Brian S. Merritt

Brian S. Merritt has extensive experience in the community college system in North Carolina. Brian S. currently holds the position of Senior Vice President/CAO, Programs & Student Services at the North Carolina Community College System. Prior to this, they served as the President of McDowell Technical Community College from 2021 to 2023. From 2011 to 2021, they worked at Central Carolina Community College, where they held various roles including Vice President & Chief Academic Officer, Dean of Student Learning, and Director of Grants, Sponsored Programs, and Alumni Relations. Brian S. also served as the Past-President of the North Carolina College Personnel Association from 2011 to 2014. Before their tenure at Central Carolina Community College, they worked at North Carolina Central University as an Associate Director and Advisor. In addition, they have experience as a Basic Skills Instructor at GCFLearnFree.org, a Distance Education Counselor and Adjunct Instructor at Central Carolina Community College, a Program Assistant at Appalachian State University, and an Admissions Counselor at Louisburg College.

Brian S. Merritt has a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Social Sciences Education from Appalachian State University. Brian S. also holds a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Higher Education from the same university. Additionally, Brian has pursued higher education at Walden University, where they are working towards a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Education (Higher Ed. Admin).