Nash Community College has announced the promotion of longtime continuing education leader Carla Dunston to associate vice president of Continuing Education, recognizing more than 26 years of leadership and service to the college and its workforce development mission.
Dunston, who previously served as dean of Continuing Education, joined NCC in November 1999 and has held progressively responsible leadership positions throughout her tenure. She brings 36 years of experience in education and workforce training, including extensive experience in program development, workforce partnerships, grant management and occupational training.
“Carla has dedicated more than two decades to creating opportunities for people throughout our region to gain skills, advance their careers and improve their lives,” said Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “Her institutional knowledge, leadership and understanding of the workforce needs of our community are tremendous assets to Nash. This promotion recognizes not only what Carla has accomplished, but also the important role she will continue to play as we expand workforce education and respond to the changing needs of our region.”
Dunston began her NCC career as director of Human Resources Development, coordinating workforce development, computer training and teacher renewal programs while assessing community workforce needs and developing new course offerings. She later served as associate dean of Industrial Services and director of Industry Training, followed by associate dean of Continuing Education before becoming dean in 2008.
As dean, Dunston has provided strategic direction for Continuing Education programs, led program and staff development, managed departmental operations and budgets, and built partnerships with corporate, governmental, professional and community organizations.
“I’m thrilled that Carla has been promoted to associate vice president of Continuing Education,” said Wendy Marlowe, vice president of Continuing Education and Economic/Workforce Development at NCC. “Carla has been employed with NCC since November 1999 and has held a number of roles over the years. Her work with short-term, high-demand training to meet the needs of our local employers has been invaluable. Carla’s vast experience and contributions to the college and specifically Continuing Education have made a significant difference in the lives of many citizens of Nash and surrounding communities.”
Before joining NCC, Dunston spent 10 years with the North Carolina Department of Labor as an apprenticeship consultant, directing and coordinating apprenticeship training programs across 24 counties and working with employers and training professionals to ensure programs met state and federal requirements.
In her new role, Dunston will continue helping lead the college’s efforts to provide responsive, accessible education and workforce training opportunities that connect individuals with careers and employers with skilled workers.
“I’m incredibly honored and thankful for the opportunity to serve as associate vice president of Continuing Education at NCC,” said Dunston. “I look forward to expanding access to short-term, high-demand workforce training and creating pathways that equip individuals with industry-recognized credentials and the skills needed to pursue meaningful careers with local and regional employers. I’m especially excited to continue partnering with our dedicated faculty, staff, employers and community leaders to strengthen opportunities for our students and the communities we serve.”
Dunston holds a Master of Arts in adult and community college education from North Carolina State University, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Winston-Salem State University and a post-baccalaureate certificate in community college leadership from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Her professional recognition includes the NCC Ambassador Award, Rehabilitation Service Award and recognition from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development.
Through Continuing Education and Economic/Workforce Development, NCC provides short-term workforce training, industry credentials, customized employer training and other educational opportunities designed to meet the evolving workforce needs of Nash County and the surrounding region.
For more information about Nash Community College, visit nashcc.edu.
