Office of the President
Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw
Welcome to Catawba Valley Community College—where opportunity meets excellence. At CVCC, we are committed to empowering individuals through education, innovation, and workforce development. Whether you’re just beginning your academic journey, seeking to advance your career, or returning to learn something new, CVCC is here to support you every step of the way.
As President, I am proud to lead a college that values student success, community engagement, and lifelong learning. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing a high-quality, affordable education in a supportive and inclusive environment.
We invite you to explore all that CVCC has to offer and discover how we are helping shape the future of Catawba Valley—one student at a time.
Welcome to Red Hawk Nation!
About Dr. Hinshaw
Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw has served as the third president of Catawba Valley Community College since August 6, 2006. A proud alumnus of CVCC, Dr. Hinshaw began his academic journey here before earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Appalachian State University and a doctorate from North Carolina State University. His deep personal connection to the college fuels his ongoing commitment to student success, innovation, and community impact.
From day one, Dr. Hinshaw set an ambitious goal: to make CVCC the Best Community College in America. Under his leadership, CVCC has achieved national recognition, including being ranked the #1 community college in North Carolina by Niche in 2016. He has guided the college through the creation and expansion of key initiatives such as the Manufacturing Solutions Center, ValleySim Hospital, the CVCC Furniture Academy, and the award-winning K-64 education partnership.
Dr. Hinshaw’s leadership is widely recognized at the local, state, and national levels. He has served on numerous boards and committees related to economic development, entrepreneurship, and education, and has been honored with multiple awards, including the I.E. Ready Distinguished Leader Award from NC State University and President of the Year by the NC State Board of Community Colleges. Through his vision and dedication, Dr. Hinshaw continues to lead CVCC in redefining both education and economic opportunity in the Catawba Valley region.
Ping Pong with the President
Ping Pong with the President is a lighthearted video series where Dr. Garrett Hinshaw sits down with faculty & staff for conversation and a friendly game of ping pong. The series offers a fun way to share personal stories, campus experiences, and the people who make up Red Hawk Nation. Want to see more from Dr. Hinshaw? Be sure to follow the official CVCC President Instagram account @cvccpresident!
President In the Program
President in the Program takes CVCC President Dr. Garrett Hinshaw beyond the office and into the classroom. In this video series, he steps into different academic programs to experience hands-on learning alongside students and faculty, highlighting the skills, innovation, and opportunities available across Red Hawk Nation. Want to see more from Dr. Hinshaw? Be sure to follow the official CVCC President Instagram account @cvccpresident!