Jermaine Ford
President

Dr. Jermaine Ford became Florence-Darlington Technical College’s fifth president on October 4, 2021. Upon his start, he immediately began a campaign called “Reimagining Florence-Darlington Technical College” to transform the college. The Reimagining Campaign was a huge success focusing on re-engaging both internal and external stakeholders, rebuilding the college’s organizational infrastructure, increasing visibility and engagement with the community, transforming the college’s focus to student success and workforce development, and assessing labor market data to pipeline a well-trained workforce to high wage opportunities.

As a first-generation community college graduate, he has advocated for underserved populations to ensure every resident can access in-demand opportunities that yield a family-sustaining wage. He has dedicated his career to transforming lives and offering pathways to greatness through education. Additionally, he takes great pride in the comprehensive technical college mission and is inspired to lead the charge for student success.

He began his higher education career at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. He later transitioned to the private sector before returning to the higher education sector at Moraine Valley Community College, South Louisiana Community College, and finally making it to Florence-Darlington Technical College.

He serves on the Higher Education Research and Development Institute Board, NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership Board, National Associate for Community College Entrepreneurship Board, Ferris State University Doctoral Advisory Board, American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Structured Pathways, McLeod Healthcare Board, Florence County Economic Development Partnership Board, Darlington County Economic Development Partnership Board, the Florence Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Thomas Lakin Institute: President’s Round Table Board.

He is an innovative thought leader passionate about bridging the gap between education and business; he holds an A.A. from Moraine Valley Community College, a B.A. from DePaul University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and an Ed.D. from Grand Canyon University.