WILKESBORO – When officials cancelled MerleFest this month due to the threat of coronavirus, it meant more than a lost chance to hear Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss and Mavis Staples. It was also a lost opportunity for students at Wilkes Community College, host of the annual music festival. MerleFest helps fund critical programs at the… READ MORE
Video: Dr. Jeff Cox – Challenges in Wilkes County
Video: Dr. Jeff Cox – Fewer, Local Well-paying Jobs
Video: Dr. Jeff Cox – The Rural Brain Drain and His Personal Journey
Dr. Jeff Cox President of Wilkes Community College addresses the question of the rural “brain drain”. He describes his personal journey and how, sometimes, the lack of good jobs can lead to frustration for people who don’t want to leave their community and at the same time believe that there are not many “good” jobs… READ MORE
Video: Dr. Jeff Cox – Local High-Paying Jobs
Video: Dr. Jeff Cox – Electrical Line Worker Jobs
Video: Dr. Jeff Cox – Challenges of NC Community College Funding
Video: Dr. Jeff Cox – How to Improve Upward Mobility in Rural NC
Video: Dr. Jeff Cox – Communicating Fantastic Career Opportunities
Wilkes Community College President Dr. Jeff Cox describes how he gets the word out about fantastic career opportunities. Describing his family’s path, he explains the importance of having honest conversations with students about which career options best improve economic mobility. He believes the conversations need to start in middle and high school.