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Kenyon “KJ” Askew, Jr.
Director, Marketing & Strategic Engagement
klaskew736@nashcc.edu
252-451-8235

Nash Community College Announces Retirement of Dean Marbeth Holmes After 29 Years of Service

ROCKY MOUNT, North Carolina (July 23, 2025) – Nash Community College (NCC) announces the upcoming retirement of Dean Marbeth Holmes, a respected campus leader and student advocate whose career at the college spans nearly three decades. Holmes will retire after 29 years of service, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in teaching, wellness, and student support.

Since joining NCC in 1996, Holmes has held numerous roles dedicated to student success. In addition to her leadership within student services, she is a longtime instructor of English, humanities, and social sciences, earning a professorship in 2004. Her deep commitment to students has helped shape the college’s approach to holistic support and academic achievement.

One of Holmes’s most notable accomplishments is the creation of the NCC Student Wellness Center, which she piloted in 2014. She later became Director of Student Wellness in 2015, and in 2017, was named Dean of Student Wellness as the center evolved into a nationally recognized model. That same year, the White House designated NCC’s Student Wellness Center a “Healthy Campus” for its comprehensive support services.

As Dean of Student Success and Retention, Holmes has overseen a wide-ranging portfolio of student-centered programs and initiatives through the college’s Success Network. These include Advising and Success Coaching, Minority Male Success Initiatives, Accessibility Services, the Single Stop resource center, ACA College Success courses, Assistance Grants, Library Services, Career Placement, and Student Engagement.

Holmes is a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), and certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Her extensive academic background includes a Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a certificate in Abuse Studies and specialized training in adult mental health, substance abuse, trauma, grief, and palliative care. In 2014, she was honored with the Burns Award for Excellence in Clinical Social Work by UNC-Chapel Hill. She also holds a Master of Arts from Abilene Christian University, a Bachelor of Arts in English from Meredith College, and an Associate of Arts from Louisburg College. Her educational journey began when she earned her GED in 1980.

“Marbeth is leaving a legacy of helping students achieve their goals and reach success,” said Dr. Wendy Cook, vice president of student access and success at NCC. “She has made an impact on Nash Community College and will continue to help serve the citizens of North Carolina in her retirement.”

“Marbeth Holmes has devoted her career to ensuring that every student has the tools, support, and encouragement to succeed,” said Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “Her impact is immeasurable, and her legacy will continue through the programs and services she helped create and grow.”

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About Nash Community College 
Nash Community College’s mission is to provide an affordable educational environment which prepares students for university transfer and rewarding careers. Through quality instruction and services, technology, work force development, and community partnerships, Nash Community College provides lifelong learning opportunities to individuals, communities, and organizations. Nash Community College is a public community college in Nash County, North Carolina. It is part of the North Carolina Community College System.