WILSON, N.C. — May 3, 2022 — Dr. Douglas N. Searcy, president of Barton College, has been recognized by Business North Carolina’s Power List 2022 as one of the state’s most influential business leaders in the education sector.
“Great leadership never goes out of style. The need for it has never been greater,” shared David Mildenberg, editor of Business North Carolina, in his website introduction of the Business North Carolina’s Power List 2022. “Whoever made those statements first, thank you. I’ll share them as a contribution and rationale for Business North Carolina’s Power List, our annual report on the state’s most influential leaders. Demand for steady, competent leadership is unquestionable. It’s a challenging time. Fortunately, our state is full of terrific leaders, as evidenced by this publication.”
Visit https://businessnc.com/2022-power-list/education/ for Dr. Searcy’s recognition in the 2022 listing of the most influential N.C. leaders in education, ordered alphabetically. The online version of the full printed publication is also available in flipbook format at https://businessnc.com/2022-power-list/.
Barton College plays an important role in the economic vitality of its local and regional North Carolina communities. During the past five years, Barton’s bold strategies enhanced the College’s growth and influence, educating students while simultaneously creating an annual $70+ million economic impact on the Wilson community and beyond.
Under Dr. Searcy’s leadership, new academic and co-curricular programs, new and renovated facilities, and enhanced academic and technology services have opened the door to opportunities for student growth and learning. During his tenure, Barton has experienced its largest enrolling population in more than three decades; fundraising and campus investment have grown to new heights; and faculty, staff, and student relationships have thrived as the College has continued to respond to changing conditions and has met anticipated needs.
Learning and living spaces have been reimagined on campus through comprehensive renovations, which have included Wenger Hall, the Georgia Brewer Campion Center for Academic Success, the Barton Esports Arena, Moye Science Hall Anatomy Laboratory, the Nursing Simulation Laboratory, the Sports Performance Center, Wilson Gymnasium, Hamlin Culinary Center, and the BC Bistro. Through partnerships with Greenlight and the City of Wilson, Barton has defined strategies to advance technology, establishing Barton as a multi-gig campus following the installation of a fiber optic ring around campus. And new construction on campus has transformed a bold vision into reality with the completion of Electric Supply Company Field, Truist Stadium, and the David S. Hicks Family Sports Operation Center, each named by signature donors of the College. These facility additions and others mentioned previously have created an undeniable energy and enthusiasm on the Barton College campus.
Campus momentum has grown along with local and regional awareness. Barton has become readily known as an innovation difference-maker, recognized as a source of energy and intellectual capital, contributing to the workforce and economic development of the local and regional economy. And, throughout this progress, the Barton Spirit has flourished with greater vibrancy and recognition of the impact that Barton College makes in the lives of its students.
“Now the rest of North Carolina knows what we at Barton have known for some time — that Dr. Searcy’s vision, passion, and diligence are making a positive impact, not only for our school but for our main focus of ensuring that we are preparing a generation of students to succeed in a changing and challenging environment,” shared Eric Sellers, Chair of the Barton College Board of Trustees. “All of North Carolina will benefit from his continued efforts and vision.”
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