Beddard Announces Retirement to Campus Community

On June 28, Martin Community College's (MCC) ninth president, Wesley Beddard, announced to the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff that he will be retiring at the end of December 2023. Beddard has served as the president of MCC since July 1, 2020.

His 41+ year career in higher education incudes, 34 years in the North Carolina Community College System Office as the Associate Vice President of Programs, serving as a Dean at Beaufort County Community College, Fayetteville Technical Community College, and Wilkes Community College. He was also an instructor at Craven Community College as well as an instructor and administrator at Mount Olive College (now the University of Mount Olive).

Beddard, originally from Ayden, NC, earned a Master of Business Administration from Campbell University, a bachelor's degree from Atlantic Christian College and an associate degree from Mount Olive College.

In his notice of retirement to the MCC Board of Trustees Beddard stated, "Serving at MCC has been the highlight of my lengthy career in higher education. Enrollment is strong, our finances are in very good shape, the College's image in our region is positive, and many new initiatives are having a positive impact on students in our region. As vacancies occur within our faculty and staff, we are attracting outstanding professionals that will ensure the good work at MCC continues well into the future."

Beddard's influence on higher education at the statewide level has included his involvement in the Reengineering/Semester Conversion effort and the subsequent development of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) with the UNC (University of North Carolina) system and the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement with NC Independent Colleges and Universities. He was also instrumental in the development of 13 additional statewide articulation agreements including agreements in Engineering, Fine Arts, Teacher Preparation.

Beddard serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of Mount Olive and on the Community College Collaborative of the Watson School of Education at UNC-Wilmington. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Martin County Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Derrick Wilkins, the chairman of MCC's Board of Trustees stated, "President Beddard has successfully led Martin Community College. His tenure has been marked by the implementation of a new five-year strategic plan, enrollment growth, noted student achievement, and innovative administrators, faculty, and staff. I express deep gratitude on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire MCC community for President Beddard's dedicated service."

Beddard's wife, Kaye, is originally from Jamesville and retired from Johnston Community College's faculty in 2021. They plan to remain in Martin County and enjoy horseback riding, traveling, and attending sports events -- especially UNC Chapel Hill football, soccer and basketball games. The Beddards have a music ministry and look forward to more opportunities to share in that and other forms of ministry and service.