During the Aug. 11 South Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees meeting, two new Board members were sworn into office.
The new Board members are Tom Eck, who was appointed by the Union County Board of Commissioners, and J.R. Rowell, who was appointed by the North Carolina Senate. Both Eck and Rowell were appointed for terms from that will run from 2026-2030.
Originally from Carson City, Nevada, Eck has been a resident of Marvin since 2021. An attorney with more than 35 years of experience representing financial institutions, Eck currently serves as corporate secretary and chief corporate governance officer for USAA. He earned both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California. In addition to his professional role, Eck is a Marvin Village councilmember.
Rowell is a resident of Monroe who holds a master’s degree in organizational management from Pfeiffer University and a bachelor’s degree in social science from Gardner-Webb University.
He spent nearly 20 years with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, serving as a trooper, sergeant and first sergeant-district commander. Following his career in law enforcement, he was elected Clerk of Superior Court in Union County, where he supervised a staff of 44 deputy and assistant clerks. He held that position from 2006-2022.
He also served as chair of the Union County Board of Commissioners from 2023-2024.
“We are delighted to welcome these exceptional leaders to the Board of Trustees,” said President Dr. Stacy Waters-Bailey.
“Each trustee brings valuable expertise, insight, and perspective, along with a deep commitment to the communities we serve. Their leadership will help guide South Piedmont as we continue to grow, innovate, and create opportunities for our students and region. We look forward to working together to advance the college’s mission and build on our momentum.”
Trustee Jarvis Woodburn was also sworn into office at the Aug. 11 Board of Trustees meeting. Mr. Woodburn has served on the Board of Trustees since 1996 and was reappointed by the Anson County Board of Commissioners for a term 2026-2030.
South Piedmont’s Board of Trustees includes 13 members who represent Anson and Union counties and are appointed as required by law. The president of the Student Government Association serves as an ex officio, non-voting member.