News

Cox installed as 6th president

Sep 24, 2025

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, Rockingham Community College officially installed Dr. Sylvia Cox as its sixth president – the beginning of a new chapter for nearly 60-year-old college.

Randy Judkins, immediate past-chair of the RCC Board of Trustees, was heavily involved in the presidential search process that began about a year ago. She six of 50 applicants each visited campus to meet with the trustees, college leaders, and then with employees and the community in an open forum.

“The trustees read every survey after the campus visits,” Judkins said, “and Dr. Cox was the only candidate that received no negative comments.”

Judkins shared a handful of those comments: I liked her ideas. Amazing choice. Great fit for RCC. Liked her energy. Knowledgeable. Workforce-focused. She researched RCC and answered questions fully. I wish I could hire her today. You’d be crazy not to hire her.

Dr. Cox earned a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Executive Leadership from Wingate University; a Master of Education in Educational Reading from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington; and a Bachelor of Arts in History from North Carolina State University.

Dr. Cox started at RCC on May 1, continuing her 25-year history with the North Carolina Community College System. She came from Southeastern Community College in Whiteville, where she served as executive vice president and chief academic office for the past four years.

“In that role, she consistently demonstrated servant leadership, putting students at the center of every decision, and inspiring faculty and staff to bring out their very best each day. She understood that leadership is not about titles or positions, but about service, vision, and collaboration,” said Southeastern Community College President Dr. Chris English.

“She drove enrollment growth, expanded workforce and academic pathways, and brought together K-12 partners, industry, and community organizations. Under her leadership, Southeastern became known for its collaborative, family-like atmosphere, where each student and community member are truly seen, heard, and supported,” Dr. English continued.

He said as a first-generation college student, Dr. Cox made it her mission to show others what is possible through education.

“Dr. Sylvia Cox’s next chapter at Rockingham is a testament to the reputation she built at SCC,” Dr. English said. “Rockingham is gaining not only a president, but a leader of vision, integrity, and heart.”

Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the North Carolina Community College System, challenged RCC’s new leader, faculty, and staff to line up its credentials and degrees with the labor market and available jobs, and every day to think about how they can make it better for students.

Rockingham County Board of Commissioners Chair Kevin Berger said that for decades, RCC has been a place where doors open for people.

“Whether it’s a young person beginning their higher education journey, a parent returning to school to change careers, or a lifelong learner pursuing personal growth, this college represents opportunity. It has given thousands of Rockingham County residents the chance to improve their lives, support their families, and strengthen the communities they call home,” he said.

Berger said RCC’s impact “can be seen not only in the classroom, but in our neighborhoods, our churches, and our civic life. When the college succeeds, the whole county thrives, because education is the foundation of community pride, civic engagement, and quality of life.”

He said he is confident that Dr. Cox will continue to build this legacy.

Rockingham County Director of Economic Development and Tourism Leigh Cockram said RCC is a vital partner.

“In the short time that Dr. Cox has been here, she has hit the ground running. It is clear that she recognizes the critical role that the community college plays in not only providing an excellent education, but also in delivering training that equips our residents with the skills they need to step directly into good paying jobs,” Cockram said. “That type of forward-thinking leadership makes an immediate impact, not just on individual students, but on their families, their future, and our local economy collectively.”

Rockingham County Schools Superintendent Dr. John O. Stover III said the collaboration of the school system, college, and county economic development team “is the engine of our economic future,” and said he looks forward to taking their shared mission to new heights.

RCC Assistant Professor of Mathematics Nadine Jansen welcomed Dr. Cox on behalf of faculty, and Dean of Applied and Industrial Technologies David Dillard spoke on behalf of staff. Both Jansen and Dillard touted the commitment of employees to students and the college.

Hal Griffin, representing retired faculty and staff, summed up his first impression of Dr. Cox by turning to the trustees in the audience and saying they chose wisely in hiring her. “Dr. Cox, we’re all behind you, excited that you’re here, and hope and believe that you’ll inspire us all to be great,” he said.

RCC Foundation President Amy Brown, who also serves as an RCC trustee, said she can already tell Dr. Cox’s time here will be memorable, and that Dr. Cox has challenged the Foundation to be open to new ideas.

“We are better today because of her guidance and support. She has quickly become a motivating force and a positive symbol of leadership within our community. Everywhere I go, I hear enthusiastic praise for our new president and the exciting direction in which she’s leading RCC,” she said.

