Dr. Zeiss holds a doctorate in community college administration, a master’s degree in speech (radio and television) and a bachelor’s degree in speech education. In 1992, Zeiss became the third president of Central Piedmont Community College, the largest college in North Carolina serving approximately 70,000 students per year. During his tenure, the college has grown from one campus to six and has become recognized as a national leader in Workforce Development. Zeiss has authored or co-authored several books on economic development, adult literacy and national workforce development. His most recent publications include four books on creating high performance employees, a novel based on the War Between the States, and a book on Community College Leadership.

Dr. Zeiss is a professional speaker and a member of the National Speaker’s Association. He is a frequent keynoter for companies and colleges on recruiting, developing, and retaining peak performers at the workplace. He regularly consults with states and regions on Economic Development.

Zeiss is past chair of the Board of the American Association of Community Colleges and past Board Chair for the League for Innovation, and was the Association of Community College Trustees’ National CEO of the year for 2004-2005. CPCC was selected as the 2002 Community College of the Year by the National Alliance of Business in 2002-2003.

Dr. Zeiss serves on several local, regional and national boards and frequently serves as a workgroup member for the U. S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor. Zeiss and his wife Beth have two sons and two grandchildren.