Brunswick Community College Appoints Dr. David Townsend as VP
Brunswick Community College (BCC) has appointed Dr. David Townsend as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer. His nearly two decades of experience in education and leadership positions him to enhance BCC’s academic initiatives aimed at fostering student success and community engagement.
Dr. Townsend, a dedicated first-generation college graduate and lifelong resident of North Carolina, earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in English Education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He also holds a doctorate in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State University. His career exemplifies a commitment to the transformative power of education, demonstrating his dedication both in and out of the classroom.
In his welcoming remarks, BCC President Dr. Gene Smith expressed enthusiasm for Dr. Townsend’s arrival. “His leadership, student-centered approach, and commitment to excellence make him the ideal person to help guide BCC’s academic programs into the future,” he stated. Dr. Smith added that he is confident Dr. Townsend’s vision will not only strengthen existing programs but also create new opportunities for BCC students.
Most recently, Dr. Townsend served as Dean for University Transfer and General Education at Piedmont Community College in Roxboro. There, he oversaw a variety of curriculum and continuing education programs, while also leading initiatives related to College and Career Readiness and various college grants. Prior to that role, he was the Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Craven Community College, where he led accreditation and strategic planning efforts.
Dr. Townsend’s expansive career includes roles as a division chair, English faculty member, academic advisor, adjunct instructor, and high school English teacher in both traditional and early college environments. His diverse experiences are expected to inform his leadership at BCC.
Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Townsend noted, “Brunswick Community College has experienced tremendous growth in both Curriculum programs and Continuing Education in recent years. With new capital projects and opportunities for innovative programs ahead, this is an exciting time.” He emphasized the importance of listening to the needs of the community, students, and faculty to ensure meaningful growth that serves all stakeholders.
As BCC moves forward, Dr. Townsend expressed eagerness to engage deeply with the college community. He stated, “I am eager to roll up my sleeves and get to work, and I look forward to helping lead BCC into this next era of growth, innovation, and student success.”
Brunswick Community College, located in Bolivia, North Carolina, is a public community college that offers various academic programs. These include Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Engineering degrees for students aiming to transfer to four-year institutions. Additionally, BCC provides a wide range of High School Pathways, Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in paraprofessional and healthcare fields.
The college also offers over 250 customized courses through its Division of Continuing Education, Economic & Workforce Development, aimed at enhancing employee careers and improving business effectiveness. For more information about BCC and its offerings, visit brunswickcc.edu.
