June 26, 2006

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.”