SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College moves forward into a new era of its 46-year history with the selection of the college's fifth president.

Dr. T. Eston "Bud" Marchant III, of Clinton, S.C., currently the vice president for Educational Affairs at Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood, S.C., will take the helm from President Matt Garrett, who retires as of Sept. 1.

Marchant was the unanimous selection of the college's board of trustees and the top choice of three names submitted to the State Board of Community Colleges on June 13 for its approval as possible choices. The state board approved all three candidates and is expected to officially affirm the CCCC board's selection of Marchant as the new president at its July 18 meeting.

"I am thrilled at the opportunity," Marchant said of his selection. "Central Carolina Community College has such a long and great history in service to the community and in workforce development. It's exciting to be chosen as president."

He will start on Aug. 15, providing a brief overlap with Garrett's presidency for continuity.

Marchant brings a strong background to the position of president that matches CCCC's mission of meeting the educational needs of residents, businesses, industries, and service sectors in its three-county service area of Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties.

His higher education career also included service as vice president for Educational Programs at South Piedmont Community College in North Carolina, dean at Union Technical Education Center at Anson and Stanly community colleges in North Carolina, director of Continuing Education at the College of Charleston (S.C.), and dean of business and Continuing Education/Off-Campus Programs and director of Hilton Head Center for the Technical College of the Lowcountry in South Carolina. He started his career in education as a social studies teacher and assistant principal, also in South Carolina.

Marchant also brings a unique background of service as executive director of the Greater Beaufort (S.C.) Chamber of Commerce and economic development and tourism agent for the cities of Beaufort and Port Royal.

"Our objective was to find the best possible candidate to fit the college's service area," said Bobby Powell, board chairman. "Dr. Marchant stood out from a strong field of candidates. The board felt that he brought to the table the qualities we were looking for: experience in community college education, experience with a chamber of commerce and economic development, and a strong background in industrial education."

Marchant's selection was the result of a long, thorough search. About 70 applications for the position were received from around the country. The field was narrowed to six, and each of those visited CCCC for personal interviews with the college's Board of Trustees and question-and-answer sessions with employees.

Marchant, 54, holds a bachelor's degree in History/Education from the University of South Carolina and a master's degree in Administration from Winthrop College. He received his Educational Specialist degree from The Citadel, and his doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Sarasota.

"Dr. Marchant will be able to step in and continue the success we have had at the college with the accomplishments of Dr. Garrett and our past presidents," Powell said. "He will also be able to carry us on to greater contributions to our service area."

Marchant and his wife, Emilie, currently reside in Clinton, S.C. She is a middle/high school career guidance counselor in the near-by town of Laurens. The Marchants plan to live in an apartment for a few months while they find a home in the CCCC service area.

In its 46-year history, Central Carolina Community College has had only four presidents: Dr. William A. Martin, 1961-69; Dr. Jeff "J.F." Hockaday, 1969-1983; Dr. Marvin R. Joyner, 1983-2004; and Dr. Matthew Garrett, 2004-2008.