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r. Jim Ross, president of Pamlico Community College, has announced his retirement effective February 19, 2024. He has served the college as president since 2016.

Dr. Jim Ross

Ross’ wife Pam is recovering from surgery and treatments for liver cancer. He is stepping away from his current post to spend more time focusing on Pam’s recovery, with plans to relocate closer to family.

During his time as PCC president, Ross helped create a Human Services Technology degree program at Pamlico Correctional Institution aimed at reducing recidivism. The first program of its kind in North Carolina, incarcerated students are taught life-skills, while earning an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences.

Ross also established a Dental Laboratory Technology program, increased the school’s offerings of career courses, and secured $20 million from the state of North Carolina for a future Allied Health Center in Bayboro.

Under Ross’ leadership, Pamlico Community College has also been recognized for community college excellence, including receiving high marks from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Throughout his accomplishments, Ross praised the faculty and staff for their part in making these strides.

In his resignation letter to the Board of Trustees, Ross wrote, “The past seven years have been the highlight of my professional career because of the tremendous dedication of the faculty and staff and their joining with me in embracing a shared vision of making lives better.”

Dr. Jim Ross, Dr. Robert James “Bobby” Ross, and Pam Ross.

The Board accepted his resignation November 21, and he was granted FMLA (Family / Medical Leave) to take care of Pam.

In his retirement, Ross plans to write a book about his late son, Dr. Robert James “Bobby” Ross. Bobby passed away in January 2021 from ALS. He was 38.

Board Chairman Bob Lyons said of Ross, “Dr. Ross did an outstanding job as president. He implemented programs that we never thought we’d see in Pamlico County. He worked well with the Board of Trustees, and he will be missed. I wish him the best in retirement, and I pray Pam has a speedy recovery.”

Michelle Willis Krauss, vice president for instructional services, has been named acting president in the interim. A search for a permanent replacement will happen in 2024.

Posted Wednesday November 29, 2023 by Allison DeWeese