ECC Graduate Joins Board of Trustees

Carole White (right), Edgecombe County Clerk of Court, delivers the oath of office to (l-r) June Cherry, who was reappointed to the Edgecombe Community College Board of Trustees; John Batts III, who is a new board member; and Barbara Campbell Davis, who was reappointed to the board.

Edgecombe Community College graduate and Tarboro resident John Batts III has been appointed to a four-year term on the Edgecombe Community College Board of Trustees.

A gubernatorial appointee, Batts holds an associate of applied science in manufacturing technology degree from ECC. He also holds a bachelor of science in industrial technology degree from East Carolina University.

Batts has more than 34 years of maintenance and leadership experience in industrial and municipal settings. He has worked at Hitachi Astemo since 1998 and served as facilities maintenance manager since 2018.

“Mr. Batts will be a valuable asset to the college’s Board of Trustees,” says the Rev. Jerry Spruell, chair of the board. “His extensive experience in manufacturing and firsthand knowledge of the college’s manufacturing program will provide great insight to our board.

“The college’s manufacturing, industrial, and technical programs are critical to our local workforce, and Mr. Batts’ unique understanding of these fields will be a tremendous resource,” he adds.

In addition to the appointment of Batts, June Cherry and Barbara Campbell Davis were reappointed to the ECC Board of Trustees. The board has twelve members, each serving a four-year term. Additionally, the college’s Student Government Association president serves as a non-voting member of the board.

June Cherry is a retired health care professional and a native of Tarboro. Appointed to the board by the Edgecombe County Board of Education, she serves on the Personnel Committee.

Barbara Campbell Davis is an Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners appointee to the board and retired executive presbyter for New Hope Presbytery. A resident of Tarboro, she serves on the Building and Grounds Committee.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to express our gratitude to Trustee Cherry and Trustee Davis for their continued service,” Rev. Spruell says. “We appreciate the expertise they bring to the board as well as their commitment to the college and the Edgecombe community.”