LOCAL NEWS — Motlow State Community College announced last week that Dr. Pamela Harris will become their new dean at the College’s Moore County Campus. Harris also serves as an associate professor of Sociology and Psychology at Motlow. She is a resident of Birmingham, Ala.

“We are excited about the appointment of Dr. Pamela Harris and will support her as she furthers our commitment to community, student success, and completion,” said Motlow President Dr. Michael Torrence. “Dr. Harris’ passion for people is an asset to this institution and this position. We await, with certainty, the continued enhancement of teaching and learning under her leadership at Motlow State.”

Harris brings a drive to innovate and she focuses on people, according to Motlow State.

“My love and regard of teaching will always be a personal passion. For this reason, I hope to continue to teach a class or two each year. I like the idea of staying connected to students and my professional roots. Since my college education has emphasized the importance of relationships, I hope to continue to still grow in this field and keep in touch with students,” explained Harris.

“I believe that valuing people is the key to making an institution great. Those people include faculty, staff, and students. Because of my adamant belief in the worth of our employees and students, I hope to encourage an ongoing sense of trust and personal/professional regard for those employed and attending Motlow,” she said. “Ultimately, my greatest hope is to continue to make Motlow a great place to work and attend.”

Harris earned her PhD in Psychology from Capella University, a master of arts in Teaching from Troy University with Sociology and Psychology concentrations, a master of science in Psychology from Capella University, and a bachelor’s in Psychology with a double minor in Business and Sociology from Troy University.

She has held numerous positions at Motlow and prior to Motlow, including Supplemental Instruction Coordinator, Advising Specialist, Faculty Excellence Winner, Honors Faculty, PTK Advisor, Sociology Club Creator and Advisor, Financial Aid Appeals Committee Member, CEO of Flowers Non-Profit Ministry, AAMU Program Specialist, Supervisor of Supplemental Instruction and Academic Counselor, Centerstone Grant Recruiter, and State Farm Manager.

When not at Motlow, Harris volunteers at Christ Community Church for charity programs such as Operation Christmas Child, Providing Meals to the Motlow Basketball Team, and participating in the Praise Team. 

“Being named Dean to me is about the idea of making a larger and more positive impact on the lives of those at Motlow State,” she said. •

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