Perry Harker Selected for The Hunt Institute’s Fourth Cohort of ElevateNC

Morehead City, N.C. (August 24, 2023) – Carteret Community College is thrilled to announce Mr. Perry Harker, Vice President of Corporate and Community Education as a participant in the fourth cohort of the ElevateNC: Higher Education program. This program is specifically designed to equip individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge to drive meaningful policy changes in the field of higher education.

The Hunt Institute is an affiliate of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy and is a recognized leader in the movement to transform public education. Marshaling expertise from a nationwide partner network since its establishment in 2001, The Institute brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership, and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success.

The Institute selected Mr. Harker along with twenty-three other individuals to curate an exceptional group of influential leaders from various sectors, including state policymakers, K-12 superintendents and teachers, higher education administrators and faculty, business community members, advocacy organizations, and representatives from local government. By bringing together such diverse perspectives, ElevateNC fosters collaboration and encourages the development of innovative strategies aimed at increasing postsecondary attainment.

In partnership with myFutureNC, ElevateNC: Higher Education is dedicated to supporting the statewide postsecondary attainment goal of having two million North Carolinians earn a degree by 2030. Through myFutureNC’s invaluable expertise, cohort members will gain insights and guidance on how to drive progress towards this ambitious target.

“Mr. Harker will bring great wisdom, perspective, and experience to the Hunt Institute’s ElevateNC Cohort 4,” said Dr. Tracy Mancini, President of Carteret Community College. “In turn, the College will benefit from the best practices and connections he will bring back to our campus as we continue to do our part to meet MyFutureNC’s attainment goals.”

Commencing this month, the fourth cohort of ElevateNC: Higher Education will engage in four immersive sessions throughout the year and will cover the following topics:

• • August 2023: North Carolina’s Higher Education Landscape
  • November 2023: Equity in Access to Higher Education
  • February 2024: Institutional Support to Ensure Postsecondary Persistence
  • April 2024: Efforts to Advance Postsecondary Attainment

Each session spans two days and encompasses a diverse range of topics and policy issues. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from leading practitioners, students, elected officials, as well as state and national resource experts. Additionally, the sessions will offer practical strategies for implementing the knowledge gained in participants’ respective communities.

“I’m excited to participate in the 2023-2024 cohort of the Hunt Institute’s ElevateNC Higher Education program,” said Perry Harker, Vice President of Corporate and Community Education. “I look forward to learning from the other participants and hope to bring a more meaningful contribution to my role in higher education.  I am strongly committed to increasing postsecondary education and workforce training opportunities for our students and the Community.”

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