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By Dr. Jack Bagwell

Education is the cornerstone of opportunity, economic mobility, and community vitality. The recently released 2025 State of Educational Attainment report by myFutureNC highlights both the progress North Carolina has made and the challenges that persist, particularly in rural regions like northeastern North Carolina. As President of College of The Albemarle (COA), I want to reflect on what this report means for our region and how COA is addressing educational attainment gaps while strengthening our workforce.

The report reveals a critical reality: northeastern North Carolina faces unique challenges that demand bold and innovative solutions. In our seven-county service area, 17.5% of adults aged 25-44 have some college education but no credential, compared to the state average of 11.7%. This gap represents untapped potential—individuals who are already engaged in the workforce at an impressive participation rate of 86.5%, slightly above the state’s average. These numbers reveal a strong connection between education and employment, particularly in key sectors such as healthcare, skilled trades, and advanced manufacturing. At COA, we recognize that preparing students for these critical fields is not just an institutional goal—it’s a regional imperative.

COA’s mission is rooted in action and transformation. Community colleges must be nimble, swift, and decisive to meet the evolving needs of our communities. This philosophy drives our efforts to provide flexible learning options, including evening classes and credit-for-prior-learning opportunities, ensuring that education fits into the lives of those balancing work and family responsibilities. Through partnerships with local industries, we offer students real-world experiences that align with workforce demands, while initiatives like the Good Jobs Grant in the maritime industry eliminate financial barriers to completion.

To address both the rising demand for healthcare professionals and the critical need for expanded training opportunities, construction is now underway on COA’s new Health Sciences Simulation Expansion Facility at COA – Elizabeth City. This state-of-the-art facility will dramatically increase training capacity and enhance hands-on learning for students pursuing careers in nursing, emergency medical science, medical laboratory technology, and other allied health fields. With cutting-edge simulation labs and flexible instructional spaces, this expansion is not only an investment in our students—it’s an investment in the future of healthcare throughout northeastern North Carolina.

Our commitment to equity extends beyond traditional demographics; it encompasses age equity as well. For over six decades, COA has served adult learners alongside younger students. Yet we’ve had to reevaluate how we reach adults who may feel disconnected from higher education pathways. Programs like NC Reconnect exemplify our focus on re-engaging adult learners with tailored support systems that prioritize their success.

To further support our mission and accelerate progress towards the myFutureNC goal, we are excited about the potential of Propel NC, the North Carolina Community College System’s new funding model. This initiative will allow COA to better align our offerings with workforce demands, expanding programs in critical areas such as healthcare and skilled trades. Propel NC’s focus on labor market data and workforce sectors perfectly complements our efforts to provide pathways that lead to successful careers and meet the evolving needs of our region.

The future of northeastern North Carolina depends on a well-trained workforce capable of driving economic growth and innovation. Achieving the state’s ambitious goal of two million North Carolinians with postsecondary credentials by 2030 requires collaboration among educators, employers, policymakers, and community members. At COA, we are committed to leading this charge—not just as an institution but as a partner in regional transformation.

As I reflect on my tenure at COA and our collective journey through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, I am reminded of the resilience and creativity that define this college community. Whether navigating unprecedented crises or launching groundbreaking initiatives, COA has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and thrive. This spirit of continuous improvement fuels our efforts to empower students and communities alike.

Together, we have an opportunity to shape a brighter future for northeastern North Carolina—one where education remains the driving force behind individual achievement and lasting change for our communities. Let’s embrace this challenge with determination and optimism, knowing that every credential earned represents a step toward transforming tomorrows for our students, our region, and our state.

Dr. Jack Bagwell is president of College of The Albemarle.

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