ALBEMARLE — The leader of Stanly County Community College announced to faculty and staff last week that he was a finalist to become president of Forsyth Tech. Dr. John Enamait confirmed to the Stanly County Journal that he is one of four finalists for the job at one of the state’s largest community colleges. The new president will succeed Dr. Gary M. Green, who will retire after 17 years as president on Dec. 31, 2018.
“Interviews of the final four candidates are taking place this week,” said Enamait. While the process is playing out in short order, Enamait said he does not expect a decision on the hire until late October or early November. Any selection would have to be approved by the State Board of Community Colleges.
Enamait said the opportunity was not something he sought but was one that he could not turn away after discussing it with his family. “I could not be happier where I am,” he said. “That is what made it a difficult choice. We have been taken in by this community.”
If selected, Enamait would be in charge of a large organization that includes 10 locations and over 500 full-time faculty and staff and ranks as one of the largest educational institutions in North Carolina with over 11,000 students enrolled in credit classes. Stanly County Community College, by comparison, has less than 3,000 credit-seeking students.
When asked why he told faculty prior to the completion of the interviews, Enamait said it was about being respectful of his colleagues. “What I have tried to do during my tenure is build a climate of trust and transparency,” he said. “If I wasn’t open and honest about this opportunity, I would lose that.”
Enamait also said the decision to pursue the position came after a search firm contracted him several times and he understood the important role of Forsyth Tech regionally. “That position may never come up again in my career,” said Enamait.
