This article was published in the Lenoir News-Topic.

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute added two new trustees Wednesday.

Sam Yearick, an administrative officer with the N.C. Department of Revenue and former finance director for Caldwell County, was appointed by Gov. Pat McCrory. At the trustees’ Wednesday meeting, Yearick spoke about the opportunities community college graduates have to find jobs.

“This is the best opportunity for a young – or old – individual in this county to get into something, to seek gainful employment,” he said.

Lowell Younce, an Aflac insurance agent and former chairman of the Watauga County Board of Education, was appointed by the Watauga County Commissioners.

Yearick replaced trustee Rankin Whittington, and Younce replaced Dr. Gary Childers.

CCC&TI’s board of trustees are appointed by the sitting governor, the Watauga County commissioners, the Caldwell County commissioners, Watauga County Board of Education and Caldwell County Board of Education. The college’s student body president also serves on the board.