Former Community College President Says He Was Forced Out

The former president of North Carolina's community college system says he was forced out of his position.

Dr. James “Jimmie” Williamson resigned abruptly on July 31 and left the job at the end of September.

In an email sent to the News and Observer, Williamson wrote that he believes his job became collateral damage after a battle over Senate Bill 420. That legislation allowed the State Board of Education to replace a local college trustee board with an interim board in "extreme circumstances" of negligence or fiscal mismanagement.

The bill arose from a crisis involving Martin Community College, when the state intervened after a negative audit.

Scott Shook, chairman of the state board, said last Friday he couldn't comment specifically on Williamson's situation, saying it was a personnel issue. Board officials have indicated they are looking to hire someone with more knowledge of North Carolina.