Order of Long Leaf Pine awarded at BCC

Supply, NC.  Jerry Thrift, former Vice President of Operations of Brunswick Community College, was recently awarded with The Order of Long Leaf Pine on October 17, 2013.  Senator Bill Rabon presented the award to a surprised Thrift during a meeting held at the Brunswick Community College Boardroom. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most respected awards presented by the Governor of North Carolina.

Thrift has received several honors for his dedication and commitment to his community, including the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and the Brunswick Community College Administrator of the year.  Jerry Thrift has also been a board member of the Rowan Community Service Council and a board member of the Brunswick County Industrial Facilities Pollution Control Authority.  Thrift is married to Patsy Thrift and together they have five children and seven grandchildren.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is given to individuals who have an astonishing record of service to the state. Some of the guidelines that are used to select recipients for this award are: extra effort in their careers, supporting their communities, and numerous years of service to their organizations. A state employee can be awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine if the employee has given more than thirty years of devoted and diligent service to the state of North Carolina.

Jerry Thrift started his career at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1972 as a Coordinator in Continuing Education after serving four years in the United States Air force.  In 1977 he briefly left Continuing Education on a special assignment for about a year to serve as Special Assistant to the College President and then returned to the department as Associate Dean of Continuing Education for eight years and then Dean for seven years.

In 1993 Jerry moved to Brunswick County and Brunswick Community College as Vice President of Community and Continuing Education.  In 2006 he became Vice President of Operations and retired in June of 2013.

For additional information regarding Brunswick Community College visit us online at www.brunswickcc.edu.