Meet The President
Meet The President of Catawba Valley Community College. On August 6, 2006, Catawba Valley Community College welcomed the third president in the college's then 48-year history: Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw. Immediately, he set the bar high: to become the Best Community College in America.
"The one core value on our campuses that must remain consistent in today's global economy is our passion and commitment to improve the lives of the people we serve. We must continuously strive to remain relevant for the workforce and provide access for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Our focus has transitioned from one of maintaining to one of being a catalyst in our community through intentional actions that lead to a positive return on investment for our stakeholders and our college."
-Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw
On August 6, 2006, Catawba Valley Community College welcomed the third president in the college's then 48-year history: Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw. Immediately, he set the bar high: to become the Best Community College in America.
Dr. Hinshaw is quoted as saying, “The student is always the most important person on our campus.” The journey that began August 6, 2006 continues today with many initiatives resulting in a win/win for all of our stakeholders.” Some of these include:
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In 2016, CVCC was ranked #1 by NICHE as the best community college of 58 within North Carolina. Rankings were based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U. S. Department of Education.
- CVCC students won gold, silver, and bronze medals at the national SkillsUSA competition in 2016. They were also recognized as the best chapter in the country for the third year in a row.
- CVCC Furniture Academy’s expansion to a 38,000 sq. foot facility has allowed increased class offerings that have served our local community by putting all graduates to work within the furniture industry.
- The Education Matters Program in the Catawba Valley provided STEM tours to all local eighth graders and continues to be recognized at the State level.
- As a result of CVCC’s partnership with the Catawba County Historical Association last year, the first Historian-In-Residence position was created.
- CVCC partnered with the American Legion Post #48 to renovate the Henkle-Alley baseball field that serves as home to American Legion Post #48 and the CVCC RedHawks.
- The CVCC Ladies’ Volleyball team placed 4th in the nation in 2016.
- The CVCC Corporate Development Center was renovated and opened in 2014 providing space to local business and industry for various events as well space for classes in robotics and mechatronics.
- The transformation of the former Hosiery Technology Center into the Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC). The MSC serves as a research and development center for all types of product and service-oriented companies around the world.
- The CVCC ValleySim Hospital opened its doors for business in fall 2011. ValleySim provides a safe collaborative environment for students and healthcare workers to receive hands on training.
Dr. Hinshaw's leadership is recognized at the state, local, and national level as he serves on various boards, panels, and committees. He led the college as we won a grant from N.C. IDEA last year that will enable the college to continue development and promotion of entrepreneurs at the local and state level.
Through his leadership and collaborative efforts, the college is continually recreating itself, and in the process, redefining the region's economy.
Dr. Hinshaw collaborated with the local entities of public education in Catawba County, Employers, and Catawba County Government to develop the K-64 concept in late 2016. This initiative will provide seamless education opportunities to all students beginning at the kindergarten level and going through retirement.
Personal Awards and Accomplishments:
- 2016 – Presidential representative, National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
- 2016 – Currently serving on the Executive Board of NACCE.
- 2015 - Named President of the Year by the State Board of Community Colleges
- 2014 - Partnered with NACCE to present on Workforce Development at AACC
- 2014 - Served on the forum for Deshpande Foundation in the discussion of emerging strategies and practices that encourage innovation and entrepreneurial education, campus culture, and community/business engagement
- 2014 - Member of ASU Class of Rhododendron Society
- 2013 - Received inaugural Catawba County Community Leadership Award
- 2013 - Panelist at American Association of Community Colleges Workforce Development Institute General Session: "Disruptive Challenges to Prepare and Position the American Workforce"
- 2011 – I.E. Ready Distinguished Leader Award, N.C. State University
Boards and Committees:
- K-64 Board of Directors, ex-officio
- Catawba County Economic Development Board – Executive Committee
- CVCC Alexander Center Advisory Board
- Serving as a member of the NC Community College System Presidents Association
- National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE) board member