DUBLIN — Tuesday was a special day in the life of Bladen Community College, as William Findt was officially installed as the college’s fourth president in a formal ceremony.

A number of representatives from the state’s university and community college systems were on hand

for the event. Also among the many guests in attendance were a host of former colleagues, friends and relatives of Findt. Many had traveled hundreds of miles to attend this “special occasion for a special

friend.”

Among those addressing the attendees was Kennon Briggs, vice president and chief of staff of the North Carolina Community College System. He and BCC Board of Trustees Chairman Dennis Troy administered the oath.

Douglas Eason, president of Mitchell Community College in Statesville, also addressed the group. Findt had worked for Eason for 17 years before coming to Bladen Community College and describes him as his mentor.

Findt came to Bladen Community College on Aug. 1, 2008, after being selected by a 13-member selection committee and the Board of Trustees from a field of nearly 50 candidates. The selection process took nine months. He replaced Darrell Page, who retired in June 2008.

It is not uncommon for official installation ceremonies to be held many months after the individual assumes the primary leadership position at the college or university.

Prior to coming to Bladen Community College, Findt had worked in the North Carolina Community College System for more than 30 years. He had held a number of leadership positions at the three colleges where he

previously worked — Sampson Community College, Alamance Community College and Mitchell Community College.

A career educator, Findt began his career as a social studies teacher at Garland High School in Sampson County.

Findt and his wife JoAnne make their home in Elizabethtown. They have three grown daughters and three grandsons.