WHITEVILLE — Southeastern Community College welcomed one new trustee and reappointed another during its July 21 meeting at Whiteville City Hall.
Brent Watts, chair of the Columbus County Board of Commissioners and interim county manager, took his oath of office from Clerk of Superior Court Jess Hill. Watts, a Clarendon farmer, will serve a four‑year term through June 30, 2030. He and his wife, Jennifer Watts, have two sons, Banks and Briggs.
Dr. Dan Strickland, a retired educator and former Columbus County Schools superintendent, was reappointed to the board and sworn in for his second term. Strickland, from the Cherry Grove community, previously served as vice chair. He and his wife, Gay Strickland, have two daughters, Elizabeth Blackmon and Paige Smith.
Trustees unanimously selected Strickland as the new board chair for a three‑year term. Joe Hooks, who led the board for the past three years, will remain as a trustee. Dr. Danny McPherson, retired Whiteville City Schools superintendent, was named vice chair.
SCC President Dr. Chris English praised Hooks’ leadership and said both Strickland and Watts bring valuable experience. “With Dr. Strickland being in the education system for so many years as a superintendent, he is what we need with the K‑12 partnership,” English said. “He understands state instruction, what it takes to build programming and what it means to build a workforce pipeline from the K‑12 system to the community college system.”
English added that Watts’ background in agriculture and county government will strengthen the board’s connection to local business and community needs. “Brent Watts working as a farmer means we have someone with boots on the ground who understands agriculture as a small business owner,” English said. “He also represents our county government as a commissioner, so he will hear our challenges and successes first‑hand.”
The next SCC Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Sept. 28.
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