Dr. Brian S. Merritt joined the North Carolina Community College System in 2023 as senior vice president and chief academic officer. Before this, he was the president of McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) from 2021 until 2023. Under his leadership, MTCC developed a strategic plan with community partners, resulting in significant enrollment growth. He also spearheaded fundraising, securing nearly $9M in grants and facilitating $28M in capital projects, including a new off-site center and upgrades to health sciences and public safety facilities.
With a rich background in higher education, Dr. Merritt served as vice president and chief academic officer at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) for seven years. He also held roles as dean of student learning and grants & alumni relations director at CCCC, raising over $34 million in grants to enhance student access and success.
A staunch advocate for equitable education solutions, Dr. Merritt hails from Chatham County, NC. He has also contributed to college admissions, alumni affairs, and first-year experiences at institutions like Appalachian State University, Louisburg College, and North Carolina Central University.
