College Honors Ann Whitford

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Carteret Community College proudly honored longtime trustee and education advocate Mrs. Mary Ann Harden Whitford with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine during its 35th Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday evening. College President Dr. Tracy Mancini presented the award on behalf of Governor Josh Stein, recognizing Whitford’s more than 30 years of distinguished service to North Carolina and its community college system.

“Mrs. Whitford has been an indefatigable supporter of our state’s Great 58 community colleges, championing access for all North Carolinians and advocating for innovation and strategic improvements that serve our students, employers, and communities,” said Dr. Mancini.

Established in 1963, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, awarded to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary service to the state and their communities. Recipients become honorary Ambassadors of North Carolina and are celebrated for their exceptional contributions.

Honoring a Legacy of Service

Whitford began her career in education after earning a bachelor’s degree in education and sociology from Meredith College and a master’s degree in education from UNC-Chapel Hill. She taught in Wake and Carteret counties before Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. appointed her to the Carteret Community College Board of Trustees in 1993. She served on the board for 16 years through reappointments by Governors Hunt and Mike Easley.

In 2009, Governor Beverly Perdue appointed Whitford to the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, where she continues to serve through appointments by Governors Perdue and Roy Cooper. Her current term ends in June 2025, marking 14 years on the State Board and over 30 years of service to the state’s community college system.

Supporters across the state submitted letters applauding Whitford’s leadership and dedication. One wrote, “Ann Whitford has spent a lifetime advocating for students and strengthening the foundation of our state’s community colleges. She embodies the values this honor represents—leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to service.”

Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System, praised Whitford for leading the development of the system’s 2022 strategic plan, Leading Through Change. “This document continues to guide our work,” he said. “Her leadership helped shape the future of the entire system.”

Dr. Patrick Crane of the Lumina Foundation, who collaborated with Whitford during the plan’s development, added: “Ann is a daughter of Eastern North Carolina, a passionate advocate for students and community colleges, and a dedicated public servant. She ensured students were at the heart of every decision and every strategy.”

Ambassador Extraordinary

As Dr. Mancini presented the award, she read from Governor Stein’s official proclamation:

Reposing special confidence in the integrity, learning and zeal of Mrs. Mary Ann Harden Whitford, I, Governor Josh Stein, do by these presents confer The Order of the Long Leaf Pine with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary…

The audience rose in a standing ovation as Whitford accepted the award, marking a moment of celebration for a woman whose tireless work continues to shape the educational landscape of North Carolina.