Lancaster wins rare honor

Martin Lancaster, president of the state's Community College System, will become President Emeritus after he retires May 1.

Meeting today in Statesville, the State Board announced plans for Lancaster's title, an honor bestowed only on two previous presidents — Ben E. Fountain, who served from 1971 to 1978, and Gov. Bob Scott, who served from 1983 to 1994.

Lancaster has led the Community College System for 11 years and received wide praise today for winning legislative support for the 2000 higher education construction bonds, money for biotechnology programs and better salaries for community college professors.

Board member Jimmie Ford, who like Lancaster is from Wayne County, said, “Homeboy, you have done well!”