Dr. Jared Tice

Senior Vice President for the College/Dean of Students, Catawba College

Native of West Virginia

Industry: Higher Education

Jared Tice came to Catawba College four years ago from a position as Dean of Students at Barton College in Wilson, NC. He well remembers his first impression of his new home. “I had never been to Salisbury,” he says. “Driving over from the eastern part of the state and getting off I-85 to go through downtown to get to Catawba, I remember how welcoming downtown felt with restaurants and activities. It wasn’t just one block. That first impression proved to be well-founded.”

In his time here, he has found Salisbury to be a place of “large city amenities, small town vibes with 

great local shops and stores with engaging and friendly owners/proprietors.”

For newcomers to Salisbury-Rowan, he would encourage them to “visit one of our wonderful barbecue establishments. If you’ve never been to North Carolina with North Carolina barbecue, you should take it in.”

It speaks well of the college and community that many students who come to Catawba choose to live here after graduation. “They’ve had a great experience at Catawba, and they choose to make Salisbury-Rowan home,” says Jared. “They become small business owners and professionals” and enrich the community.

He defines the Rowan County slogan, Be an Original,™ as “finding connections and communities that match your interest and tailoring your unique engagement and experiences to create an original experience in Rowan.”

Jared received his undergraduate degree in political science from Concord University in Athens, WV, his master’s degree in higher education from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV, and his doctorate in higher education leadership from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO. He is president of the Rowan Rotary Club and is co-chair of the Catawba campaign of the United Way of Rowan County. He and his partner, Erica, live on the college campus.

His favorite restaurant is Yummi Banh Mi in downtown Salisbury for its “high quality and fresh food in a fast, casual setting. What I love about Salisbury food are the variety and convenience,” he says.

The Salisbury-Rowan Farmers Market Pavilion is his favorite outdoor event. “You can visit on Saturday and pick out fresh produce, go to the Railwalk Brewery & Eatery for lunch, and next door to The Salisbury Emporium for antiques,” he says. “The Railwalk District is a wonderful part of the downtown community.”

The Dragon Boat Festival on High Rock Lake is his favorite event. He says that Catawba sponsored a team this year, and it was a blast for faculty and staff. “It builds community and is a unique opportunity within broader Rowan.”