DUBLIN — Bladen Community College has a new Vice President for Finance. She is Durham native Kelly Smith, who has extensive experience in financial management.

Prior to coming to BCC, she was assistant director of finance for Duke University Auxiliary Services, and earlier, manager of accounting services for Duke University Financial Services.

A 1992 graduate of Meredith College with a bachelor of science in accounting, Smith completed a master of business administration from East Carolina University in 1998. Prior to her employment at Duke, she was controller at Carteret Community College in Morehead City.

Smith said she is very glad to be back in a small town and community college environment.

“I have a great love for the (North Carolina) Community College System and its mission and goals,” said Smith. “I am very glad to be back where I can be a part of this very important work. Community colleges are at the heart of training our (nation’s) workforce, and I consider it a privilege to have this opportunity to again make a contribution to that effort.”

She and her husband, Jeff, have two children, seven-year-old Grace and 5-year-old Trey, and currently make their home at White Lake.

“We look forward to being at the lake and the kids are really excited,” she said.

Smith said she spends most of her spare time with her family.

“I enjoy being home with my family. My children are small and I enjoy being with them at this important time in their lives. I also enjoy cooking, and when I have the time, reading and deep sea fishing,” she added.