On June 25, 2024, the Cape Fear Community College administration removed Jason Rogers from the position of Department Chair of the Marine Technology department.  This was done as a part of a reorganization that integrates the Marine Technology Boat Building, and Boat Manufacturing programs into the Applied Technologies Department.  It is the view of the undersigned that the actions of the administration of Cape Fear Community College represent a gross error that severely undermines both the mission and efficacy of the Marine Technology program. Furthermore, the administration has yet to provide a replacement for Jason Rogers, leaving the Marine Technology department without a leader.

We the undersigned demand accountability and transparency from the administration of Cape Fear Community College. In this regard, we ask the following questions:

·       How does the administration plan to fill the void of Mr. Rogers' departure? We ask the administration to keep in mind factors of his institutional memory, management of a fleet of sea-going vessels, and his teaching duties vis a vis Invertebrate Zoology Marine GIS, and training cruises?

·       Does the college have a plan for future leadership of the department? If so, how will this leadership enhance the training of future students and support of our faculty and staff?

·       How does the termination of Jason Rogers benefit the needs of the students, faculty, and staff of the Marine Technology program?

·       What inefficiencies were present that precipitated the decision to absorb the Marine Technology program into the Applied Technologies department? As a corollary, how will this reorganization solve these inefficiencies?

·       Provost Dixon has stated that this move was made to balance department structures. What is meant by balancing department structures, and how does that benefit faculty, staff, and the student body?

·       How will this reorganization enhance the College's ability to deliver "top-tier training"?