500 building officially named in Newbern's honor

Newbern was the second president of Halifax Community College and during the ceremony, current President Ervin Griffin Sr. made a presentation to officially name the building in his honor, the college said in a news release.

Scott Shook, chair of North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, delivered the Founders Day address.

He noted the many cultural and community outreach projects that set Halifax Community College apart from other community colleges and thanked Griffin for his leadership. During the program, Newbern gave thanks to his family for their support, board of trustees members past and present for the honor of serving as president of HCC and for naming a building in his behalf. He acknowledged his many guests, including one of his high school instructors.

Newbern noted the many positive changes on campus and he is proud to be a part of the college. Attending as a guest was the founding president of HCC, Phillip W. Taylor and his wife. Newbern served as president of Halifax Community College from 1988 until 1998.

He began his career in education as a mathematics and physics teacher in the Bertie County school system.

In 1966, at the age of 25, he was named principal of Bertie County Senior High School.

Five years later, Newbern was named principal of Rocky Mount Senior High and remained there until 1981. At that time, he was employed as vice president of Vance-Granville Community College. He served in that capacity until his tenure at Halifax Community College. Newbern has held memberships in numerous organizations including: Phi Delta Kappa, the American Education Research Association, NC Association of Community College Instructional Administrators, American Association of Colleges and Junior Colleges, the Lions Club and Rotary Club.

He was named Administrator of the Year on several occasions and received the National Pacesetter Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations. Newbern resides in Enfield and is married to Ann Elliott Newbern who retired from Edgecombe Community College and is currently selling real estate.

They enjoy time with their three children and four grandchildren as well as traveling, fishing, and growing hay on their farm.