Gossett begins job as president at A-B Tech

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — On Wednesday, Dr. John Gossett began his new job as new president of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.

Gossett, who has spent more than 30 years in the community college system in North Carolina, filled the vacancy left by Dennis King, who retired earlier this year. Gossett was selected on March 9 by the A-B Tech Board of Trustees from a pool of more than 60 candidates and three finalists.

A-B TECH ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

Gossett said his initial goal is to hear what staff and faculty have to say about the college and his long-term goals are for A-B Tech to become more community involved.

“Whatever meeting, whatever group, whoever it is can say, 'You know, there’s some smart people over at A-B Tech.' Maybe we need to bring them into the conversation to help with the issue. I think then we will have made it. We want to be a part of the community. It is our middle name,” Gossett said.

Gossett said he is working to navigate classes through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He also said he plans to work through issues related to social unrest.