UNION – While the search for a full-time president of Roanoke-Chowan Community College continues, the school’s Board of Trustees has announced they’ve chosen an Interim President.

Former Elizabeth City State University Vice-Chancellor and Virginia State University Provost Dr. W. Eric Thomas has been selected pending approval of the State Board of Community Colleges.

Thomas holds a BS and MS in biology from Tennessee State University, and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Meharry Medical College – both in Nashville, TN. Thomas has served as a university faculty member and administrator for over 30 years.

He began his career as an Assistant Professor, Meharry Medical College (1982-87); Associate Professor, Ohio State University (1988-92); Professor and Chair of Biology, Howard University (1992-94); Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mississippi Valley State University (1994-99); Associate Vice President, Illinois State University (1999-2003); Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Virginia State University (2003-2009); and Associate Vice Chancellor, Elizabeth City State University (2009-14).

In addition to his many years of teaching and administration, he is also an accomplished researcher with over 30 scientific publications, and has written more than 20 funded grants. He is currently retired and enjoys leisure time, reading and writing.

“Dr. Thomas comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience that he has gained throughout his educational career,” said RCCC Board of Trustees chairman Andre Lassiter. “We trust that he will successfully oversee the College while we search for the next president. We the members of the Board of Trustees along with the faculty and staff welcome Dr. Thomas to our campus.”

Brown will assume his duties at RCCC on June 20, succeeding Dr. Michael Elam, who announced last winter he would not be signing a new two-year contract. Elam is currently a finalist for a similar post at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro.