College Recognizes Watson, Narron for Service

Published: July 22, 2015

Haywood Watson served as a trustee for 20 years. Jimmy Narron served JCC for 12 years.

Johnston Community College recently recognized two long-serving trustees for their dedication to the College.

Haywood Watson served as a JCC trustee for 20 years. James "Jimmy" Narron served as a JCC trustee for 12 years. Both of their terms expired in July.

Watson of Kenly, a retired educator with Johnston County Schools, said he's seen the College grow by leaps and bounds during his two decades on the board.

Watson said he is especially proud of the success of the Johnston County Early College and Middle College programs, and believes the planned launch of JCC's associate degree engineering program this fall has great potential to draw many students.

"I've served under the tenure of JCC's three presidents, and I've seen the College change a great deal," Watson said. "It's been a great opportunity for me, and I hope that in some way I've done some things to help the College grow as it has."

"I've met some great people, made some great friendships and hopefully in the future they will continue," he added.

Narron, a Smithfield attorney, said he is confident JCC will continue to experience success.

"My 12 years of service on the board was made most productive and enjoyable by the collaboration of a diverse and energized group of trustees who have the highest regard for the College, its heritage, its purpose, and its potential," he said. "The coming years will be even more challenging financially and in other ways as have been the last few years, but the leadership of the current board and Dr. Johnson will carry the College to new and greater heights, I am sure."

Lyn Austin, chair of JCC's board of trustees, thanked Watson and Narron for their commitment to student success and the open-door mission of community colleges.

"Haywood has been a constant good force on this board, he led by example, and showed me how to be a good trustee," Austin said of Watson. "I've always appreciated Jimmy's wit, sense of humor, and razor sharp mind," Austin said of Narron. "They've left this College a better place because of their service and dedication, and we are thankful."

Cut line: JCC Board of Trustees Chair Lyn Austin thanks Jimmy Narron for his 12 years of service as a JCC trustee.