Three Trustees Sworn In at Isothermal Community College
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Isothermal Community College, Polk Campus, Columbus, N.C. — Bryson Smith, Amy Jenkins, and Steve Bedford were sworn in Tuesday afternoon to the Isothermal Community College (ICC) Board of Trustees as the board begins its work for the 2025–2026 academic year. The oath of office was administered by board clerk Dee Dee Barnard in a brief ceremony held on the Polk County campus.
Smith, newly appointed by the North Carolina Senate, was joined by his wife Raquel, who held the Bible during the swearing-in. Bedford, appointed by the North Carolina House of Representatives, was accompanied by his wife Debbie. Jenkins, reappointed by the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners, continues her service on the board. North Carolina Representative Paul Scott attended the ceremony to offer his congratulations and emphasize the value of local governance in higher education.
The ICC Board of Trustees serves a critical role in guiding the college’s policies, approving its annual budget, and supporting Isothermal’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education across Rutherford and Polk counties.
According to the ICC website, the Board of Trustees includes:
James Hutchins, Chair — Appointed by the Governor (Term expires 2027)
Bill Miller, Vice Chair — Appointed by Polk County Commissioners (Term expires 2026)
Jacqueline Godlock, Secretary/Parliamentarian — Appointed by the Governor (Term expires 2026)
Jordan Barnes — Appointed by the Speaker of the House (Term expires 2028)
John Condrey — Appointed by the Governor (Term expires 2025)
Seema Daigle — Appointed by the Rutherford County Commission (Term expires 2028)
Grady Franklin — Appointed by the Rutherford County Commission (Term expires 2026)
Tony Helton — Appointed by the Senate President Pro Tempore (Term expires 2028)
David Hunt — Appointed by the Rutherford County Commission (Term expires 2027)
Amy Jenkins — Appointed by the Rutherford County Commission (Term expires 2025) (re-appointed)
Michael Benfield — Appointed by the Rutherford County Commission (Term expires 2027)
Eddie Holland — Appointed by the Rutherford County Commission (Term expires 2025)
Marche Pittman — Appointed by Polk County Commission (Term expires 2027)
David Scherping — Appointed by Polk County Commission (Term expires 2025)
Steve Bedford — Appointed by the NC House of Representatives (New Term)
Bryson Smith — Appointed by the NC Senate (New Term)
Meeting agendas, minutes, and records of board decisions are available to the public online.
With a full board in place, ICC leaders are focused on advancing workforce development programs, improving student outcomes, and overseeing infrastructure investments that will benefit the college and the broader region.
As this new academic year begins, the ceremony served as both a formal welcome and a reminder of the collaborative work ahead to ensure student success remains at the heart of Isothermal’s mission.