John B. Buxton — a longtime leader of public education in North Carolina — has been named the fifth president of Durham Tech.

Buxton replaces longtime president Bill Ingram, who announced his retirement last year after leading the college since 2008.

The appointment of Buxton following a nationwide search was approved Friday by the North Carolina Board of Community Colleges. His selection followed a national search involving more than 140 candidates

“J.B. cares deeply about people and educational excellence,” said John F. Burness, the chair of Durham Tech’s board of trustees, in an email to the Durham Tech community. “We were impressed by his creative and collaborative approach to leadership, his record of commitment to social justice and appreciation of the unique role Durham Tech must play in helping ensure all Durham and Orange County residents can access an educational and workforce training ecosystem that enables them to maximize their human potential and quality of life.”

A longtime leader in North Carolina education, Buxton served as an adjunct assistant teaching professor in the public policy department at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He currently serves as an at-large member of the State Board of Education, where he works directly with the community college system on a range of education and workforce-related issues.

Buxton said community colleges in North Carolina “have long been drivers of individual opportunity and economic prosperity.

“I am excited to join an institution that values equity and inclusion, student success and innovation. As Durham and Orange counties confront the challenges of COVID-19, economic uncertainty and continuing racial discrimination, Durham Tech is positioned to be a force for progress.”

Buxton attended UNC-Chapel Hill on a Morehead Scholarship, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English. He received his master’s degree in public affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University.

Buxton is expected to start at Durham Tech in mid-July.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
'Making an Impact in the Community': Durham Tech President JB Buxton
Durham Tech president JB Buxton discusses rising enrollment, budget concerns, new programs, and a recent $1.5 million arts endowment.
Our Town: The Story of Economic Development in Chapel Hill
This month, David Putnam and Sarah Potter, tell the story of economic development and their work to support and create a vibrant business community – so that Chapel Hill can thrive now and in the future.
Durham Tech Secures Major Federal Funding for Affordable Student Housing Project
Durham Tech saw one of its future housing projects gain traction this week after it got more federal funding from the local congresswoman.
Meyer: Vouchers Back on Agenda in Raleigh, But Budget Crisis Looms
State Sen. Graig Meyer (D-Orange) discusses lawmakers' return to session in Raleigh to tackle vouchers and other funding matters.
Durham Tech and Duke Health Partner for Nursing Talent Pipeline
They are partnering to create the Nursing Talent Pipeline with the aims of enhancing learning and career readiness for future nurses.
Public Forum on State University Governance Coming to Durham Tech
On Wednesday, Governor Roy Cooper announced the sites for a series of public forums dedicated to the governance of public universities. The series includes six forums between February and April, with the last coming on the campus of Durham Tech on April 11. The goal of the forums is to “seek ideas and suggestions on […]
UNC, Durham Tech Leaders Discuss Measuring Higher Ed Success
For many years, publications have ranked and rated higher education institutions, saying the goal is to better inform people about the value of their education. But after several schools began declining to participate in the latest round of law school rankings by the U.S. News & World Report, more people began questioning their […]
Durham Tech Business Accelerator Group
Kate Wiggins, Lindsay Andreolli-Comstock, and Tia Pope spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, June 2.  They discussed the first cohort of small business owners to come through the program.
Hillsborough: State of Emergency, Durham Tech and Repaving
Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver speaks with 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, July 27. She shares updates on the installation ceremony for Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton, whose school has a campus in Hillsborough. Weaver also discusses the recent extension of the Orange County state of emergency regarding COVID-19, repaving projects in town and the latest Last Fridays event.
Orange County: Deciding the Budget, Durham Tech and Dorosin's Departure
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Renee Price joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell to bring highlights from the board's budget work session Tuesday night. Price describes a big decision by the commissioners on a Durham Tech expansion, as well as other needs around the county that will be funded next fiscal year. Plus: she shares thoughts on Commissioner Mark Dorosin's upcoming departure from the board.
›