Former CCC&TI president receives Lifetime Achievement Award

News-Topic, Lenoir, N.C.
·3 min read

Apr. 23—CALDWELL COUNTY — Former Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute president Dr. Kenneth Boham is honored this year with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges' I.E. Ready Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to higher education in North Carolina, according to a press release from CCC&TI.

The I.E. Ready Lifetime Achievement Award, named after the first NCCCS president, is an honorary award given to an individual who has made significant statewide contributions to the Community College System. Boham received the award and was honored at the 2024 Community Colleges Awards Dinner and Celebration on April 17 in Raleigh, according to the press release.

Boham served as president of CCC&TI from 1995 until his retirement in 2016. During his tenure, CCC&TI experienced growth in both enrollment and campus facilities. Under his leadership, CCC&TI served as a model throughout the state for its development of "seamless education" opportunities through the college's high school and university partnerships. Boham's pioneering spirit also led to funding for the expansion of CCC&TI's campuses and new technologies to support programs and services in the region, according to the press release.

After his retirement from CCC&TI, Boham served as interim president at a number of other North Carolina community colleges and continues to be an advocate for community colleges across the state, according to the press release.

Current CCC&TI President Dr. Mark Poarch says that this award is much deserved and is a testament to Boham's service as well as his keen intuition when it comes to recognizing potential in others, according to the press release.

"His ability to recognize leadership opportunity and potential in people has been extremely instrumental in propelling the system forward," said Poarch. "His leadership has had a significant impact not just on the colleges where he has served, but throughout the state. His impact as a mentor and friend has also been invaluable both to myself and to many other community college leaders across the state."

Jennifer Haygood, senior vice-president for finance and chief financial officer of the UNC System, worked with Boham during his tenure at CCC&TI and commented on Boham's passion and tenacity when it comes taking on a challenge, according to the press release.

"Whether you agree or disagree with his position on an item, no one could ever deny that his heart and his passion was for students," Haygood said. "While his 40+ year career speaks volumes, it was his willingness to step up and serve as an interim president at multiple institutions, often with really challenging circumstances, that really demonstrates his commitment."

In a related announcement, CCC&TI has shared the Boham will also be the keynote speaker at this year's Diamond Anniversary Graduation Ceremonies planned for Friday, May 10, at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center. Boham will address graduates and talk about the college's rich history and impact on the community over the last 60 years, according to the press release.