Piedmont Community College (PCC) officially installed President Dr. Kevin Lee during an installation ceremony held on March 20 at the Kirby Cultural Arts Complex.
Lee began his tenure as the College’s sixth president on August 4, 2025 following a presidential search process led by the Board of Trustees. After being selected as a finalist, Lee was brought to campus for a tour, interview and open forum with employees and community members.
During the ceremony, Board of Trustees Chair, Antonio Foster, read some of the responses received after Lee’s forum. Very personable. He seems like he is right at home. The fact that his wife came along with him shows they really want to be here. A good fit for the community and the college. Student-centered. Seems very equipped to lead the college. Hire him.
“I can assure you, the Board has witnessed each one of those comments and they continue to ring true,” Foster said.
Lee has 25 years of experience in higher education advancing student success, building relationships and workforce development in the North Carolina Community College System. Prior to becoming PCC’s president, he served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at Brunswick Community College in Bolivia, North Carolina where he provided institutional leadership for curriculum program offerings, human resources, accreditation, institutional effectiveness, distance learning, Title IX, dual enrollment and public safety.
During the installation, various people representing the community and college took the stage to offer greetings to Lee.
“What has always stood out to me about President Lee is his steady and thoughtful leadership. In complex conversations and challenging moments, he consistently brings the focus back to what matters most…our students,” Dr. Lisa Eads, Associate Vice President of Academic Programs with the North Carolina Community College System said.
Dr. Gene Smith, President of Brunswick Community College, worked alongside Lee and noted that PCC made an exceptional choice in selecting a president.
“Beyond the titles and accomplishments, what sets Dr. Lee apart is his character,” Smith said. “He listens carefully. He speaks thoughtfully. He leads calmly. He understands that leadership is not about position – it is about service. It is about people. It is about students seeking better futures. It is about families counting on opportunity. It is about communities depending on an educated workforce.”
Kyle Puryear, Chair of the Person County Board of Commissioners and PCC Board of Trustees member, said that Lee brings humility, intelligence, integrity, courage and fortitude in tackling difficult challenges.
“He always seeks to do the right thing, even when this means taking heat from others, an essential trait of a strong leader,” Puryear said. “I can tell you that the Board of Trustees truly hit a grand slam with their selection.”
Tim Yarbrough, Chair of the Caswell County Board of Commissioners, credited PCC for helping to strengthen Caswell County and supporting its workforce.
“Leadership at a community college is about more than administration — it’s about investing in people and understanding the unique needs of the community you serve,” Yarbrough said.
Phillip Allen, President of the Person County Business and Industry Center and PCC Board of Trustees member, noted that PCC needs a strong, active leader as the next decade will be a transformative period in the county for economic development.
“Dr. Kevin Lee is the right person, at the right time and at the right place,” Allen said.
Dr. Rodney Peterson, Superintendent of Person County Schools and Lance Stokes, Superintendent of Caswell County Schools, each spoke about the partnerships and collaborations with PCC.
“Whether they are preparing for high demand jobs in our region or continuing their post-secondary education, our students benefit tremendously from the collaboration between our institutions,” Peterson said. “Dr. Lee, your vision for innovation, access, and student success aligns beautifully with the work we are doing in our schools. Your leadership promises to strengthen our partnership even further, and we are grateful for the dedication and energy you bring to this role.”
“This collaboration represents a shared commitment to ensuring that every student—and every learner in our community—has access to meaningful opportunities that prepare them for college, career and lifelong success,” Stokes said.
Christopher S. Davis, Director/Instructor of Information Technology and Tia Slone, Instructor/Clinical Coordinator for PCC’s EMS program, spoke on behalf of PCC’s faculty.
“Across our faculty, he has fostered a culture of openness and trust,” Davis said. “He has made it clear that our voices matter – that our ideas, our expertise and our commitment to our students are valued.”
“Leadership at its best is about people – and we can already see your commitment to students, to community, to your staff and to building something meaningful together,” Sloan said.
Dr. Shelly Stone-Moye, Vice President of Student Development/Title IX Coordinator and Emily Buchanan, Executive Director of the Caswell County Campus, spoke on behalf of PCC’s staff.
