College Announces New Basic Skills Leader – Wake Tech

Appointment of New Dean at Wake Tech College and Career Readiness Division

Introduction

On December 15, 2025, Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina, announced the appointment of Erik Russ as the new Dean of College and Career Readiness (CCR). This leadership change aligns with the institution’s commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Quality Education (SDG 4) and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8).

Role and Responsibilities

Erik Russ will oversee adult education programs designed to empower individuals by enhancing employability skills, facilitating high school completion, and initiating career training. The CCR division offers a variety of programs that contribute to inclusive and equitable quality education, supporting lifelong learning opportunities for all (SDG 4). These programs include:

1. High School Equivalency Preparation
2. Adult High School
3. English as a Second Language (ESL)
4. Adult Basic Education (for additional academic support)
5. Transitions (career training)
6. Pathfinder (support for adults with intellectual disabilities)

Career Progression and Leadership

Erik Russ began his career at Wake Tech in August 2013 as an adjunct faculty member in Adult Basic Education. His progressive roles have included:

• Advisor and Transition Team Teacher (2016)
• Student Success Team Coordinator (2019)
• Director of Advising and Student Success (most recent prior role)

His leadership is characterized by a student-centered approach and collaboration, addressing the unique needs of CCR learners. This approach supports the college’s mission to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, thereby contributing to SDG 4.

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree in English and Modern European History, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Master’s degree in English Secondary Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Master’s degree in English Literature
• Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Policy and Human Development at North Carolina State University

Institutional Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals

Wake Tech’s adult education programs under the leadership of Dean Russ contribute directly to several SDGs:

• SDG 4: Quality Education – By providing accessible adult education and career readiness programs, the college promotes lifelong learning and skills development.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Enhancing employability and career training supports inclusive economic growth and productive employment.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Programs like Pathfinder support adults with intellectual disabilities, fostering inclusivity.

Further Information

For more details on Wake Tech’s adult education and workforce skill programs, please visit the official website: ccr.waketech.edu.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on adult education programs, high school equivalency, and career readiness, which are core to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The emphasis on employability skills, career training, and workforce readiness aligns with promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Programs such as English as a Second Language and support for adults with intellectual disabilities contribute to reducing inequalities within and among countries by providing access to education and career opportunities for marginalized groups.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
   • Target 4.6: Ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 4 Targets:
   • Proportion of youth and adults achieving literacy and numeracy (Indicator 4.6.1).
   • Participation rate in technical-vocational education and training (Indicator 4.3.1).
   • Percentage of adults completing high school equivalency or adult high school programs.
2. For SDG 8 Targets:
   • Proportion of youth not in education, employment or training (Indicator 8.6.1).
   • Employment rate of program participants after completion.
3. For SDG 10 Targets:
   • Inclusion metrics such as enrollment and completion rates for marginalized groups including adults with intellectual disabilities and non-native English speakers.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: waketech.edu