rohanen High School in 1962.

Jenkins enjoyed his time as a high school teacher and coach for a number of years, but also had an interest in higher education.

Dr. Jenkins has worked with several Richmond County teachers throughout the years he served as a professor for the UNC-Pembroke School of Education.

“It has been my pleasure to serve at this great university in a number of capacities.” Jenkins said. “I’ve been fortunate to watch this University grow as a major resource for our region of the state.”

Jenkins says the success of universities and colleges depends greatly on K-12 education, and the educators in the classrooms.

“I have the utmost respect for classroom teachers and principals who do so much to motivate students toward success,” Jenkins said.

Dr. Jerry Wallace has been president of Campbell University since 2003, whose faculty he joined in 1970. Wallace held several positions before becoming president including department chair, dean and VP for academic affairs.

Dr. Dale McInnis, a graduate of Richmond Senior High School, was named president of Richmond Community College earlier this year, and says it has been the most exciting time of his career. He also looks forward to the event and the opportunity to dialogue with the other college presidents.

“I am very honored and humbled, as a new president, to be included in the same company as Dr. Jenkins, Dr. McGee and Dr. Wallace, considering their vast experiences and accomplishments as educational leaders,” McInnis said.

Wednesday’s event is open to the public, but a RSVP is required. To confirm your attendance for the event, please contact Ashley Simmons, RCS Public Information Officer, by calling 910-582-5860 ext. 237, or sending an email to ashleysimmons@richmond.k12.nc.us.