RCC’s VP Dr. Johnny Smith featured in October edition of BusinessNC Magazine

Diversity: It just makes sense.

That’s what leaders from across North Carolina met to discuss in September during a roundtable discussion hosted by BusinessNC. The meeting, held in Raleigh, featured Robeson Community College’s very own Vice President of Instruction and Student Support Services, Dr. Johnny Smith.

“It was an honor to be a part of this dynamic discussion,” stated Dr. Johnny Smith. “We are excited about opportunities expanding access to education to everyone and this roundtable discussion has helped start the conversation about ways to achieve that.”

Also serving on the panel were Taylor Dewberry, an attorney and chief diversity officer for Smith Anderson Law Firm; Anna Dolgikh, the senior vice president of HR for Reynolds American; Emma Hayes, the senior EVP-chief culture officer for the State Employees Credit Union; Kristen Robinson, the head of asset management board program and NC regional leader for Fidelity Investments; and Courtney White, the head of HR for BASF Agriculture Solutions North America.

“Education is the great equalizer, and it is so important to have that opportunity not only for educational advancement but for economic prosperity,” stated Smith during the roundtable.

“Dr. Dallas Herring, who is known as the father of the N.C. Community College System said to meet students where they are and take them as far as they can go,” Smith said. “That’s essentially what we are endeavoring to do, is to meet every learner and trying to customize, individualize their learning experience.”

When asked about the mentorship opportunities available, Smith talked about the program he is developing at RCC.

“At Robeson Community College … we are creating a warm, welcoming environment,” Smith said. “What we know is that minority male mentoring circles have important opportunities for enrichment… accountability is a component. These men want to be accountable to someone… not just in the classroom, but outside the classroom.”

To read the entire transcript from the roundtable discussion in the October 2023 edition of BusinessNC, please visit www.businessnc.com/october-2023.