Pitt Community College announces new president

WINTERVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The State Board of Community Colleges had its regularly-scheduled meeting Friday and approved Dr. Maria A. Pharr to serve as the next president of Pitt Community College.

Pharr, who has been president of South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) for the past seven years, will become only the sixth president in PCC’s 63-year history and the first woman to serve as the college’s top administrator. She replaces Dr. Lawrence Rouse, who retired in June after six years with Pitt CC. Pharr is expected to begin her duties Aug. 13.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as next president of Pitt Community College and look forward to contributing to the college’s legacy of leadership excellence,” Pharr said. “As one of the top institutions in the North Carolina Community College System, PCC has been a catalyst for workforce development in Eastern North Carolina and a place where individuals can cultivate the skills and talents needed to realize their dreams and enhance their lives. I believe our best days are ahead, and I’m excited about leading the college to its highest potential.”

Pharr graduated from St. Andrews University in 1987 and earned her master’s degree from ECU in 2000. She completed her doctorate in higher education from ECU in 2014.

Pharr grew up in Havelock and served as Pitt Community College’s Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs from 2011 to 2014.

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