Jeff Cox

Dr. Jeff Cox is the 11th president of the N.C. Community College System.

Prior to being named president in June 2023, Cox served as president of Wilkes Community College from 2014 to 2023. He also served from 2005 to 2014 as superintendent of Alleghany County Schools.

At Wilkes, Cox was heralded for more than doubling the completion rate at the college from 25% to 55% over five years and developing a strategic plan seen as a national model for other institutions. During his tenure as president, the college also raised a record $20 million in funds for strategic initiatives and launched a fully endowed Wilkes Community College Education Promise to guarantee the opportunity for a tuition-free college education for every graduating senior in the service area.

Prior to leading Allegany County Schools, Cox served as assistant superintendent for Lee County Schools and as principal of Benton Heights Year-Round School in Union County.

Cox holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He also is a graduate of Appalachian State University with both a Master of School Administration and a Bachelor of Science in English - Secondary Education.