The board of trustees of historically Black Barber-Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina, announced that it has unanimously appointed Chris V. Rey, as president of the college. He had been serving as international president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
“I am beyond honored to have been selected by the board to serve at the helm of one of the nation’s oldest historically black colleges. My steps have always been ordained by God and I’m confident my past leadership experiences have prepared me to lead Barber-Scotia’s resurgence,” said Rey. “I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working with the board of trustees, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other stakeholders to bring this historic college back to prominence. We will continue working to obtain accreditation, ensure financial stability, build a strong and transparent relationship with alumni and the city of Concord, and grow our enrollment.”
Founded by the Presbyterian Church in January 1867, Barber-Scotia College lost accreditation in 2004 and since that time has struggled to remain viable. Only a handful of students are enrolled, all online.
Born in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Rey grew up in Spring Lake, North Carolina. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in information systems from Walden University. He holds a juris doctorate from the William & Mary School of Law in Williamsburg, Virginia. He is a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard