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Recently, our community lost an important figure in �鶹Ӱ��’s history – and key contributor to improving opportunity and life outcomes for people across the region. On Feb. 20, 2025, former �鶹Ӱ�� Board of Trustees member James I. Bolden passed away at the age of 100.

A native of Caswell County, Mr. Bolden graduated from NC Central University and worked for over three decades for NC Mutual. He started in the stock room and retired as Vice President of Personnel. While at NC Mutual, he was appointed to serve on the �鶹Ӱ�� Board of Trustees.  

Mr. Bolden served as a member of the College’s Board of Trustees for nearly three decades, from 1979 to 2007. He was part of many important moments in the College’s history, including �鶹Ӱ��’s evolution from a technical institute to a community college, the hiring of the first black community college president in North Carolina, expansion to Orange County, and major increases in enrollment and facilities. He was extraordinarily devoted to the College, with former fellow trustees not recalling him ever missing a meeting. Following his retirement from the Board, a scholarship was established in his honor that has benefited our students for years.

The late Dr. Phail Wynn, who served while Mr. Bolden was on the board, said the following in a tribute to him upon his retirement from the board:  

“The way Mr. Bolden sees it, the world is full of those who need some help. Some people help one or two along the road of life. Others help a few more. Mr. Bolden has helped countless people by encouraging them to take classes here, to better themselves, to learn an occupation. Through his loyalty, devotion, and many years of service, Mr. Bolden has kept the mission of the College front and center. In his own words, our College is all about preparing people to earn a living.”

We celebrate the life of James I. Bolden and were fortunate to be part of his legacy.