A longtime business owner will bring her expertise to the Beaufort County Community College Board of Trustees.

Gov. Roy Cooper appointed Marya Shavender to the BCCC Board of Trustees in July, and she was sworn in at the Aug. 1 board meeting.

Shavender, along with her husband Buddy, started Shavender Trucking Inc. in 1978 and have successfully run it for 40 years. She holds a degree from Lenoir Community College. The grandmother of eight also has three daughters: Marcy Morgan, Stacy Swindell and Tracey Brown. Shavender replaces Dr. Laura Staton, who had also served as board chair during her final year.

“I’m excited to serve on the BCCC Board of Trustees to help others achieve their goals and to follow their dreams in life,” Shavender said. “I see BCCC as a stepping stone for young adults and old to further their education so they will be able to give back to their community.”

BCCC offers a commercial driver’s license class, and has recently started incorporating specific curriculum in the CDL program to meet the needs of forestry companies. The BCCC Board of Trustees oversees policies and programs of the college. It is comprised of community members and education and business professionals nominated by the governor, county commissioners and the Beaufort County Board of Education.