Dr. James A. Richardson

Year Inducted: 2018

Dr. James (Jim) A. Richardson was born in North Wilkesboro and grew up in the Hays/Rock Creek Community. His parents are the late Braxton and Beatrice Richardson. He was a 1960 graduate of North Wilkes High School. In Richardson’s senior year, he led North Wilkes (29-2) to the class 2A title game. Several years ago, he was chosen to be in the North Wilkes Hall of Fame.

Richardson attended Appalachian State University on a full basketball scholarship and played for four years. Upon graduation, he became a successful coach at West Wilkes High, Wilkes Central High, Naples Senior High (Florida), Isothermal Community College, Austin Peay State University, and East Tennessee State. While coaching at East Tennessee State, he obtained his Master’s degree in higher education. In 1979, Dr. Richardson successfully completed his Doctorate in Higher Education from Duke University and graduated with honors.

During 1972-1980, Dr. Richardson was employed with the North Carolina State Department of Community Colleges as Director of Institutional Evaluation and Director of Institutional Planning. He was instrumental in helping each of the 58 community colleges to receive both state and southern association accreditation and to locate on a permanent campus.

In August of 1980, Dr. Richardson became Vice President for Academic Affairs at Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) in Morganton, North Carolina. In June of 1981 he was appointed acting President and in September of 1981 he was officially named President. During his presidency from 1981 until his retirement in 2005, Dr. Richardson expanded curriculum programs, developed strategic planning in all divisions, and expanded the campus facilities. The state board consistently recognized Western Piedmont Community College as an institution of excellence under his leadership. He was also very active serving on numerous community, state and national boards.

Upon Dr. Richardson’s retirement, the WPCC Board of Trustees granted him the title of president emeritus, established a scholarship in his name and renamed the 200 acre east campus, the Jim A. Richardson Campus. He was also honored by Governor Mike Easley with the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. 

Dr. Richardson continues to live in Morganton with his wife, Jan. They have one daughter, Pate. Dr. Richardson remains very active in his community where he continues to serve on various boards and fundraising projects.