Maria Pharr has been named the first woman president of Pitt Community College in Winterville, North Carolina. She will assume her presidency on August 13.
Pitt Community College enrolls about 7,144 students, 61 percent of whom are women.
Dr. Pharr’s new appointment marks a return to Pitt Community College, where she previously served as the assistant vice president of academic affairs. She has significant experience as a community college educator and administrator, most recently serving as president of South Piedmont Community College in Polkton, North Carolina. During her seven-year presidential tenure, the college experienced significant growth in enrollment and community partnerships.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Pharr served as executive director of BioNetwork and Life Science Initiatives for the North Carolina Community College System. She previously held several leadership positions with Craven Community College including dean of liberal arts and university transfer, director of planning and assessment, and chair of science, mathematics, health, and physical education. She also taught biology at Craven Community College and Lenoir Community College. Before she began her career in community college education, she worked for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a field chemist.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as next president of Pitt Community College and look forward to contributing to the college’s legacy of leadership excellence,” said Dr. Pharr. “As one of the top institutions in the North Carolina Community College System, PCC has been a catalyst for workforce development in eastern North Carolina and a place where individuals can cultivate the skills and talents needed to realize their dreams and enhance their lives. I believe our best days are ahead, and I’m excited about leading the college to its highest potential.”
Dr. Pharr is a graduate of St. Andrew’s University in North Carolina, where she majored in biology. She holds a master’s degree in science education and a doctorate in higher education administration from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.