Community colleges hold immense importance in the educational landscape, serving as accessible gateways to higher education for diverse students. These institutions are vital in providing affordable and flexible educational and training opportunities, allowing individuals to pursue academic and vocational paths. Community colleges like those in the North Carolina Community College System also serve as crucial platforms for career development, offering practical skills and certifications that align with local workforce needs.
The mission of the North Carolina Community College System is to open the door to high-quality, accessible educational opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success, develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce, and improve the lives and well-being of individuals by providing education, training, economic development support and services that improve the quality of life. The economic development mission of the community college system often goes unnoticed but remains a vital part of the infrastructure of North Carolina’s workforce and industries. We focus on this aspect as we speak with John Loyack.
On this episode of Clocking In, NCMEP director Phil Mintz sits down with the vice president of economic development at NCCCS, John Loyack. Loyack has experience in the healthcare industry, where they worked as the Director of Product Management at MercuryMD / Thomson Reuters. John has a strong background in international marketing and business development. He holds an MBA in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and obtained a BA in Economics and Spanish from Gettysburg College.
Listen to Phil and John as they discuss how NCCCS aids in economic development, how North Carolina Community College caters to the current needs of the workforce and more.
LINKS
NCMEP
NC Community College System
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
John Loyack
John Loyack is the NC Community College System’s vice president of economic development. Before working with the NC Community College system, he worked as the Online Partner Director at IBT Online. From 2014 to 2022, John served as the Vice President of Global Business Services at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. He has also worked as the Director of International Trade at the International Trade Division of the NC Department of Commerce from 2011 to 2014. John has experience in the healthcare industry, where they worked as the Director of Product Management at MercuryMD / Thomson Reuters. John has a strong background in international marketing and business development. He holds an MBA in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and obtained a BA in Economics and Spanish from Gettysburg College.
