Butterfield Statement on the Passing of Halifax Community College President Dr. Michael Elam

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) issued the following statement after the passing of Halifax Community College President, Dr. Michael Elam:

"My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Elam's wife, Maxine, his family, and all those who knew and loved him. Our state, the First Congressional District, and the North Carolina Community College System has experienced a devastating loss.

"Dr. Elam spent many years committed to educating students in underserved communities. He was an outstanding educator who created pathways for his students to advance themselves in their careers and lives. Dr. Elam was the epitome of what it means to be an educator. From his focus on education equity and offering people of color opportunities to share their experiences in community college leadership roles, he was an inspiration to his students and a role model for all educators seeking to make a difference in the lives of others.

"Dr. Elam will be remembered for his enthusiasm for teaching and his dogged dedication to his students. His legacy will forever live on."