Askew is head of new Agribusiness Technology Program | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

Veteran educator, farmer chosen to head BCCC's new Agribusiness Technology Program

    Veteran educator William R. Askew who grew up on a Beaufort County farm has been chosen to head the new Agribusiness Technology Program at Beaufort County Community College.

    Askew, a 1989 graduate of BCCC, said he is prepared for the challenge of beginning the program, which will offer its first classes when the fall semester begins this month. Since joining the BCCC faculty, Askew has recruited students for the program, ordered textbooks, organized a laboratory and established coursework for his classes.

    "I have envisioned an agricultural program here for more than 15 years," Askew said. "And as a product of the college, I know what a value it is. It is a tremendous resource for the community."

    A native of Beaufort County, Askew graduated from Bath High School and enrolled in general education courses at BCCC. He transferred to East Carolina University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Biology and Science Education. He subsequently entered N.C. State University where he studied to become certified to teach agriculture programs. In 2003, Askew earned a master's degree in agriculture education from N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University and completed additional certification in school administration from ECU in 2009.

    Askew comes to BCCC after a 12-year career as a teacher at Northside High School and, most recently, after serving as an assistant principal at John Small School.

    Courses in the new Agribusiness Technology Program will be offered through BCCC's Arts and Sciences Division.

William Askew, pictured above in his office in Building 3, is the new head of Beaufort County Community College's Agribusiness Technology Program. The first classes in the program begin this month.
    Students in the program will need two years to complete the course work, after which they receive an associate in applied science degree in agribusiness technology. An associate's degree in the program will require coursework in agricultural chemicals, soil science, animal science, plant science, animal health management, business and economics, among others. The first classes offered will be Sustainable Agriculture, Soil Science and Agricultural Chemicals.

    The program will prepare graduates for a variety of jobs in agriculture such as equipment, chemical, feed and agricultural supply sales, store management, farm operations and office management of agricultural products marketing firms, according to Askew.

    "Or they can go home and be better prepared to manage the family farm," he said.

    Askew and his wife, Penny, met while both were students at BCCC. They have two children. He is chairman of the Beaver Dam Drainage District and a member of the Belhaven 509 A.F. and A.M. Lodge. Askew also serves as minister for the Terra Ceia Church of Christ. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening and fishing.

    For more information about the Agribusiness Technology Program at BCCC, contact Askew at 252-940-6304 or by email at williama@beaufortccc.edu. For information about enrolling in classes at BCCC, contact Daniel Wilson, director of Admissions, at 252-940-6233 or visit the BCCC website at www.beaufortccc.edu.