Opportunity Through Leadership

From Community College Student to Community College Leader: Dr. Maggie Brown

Creating opportunity for students is the guiding principle behind Dr. Maggie Brown’s leadership at Carteret.

For Dr. Maggie Brown, opportunity is more than a word. It is the foundation of her journey and the guiding principle behind her leadership at Carteret Community College. As Vice President of Instruction & Student Support, she is dedicated to expanding access to education and ensuring that every student who walks through the college’s doors has the chance to build a brighter future.

Dr. Brown’s commitment to higher education is deeply personal. She is a third generation product of the community college system, following in the footsteps of both her grandmother and her mother.

“I am a third generation product of community colleges,” she says. “Like my grandmother and mother before me, I benefited from affordable, accessible higher education.”

Those early experiences shaped her belief that education has the power to transform lives and open doors for individuals and families alike.

“I want to do what I can to broaden access for students,” she explains.

A Leader Who Believes in People

Dr. Brown’s leadership philosophy is rooted in compassion, persistence, and creative problem solving. These qualities were reinforced early in her career by a mentor who recognized her potential before she fully recognized it herself.

 “I had a boss who told me early on that he could see me becoming a college leader,” she recalls. “He saw something in me that I had not yet recognized.”

That encouragement motivated her to continue developing her skills and pursue opportunities where she could make a meaningful impact on students and institutions. Today, she carries that same spirit of encouragement into her work with students, faculty, and staff.

Life Beyond the Office

While Dr. Brown spends much of her time focused on supporting student success, she also values time outdoors and opportunities to recharge.

Hiking, kayaking, and reading are some of her favorite ways to unwind. One of the most memorable places she has traveled is the coastal Redwood forests of California.

“It’s an incredible place,” she says. “The scale of those trees is something you never forget.”

Earlier in her career, she even worked at an environmental education center tagging snakes and other reptiles.

“It was one of the most interesting jobs I’ve ever had,” she says with a smile.

Her very first job, however, was a bit more familiar to many people.

“I worked as a cashier at Food Lion,” she laughs. “I still have nightmares about long checkout lines stretching around the store.”

These experiences, both big and small, help shape the perspective she brings to her leadership role today.

Supporting Students at Carteret

As Vice President at Carteret Community College, Dr. Brown works closely with leadership teams across campus to strengthen academic programs, support students, and ensure that education remains accessible to those who seek it.

At the heart of that work is a shared commitment among the college’s admissions and instructional leaders.

“We have a common goal,” she explains. “No student who wants to learn or train should ever be turned away because they lack funding.”

Over the years, she has seen firsthand how education at Carteret can transform the lives of students and their families.

“We have so many examples of people whose lives have been positively impacted by their education here,” she says. “Anyone can change their family’s educational legacy simply by walking through our doors.”

Preparing Students for the Future

Dr. Brown is particularly excited about the college’s One College model, an approach designed to strengthen programs and improve the student experience.

Rather than operating within large, separate divisions, programs are now organized into smaller clusters of related fields. These clusters are led by instructional leaders who work closely with faculty and community partners to strengthen curriculum and expand workforce training opportunities.

“This structure allows people with expertise in each area to work closely with faculty and industry partners,” she explains. “Together we can ensure our programs produce highly qualified individuals who are ready to step into careers that offer sustainable wages.”

By aligning education with workforce needs, Carteret continues to prepare students for careers that support both personal success and the long term strength of the region.

A College That Serves Its Community

For Dr. Brown, the mission of the college is deeply tied to the community it serves.

“Community colleges are responsive to the communities in which they operate,” she says.

While neighboring counties may share geographic proximity, each region has unique industries, economies, and populations. Carteret focuses on serving the needs of Carteret County and preparing students to contribute to the area’s future.

She often reminds students that the knowledge and skills they gain will shape the community around them.

“Those of you who invest your new skills and knowledge back into Carteret County will literally be shaping the future for all of us,” she says. “You will be providing healthcare, teaching our children, running businesses, and helping keep our community strong.”

One Word That Defines It All

When asked what Carteret Community College means to her, Dr. Brown offers a single word.

 “Opportunity.”

It is the same opportunity that shaped her life and the same opportunity she works every day to ensure remains available to every student who walks through the doors.