South Piedmont Community College has announced Dr. Stacy Waters-Bailey as its next president. With more than 15 years of leadership experience in higher education, Waters-Bailey was unanimously selected by the College’s Board of Trustees from a field of five finalists. The appointment was confirmed by the State Board of Community Colleges during its regularly scheduled meeting on May 16.
“I am deeply honored and thrilled to lead South Piedmont Community College into its next chapter,” Waters-Bailey said. “This institution has a proud legacy of transforming lives through education, and I am committed to building upon that foundation to create even greater opportunities for our students and community.”
Waters-Bailey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Studies, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She earned a doctorate in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University.
She currently serves as Vice President of Transfer Excellence and Success at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, where she has worked since 2018 in increasingly senior roles. Her previous experience includes positions at Davidson-Davie Community College, The University of Alabama, and Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, Virginia.
Looking ahead, Waters-Bailey expressed enthusiasm about engaging with the communities of Anson and Union counties and furthering the College’s service to its students.
“It is with immense gratitude that I accept the role of president at South Piedmont Community College,” she said. “I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated faculty, staff, and community partners to advance our mission of fostering lifelong learning and student success.”
She added, “Becoming the president of South Piedmont is both a privilege and an honor I embrace wholeheartedly. I am excited to work alongside our college community to innovate and expand our impact, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our students and the region we serve.”
Board of Trustees Chair Pat Kahle praised the selection, stating, “After an extensive national search, the Board of Trustees is proud to name Dr. Stacy Waters-Bailey as the next president of South Piedmont. She brings a proven record of visionary leadership, a deep commitment to academic excellence, and a dedication to student success that aligns seamlessly with the mission and values of our college.”
“We are confident that under her leadership, South Piedmont will continue to thrive, grow in service to our students and community, and remain a vital partner in economic and workforce development in Anson and Union counties,” Kahle added.
The national search was led by the Charlotte-based firm Buffkin/Baker. The process included listening sessions with faculty, staff, students, and community members, narrowing the candidate pool to five finalists. Each finalist participated in a daylong visit to the College, which included tours of Anson and Union counties, meetings with employees, a presentation on their qualifications for the position, and an interview with the Board of Trustees.
Waters-Bailey succeeds Dr. Maria Pharr, who led the College from 2017 to 2024 before stepping down to become president of Pitt Community College. Since Pharr’s departure, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services/CFO Michelle Brock has served as interim president.
Kahle expressed gratitude to Brock for her “exemplary leadership during this transition.”
Brock also welcomed the new president, saying, “The College has made an excellent choice by selecting Dr. Waters-Bailey. I look forward to working with her as we continue to grow, innovate, and make higher education accessible for our students while supporting the workforce needs of our local employers.”
Dr. Waters-Bailey will officially begin her role in July.