Ron Newton

President

I was born and raised in Farmville, North Carolina, to parents who worked as sharecroppers. After graduating from H. B. Suggs High School, I enlisted in the U.S. Army, where I served for three years—including a tour in Vietnam—and achieved the rank of Specialist E-5.

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Following my military service, I relocated to Brooklyn, New York, and began my professional journey with Household Finance as a representative. While working full-time, I took advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Management within four years. I also pursued graduate studies at Long Island University in Brooklyn.

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Armed with my degree, I transitioned into the banking industry, where I built a rewarding 40-year career in both retail and commercial banking. In addition to my professional work, I spent 25 years as a basketball official—a passion that served as both a hobby and a way to unwind.

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As someone whose path to higher education was made possible by the GI Bill and the steadfast encouragement of my parents, I am deeply committed to helping others access educational opportunities. I believe that higher education is a powerful vehicle for achieving one’s dreams, and I hold firm to the belief that “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”