Dr. John Hauser, vice president of Applied Career Technologies and Alleghany Center at Wilkes Community College, was named as the fifth president of Carteret Community College (CCC) Tuesday following a special meeting of that college’s board.
The CCC Board of Trustees selected Hauser at the conclusion of a six-month search effort that attracted 65 candidates.
“We are extremely pleased to have Dr. Hauser joining us as the college’s new president,” said Dr. Matt Zettl, chairman of the CCC Board of Trustees. “With his experience as a creative leader, the college can look forward to further development of existing programs, and exploration and initiation of new opportunities. We expect he will serve the college and community well.”
“I am honored for the opportunity to build on the remarkable legacy by the predecessors of Carteret Community College,” Hauser said. “Carteret has established itself as one of the state’s foremost comprehensive community colleges, marked by excellence in arts and sciences education for transfer students, leadership in scholarship and technical expertise across all disciplines, and an unsurpassed culture of innovation and service in workforce development it provides to support the region’s economy. It will be a privilege to join the Carteret team and community and lead this extraordinary institution.”
Hauser earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Appalachian State University. He has spent 19 years in the North Carolina Community College System, with 10 years of administrative responsibilities. He has been a vice president at WCC since 2011.
“John Hauser has made significant contributions to Wilkes Community College and the region we serve,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, WCC’s president. “He has been particularly involved in economic development activities throughout the northwestern part of the state. His latest notable contributions at WCC were in Career and College Promise, SkillsUSA and Project ADMIT. I couldn’t be happier for John in being named the new president of Carteret Community College, and I wish him nothing but the best in this new endeavor.”
During his tenure at WCC, Hauser has proven his educational and leadership qualifications. He has partnered with service area economic developers to provide training for new and expanding industry in addition to developing and leading the Northwest North Carolina Advanced Materials Cluster Inc. for the three-county area.
Hauser developed and implemented two new programs at WCC: Applied Engineering Technology Associate in Applied Science and Applied Animal Science Technology in Applied Science. Additionally, he has developed and implemented pathways for Career and College Promise. He worked in with Wilkes County Schools to develop a “K-16 Seamless Pathway Model” for Project ADMIT.
Hauser has also been involved at WCC with new construction and renovation projects for the Tyson Sustainable Animal Science Lab (2017), the Automotive Technology Complex (2014), the Randolph Hall expansion (2011), the Beacon Hall renovation (2010), the Randolph Hall Culinary Kitchen Lab renovation (2010) and the Applied Technology Center (2009).
Hauser has been the principle author on grants to WCC and the Northwest N.C. Advanced Materials Cluster Inc. totaling approximately $3.3 million.
“Over the next few months, Dr. Hauser will be meeting with members of the college community, as well as members of the greater Carteret County community,” said Dr. Matt Zettl. “The board hopes all citizens will give Dr. Hauser the warm welcome and community support that is a hallmark of our county.”
“In coming months, I plan to listen and learn from faculty, staff, students, trustees and alumni to understand more fully the many existing and future opportunities facing the college, and to hear their aspirations for this great institution,” Hauser said. “I am excited to work with all members of the community to drive Carteret to even greater heights.”
Hauser began his career at WCC in 1997 as director of industry services and was promoted to executive director, dean and vice president. He still works as an adjunct professor in the Higher Education Program at Appalachian State University. Before his career in education, Hauser was a mechanical and plant industrial engineer.
“My wife, Robin, and I look forward to developing new relationships in Carteret County and becoming active members of the community,” he commented.
The Hausers have two children. Their daughter, Logan, is a sophomore at N.C. State University majoring in fashion and textile management, with a concentration in fashion development and product design. Their son, Carter, will be attending Catawba College in the fall on a basketball scholarship and plans to major in education.
Hauser will begin his presidency in July, contingent upon state board approval. The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges will take a look at the CCC Board of Trustees selection during its May 18-19 meeting.
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