asheville.com news: A-B Tech President K. Ray Bailey Awarded The Order of The Long Leaf Pine

A-B Tech President K. Ray Bailey was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine from the Governor’s Office of Citizen and Community Services during the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. Rep. Bruce Goforth nominated Bailey for the award, which was presented
by Buncombe County Commissioner David Gantt.

“The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious awards
presented by the Governor of North Carolina,” said Gantt. “It is most often presented to those North Carolinians who have given extraordinary
service to the state.”

Other recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine have included Dr. Billy Graham, Dean Smith, Maya Angelou, Michael Jordan and Dale
Earnhardt.

“Who is a more deserving recipient of this honor than K. Ray Bailey? His
focus on student success has led A-B Tech to be the best community
college in our state, and his focus on economic development and
workforce training has led A-B Tech to be a linchpin in the local
economy,” said Sharon Morrissey, vice president of Instructional Services.

“But his good work does not end on Victoria Road. As a servant-leader,
Ray has played a significant role in the development of our community.
He spends countless hours working on commissions and board, to the
benefit of the people who live here. I know that the North Carolina
Community College System has benefited from Ray’s leadership. I know
also that Asheville is a better place because of his contributions to
this community,” she said.

According to Dennis King, vice president of Student Services, the award
recognizes Bailey’s continuous and significant service to the community
and the state.

“I have worked for six presidents on four campuses, and none has
inspired confidence and managed an institution better than Ray,” said
King. “He makes employees want to do their best for the College because
they want to do well for him.”

“Through his commitment to education in our community, President Bailey
has touched the lives of thousands of people,” said Richard Mauney, vice president of Administrative Services. “He is a masterful leader who is
admired and respected by people across this state.”

Bailey serves on numerous boards in the community including the Mission
Hospitals board of directors and the Mountain Area Health Education
Center where he serves as chair. He had been a chair of the United Way
of Asheville and Buncombe County’s annual campaign, serves on the Daniel
Boone Council for Boy Scouts of America and the Eblen Foundation board.
He has volunteered by serving on boards with Bele Chere, the American
Red Cross, Goodwill Industries and WNC Tomorrow.

“K. Ray Bailey’s unselfish dedication to Asheville-Buncombe Technical
Community College, this community and the North Carolina Community
College System for 40 years is duly acclaimed by the presentation of the
Order of the Long Leaf Pine,” said Anita Metcalf, vice president of
College Relations. “He is, indeed, a true servant leader. We, at A-B
Tech, are very proud to call him our President and friend.”
“President Bailey has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to excellence
through community service. Our college has earned its reputation for
excellence and dedication to student success through his leadership,”
said Max Queen, vice president of Continuing Education. “Scores of
students and citizens have benefited from his efforts throughout
Asheville and Buncombe County. Our community is a better place as a
result of the efforts of K. Ray Bailey.”

For more information about A-B Tech, visit www.abtech.edu.

(Images provided by AB Tech.)