“Today, on behalf of staff across this entire institution, I offer three commitments,” Stone-Moye said. “We will support your leadership with professionalism and integrity, we will continue working across divisions with collaboration and respect, and we will remain steadfast in placing students and community at the center of all we do.”
“In the time I have worked with Dr. Lee, what has stood out most is his openness, accessibility, integrity and genuine willingness to listen,” Buchanan said. “He takes the time to understand our communities before attempting to shape them. He brings a steady, respectful presence and a clear belief that all campuses, regardless of size or location, deserve visibility, investment, and voice.”
Beverly Murphy, former Vice President of Administrative Services/Chief Financial Officer, represented retired faculty and staff.
“From the onset, Dr. Lee has demonstrated transparency, discernment, and a genuine commitment to listening,” Murphy said. “He approaches decisions with deliberation and a clear sense of responsibility to our students, faculty, staff and the broader community we serve.”
Sandy Parker, Chair of the PCC Foundation Board, noted that she felt that Lee was the right fit for PCC from the very beginning.
“In just eight months, Dr. Lee has proven to be a strong leader and trailblazer for our college, faculty and staff, and a mentor, supporter, and friend to our students and alumni,” Parker said.
Bennie Clayton, PCC Alumnus of the Year 2025 and member of the PCC Foundation Board, represented PCC alumni.
“As an alumnus, I can confidently say that the impact of this college does not end after graduation,” Clayton said. “It echoes into careers, into families, into communities. It shapes leaders, entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, teachers and public servants. We stand ready to support you.”
Hayley Ale-Beltran and Heather Starr spoke on behalf of PCC students, both acknowledging that Lee frequently interacts with students around campus.
“At Piedmont Community College, it is not unusual to see our president engaging with students across campus,” Ale-Beltran said. “Dr. Lee is often present, asking students about their day, their studies, and, most importantly, what they believe PCC could do to improve. Dr. Lee consistently demonstrates a student-centered leadership style, driven by a clear commitment to making PCC the best hometown college for all.”
“I have always been able to come to him with any concerns or ideas that I have,” Starr said. “He meant it when he said his door is always open. To this day, I feel like I can come to him with any problem and he would listen, and as a student, that means the world to me.”
Connee White, Vice Chair of PCC’s Board of Trustees, noted the traits the Board wanted in their next president. Characteristics such as open, approachable, community-oriented, down to earth, experienced, visionary and fair were shared with the search firm used in selecting PCC’s president.
“After interviewing Dr. Lee, every member of the search committee wholeheartedly agreed that we had met the individual we wanted to be our next president,” White said.
“He is a product of the community college system,” she continued. “He knows first-hand what it is like to be a student and an employee. He knows the value of a community college and appreciates how these institutions can be life changing for their students, employees and communities.”
Dr. David Heatherly, President of Coastal Carolina Community College, was selected to place the presidential medallion on Lee as this was the college Lee received his associate degree.
After reciting the oath of office surrounded by his family, Lee gave his presidential response.
Lee reflected on his time when he sat in his car at Coastal Carolina Community College thinking of reasons he shouldn’t enroll and the people who supported him as he began his educational journey nearly 30 years ago.
“All it takes is one person to believe in a student and a little bit of support, and you have the power to change their entire life trajectory,” Lee said. “My story is not unique; it’s just another day in the life of what the greatest community college system in the world does across our great state.”
Lee spoke about the upcoming opportunities for PCC with new industries coming to the region and the need for more skilled employees than ever before.
“Our responsibility as a college is simple to say but important to carry out: We must ensure that when opportunity knocks in this region, Piedmont Community College is ready to open the door,” Lee said.
He noted that he is optimistic about the future of PCC.
“The work we do here is not just about classrooms or credentials,” Lee said. “It’s about changing lives and entire family trees; it’s about strengthening families; and it’s about building the future of our communities together.”
“And if we do our jobs well—if we stay focused on students, work together as a community, and keep believing in the power of opportunity—then the impact of PCC will reach far beyond this campus,” he continued. “Because when a community college succeeds, an entire community rises with it.”
Special music for the ceremony was provided by bagpiper J.W. Hudson, along with vocalist Leia Rollins who led the national anthem and music before the ceremony.
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