By Sarah Nagem
Salisbury Post
Jerry Chandler loves Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, where he has worked for three decades.
But he doesn’t want to occupy the school’s presidential post for long.
He will, however, likely serve as president starting June 1 and continue doing so until a new school president takes over. The RCCC Board of Trustees is asking the N.C. Community College System to OK Chandler’s appointment.
“I’m excited about this college and have been for 30 years,” Chandler said.
Chandler first came to RCCC as a radiography teacher. He started about two weeks after Dr. Richard Brownell took over as president of the school.
After three years, Chandler switched from the classroom to the administration spectrum.
Since then, he has worked in several departments at the school, including finance, facilities, technical services, student services and evening operations.
Chandler’s current title is vice president of administration, human resources and advancement.
It’s hard for Chandler to decide if he prefers teaching or administration, he said.
“I love teaching, because I get so many rewards from the classroom,” he said.
As an educator, he said, it’s great to see students have a “light-bulb” moment when they really understand the material.
But having a higher post is good too. “As an administrator, you have other rewards,” Chandler said.
Chandler plans to stay at RCCC another two to five years before he retires. After that, he wouldn’t mind working part-time at the college, he said.
It’s obviously been hard for him to stay away for long. When Chandler underwent heart surgery last October, he was back at work by Christmas.
But with two grandchildren and a couple more on the way, Chandler said his goals are becoming more personal.
“I want to spend more time with my family,” he said.
If the state board approves Chandler’s interim presidency, he will possibly have the job through September.
The school’s Board of Trustees will finish interviewing five presidential candidates this week. Then the board will recommend three or more of the candidates to the state.
Contact Sarah Nagem at 704-797-7683 or snagem@salisburypost.com.