| Jonathan Harris |
| Wed, Aug 12, 2026 |
With the announcement of current Chief Financial Officer Morgan Francis’ retirement, Wilkes Community College found itself needing a successor. Morgan’s thirty years of experience and excellent work in this role required a comprehensive search to fill the position and continue the college’s fiscal success.
Following a successful search, Wilkes Community College is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Harris as its new Vice President of Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Harris will officially begin his full-time role on October 19, 2026.
As Vice President of Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer, Harris will provide executive leadership for the College’s financial and administrative operations, overseeing strategic planning, budgeting, fiscal management, compliance, and financial reporting. He will play a key role in ensuring the College’s continued financial strength while supporting its mission of providing exceptional educational opportunities to the communities it serves.
“We are excited to welcome Jonathan Harris to the Wilkes Community College leadership team,” said Dr. Rodgers. “Throughout the search process, Jonathan demonstrated exceptional financial expertise, thoughtful leadership, and a strong commitment to higher education. His experience, collaborative approach, and dedication to sound fiscal stewardship will be tremendous assets as we continue to advance the College’s mission and serve our students and communities.”
Harris brings extensive experience in finance and operations within the community college environment. Throughout his career, he has specialized in accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and operational leadership. He has successfully collaborated with executive leadership, academic departments, and external stakeholders to strengthen fiscal stewardship, enhance internal controls, and support institutional decision-making through sound financial analysis and transparent communication.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Gardner-Webb University. His educational background, combined with his professional experience, has equipped him with the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to guide the College’s financial and administrative operations.
