Wilkes Community College President Dr. Jeff Cox describes the single biggest challenge in areas served as the loss of manufacturing jobs. One way to address it? Improve the education level of the workforce to attract higher paying jobs to the area.

Dr. Jeff Cox President of Wilkes Community College describes what happens when there are very few high paying jobs in a community. For Wilkes Community College that means incorporating job opportunities in a wider geographic area while building the workforce and jobs locally.

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

Dr. Jeff Cox President of Wilkes Community College describes which well-paying jobs are available in the area today and how they help prepare students for them.

In response to a question about Wilkes Community College offering Electrical Line Worker certifications. Dr. Jeff Cox President of Wilkes Community College describes how community colleges determine which courses to offer.

Dr. Jeff Cox President of Wilkes Community College describes what NC community colleges face when launching new programs as a result of the current funding model which funds them in “arrears”.

Dr. Jeff Cox President of Wilkes Community College describes improving upward mobility by reaching out to people in the region to make them aware of career options arising out of them taking classes at the college.

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.

Dr. Jeff Cox President of Wilkes Community College describes how encouraging entrepreneurship while working to attract other well-paying employers to the area is a good place to start.

Dr. Jeff Cox President of Wilkes Community College describes the Small Business Center available at Wilkes Community College to help people build business plans and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit.