McPherson brings 41 years of educator experience to SCC Board of Trustees

Dr. Danny McPherson joined the Southeastern Community College Board of Trustees in July this year with a vision to continue SCC’s “valuable heritage” of supporting instructors and staff so they can offer “meaningful, life-changing opportunities” for its students. He wants to help SCC strategically plan with facilities, programs and curriculum that match the workforce environment and its future.  

“My goal is to be part of such forward-thinking conversations and to support college personnel and other advocates as we work to make great things happen for all citizens in Columbus County and beyond,” McPherson said.    

McPherson, a native and current resident of the Beaverdam community, is a retired educator of 41 years. He started as an English teacher at Ayden-Grifton High School in January 1979. McPherson was also a student at SCC, when he took a computer science course in the mid 1980s. 

Over the next 23 years of his career, McPherson served in several capacities at Columbus County Schools as an English teacher, assistant principal, principal and director of instruction. He later became superintendent of Whiteville City Schools for six years.  

McPherson finished his career in education as an English teacher at Loris High School and was there for 12 years. During his time in secondary education, McPherson was also an adjunct English instructor at SCC for evening and summer courses for 20 years. 

“When I taught evening classes at SCC in 2000, one of my English 90 classes compiled a collection of their writings which we entitled ‘Ramblings’,” McPherson said. “Fifteen or more student writers published 27 pieces which were professionally published by Chapbook.com.” 

After graduating from West Columbus High School in 1976, McPherson earned a Bachelor of Science in English Education, Master of Arts in Education specializing in Educational Administration and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from East Carolina University. He received his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from South Carolina State University.  

“Southeastern Community College is one of Columbus County’s most valuable resources and the county’s most comprehensive “one-stop centers” for our citizens,” McPherson said. “If high school graduates or other adults’ interests are college transfer programs, career/technical programs, workforce development opportunities, or other trades and industries, SCC can accommodate.”   

McPherson praised SCC’s “rich tradition” of accommodating every learner from those wishing to earn their high school equivalency, a two-year degree, transfer to a university, those wishing to upskill in their current job or to those taking classes for fun. 

“Both of my daughters, who are now employees of Columbus County Schools, attended SCC for two years before transferring to UNC Wilmington,” McPherson said. “Both were well-prepared for the university’s rigor and standards.  Southeastern was a major factor in their success.” 

N.C. Rep. Brenden Jones appointed McPherson to the SCC Board of Trustees, and he was sworn in at the July board meeting at the Ritz Center in Tabor City.  

“We in Columbus County are blessed to have Brenden Jones as our state representative,” McPherson said. “The fruit of his labor is evident across our entire county and in various ways: new, 21st century school facilities throughout the county, municipal grants, K-12 and SCC grants, infrastructure grants and many more.” 

McPherson praised Jones’ for being “Columbus County’s voice in Raleigh” and for ensuring financial investment in Columbus County’s education. 

“I am thankful for Brenden’s faith and his untiring diligence and he and his family’s sacrifice to serve our citizens,” McPherson said. “His is not a ‘position.’ It’s a passion.” 

McPherson credits his many “outstanding teachers” in Columbus County as inspiration to dream and work hard to accomplish those dreams.  

“Those men and women are my heroes because they taught me to think and to sacrifice so that others may excel,” McPherson said.