Brown noted that during Dr. Cox’s first four months, the Foundation’s campus fund drive reached 100% employee participation. “This milestone is a testament to the sincerity, integrity, and unity that Dr. Cox inspires across our campus,” she said.

Cameron Stewart, a 2023 RCC graduate, encouraged Dr. Cox to “continue fostering the same spirit of opportunity, service, and community that has shaped us as alumni…. We are proud of where we came from, and even more inspired to see where RCC is going under your leadership.”

SGA President November Gorrell welcomed Dr. Cox on behalf of the student body, and said she sees the community RCC has created for students, and the care faculty has for them – and hopes the new president can strengthen the love and generosity felt across campus.

Following an oath of office and presentation of a presidential medallion with her family by her side, Dr. Cox finally addressed the crowd.

“They say that the North Star has long guided travelers, not because it moves, but because it doesn’t. It stays fixed, unwavering, a constant point in the sky to help us find our way. Rockingham County is often called the North Star of North Carolina, and for good reason. For decades, this county has anchored our state with deep values, resilient people, and a spirit of purpose “It was only fitting that Rockingham Community College became that kind of astrolabe for me,” Dr. Cox said.

“When I begin to ask myself what do I value most, where can I make the greatest impact, and what kind of community do I want to serve, every answer pointed here, to a college where students are not an afterthought, they are the reason; to a campus where faculty and staff put care and excellence into every lesson, every hallway conversation, every life they touch; to a county that believes in education, not just as a system, but as a way to strengthen futures, families, and entire communities. That’s when I knew Rockingham was my North Star,” she said.

Dr. Cox said she stands on the shoulders of presidents who helped lay the foundations for excellence at RCC: Dr. Gerald James, Dr. Jerry Owens, Dr. Robert Keys, Dr. Michael Helmick, and Dr. Mark Kinlaw.

“[They] all led with strength and vision during pivotal moments in this college’s history. We are not here to reinvent RCC’s mission. We are here to reignite it with new energy, renewed focus, and a steadfast commitment to meeting the needs of this very important moment,” Dr. Cox said.

She said her father, the late Rev. Garland Suggs, “believed deeply that leaders must not only hold a vision, but help others to see it, believe in it, and live it out. That wisdom has shaped my leadership and guides me today. My vision is simple but powerful. RCC must be the community’s college in every way, a place where every resident sees themselves and their future and what we offer; a place where students make meaningful connections that lead to success; a college that listens, responds and lives side-by-side with Rockingham County.”

Dr. Cox said she believes in the power of education to transform lives, an experience she knows first-hand.

“At RCC, we will put students at the center of every decision. We will not just offer classes, we will create possibilities. We’ll meet them where they are and take them as far as they can go,” she said. “For generations, RCC has opened doors and lit paths where none existed. We will continue that legacy.”

She said RCC is the answer to the workforce development needs of the county, and the college does not take that responsibility lightly.

“Our vision for RCC is bold, but it’s deeply human. The true strength of this college isn’t just in what we build, it’s in who we are,” she said. “There’s something special about this campus. When you walk across it, you feel something, a warmth, a welcome, a sense of community.”

But it extends beyond that. Dr. Cox said everywhere she goes, she hears stories of how RCC changed someone’s life.

“As your president, I want to make sure every student, parent, business owner, teacher, neighbor, feels like that this college is their college.”

Dr. Cox reminded everyone that they can choose who to listen to, and to choose voices that push them forward.

“Reflect often. Lead boldly. Work hard… my mother taught me that. Sow goodness and you will reap something even greater. And when the work feels heavy, when the path seems unclear, look up. Remember your North Star.”

Dr. Cox said her mother Bernice Suggs is her model of perseverance, and thanked her for the many sacrifices she made for Dr. Cox’s success. She thanked her husband Drew and children Halley, Andrew, and Ethan for their support.

Special music during the ceremony was by bagpiper J.V. Hudson, as well as the Gate City Saxophone Quartet, featuring RCC Music Faculty Dr. Benjamin Crouch. RCC student Eli Josey led the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and student Elijah Cobb led the national anthem.

Following the ceremony was an outdoor luncheon catered by Debbie’s Restaurant, and a concert by 1980’s tribute band Kids in America.