Biographical Text
Professor Emeritus of Leadership and Higher Education Gerald M. Bolick (August 11, 1933-), was born in Lenoir, North Carolina. He received his early education in the North Carolina public schools in Lenoir and attended Mars Hill College (Mars Hill, North Carolina), where he received an associate's degree in science. He then went to North Carolina State University (Raleigh), where in 1954 he received a B.S. degree. In 1956, Bolick earned an M.S. degree with a concentration in genetics statistics. He continued his education at the University of Frankfurt (Germany) during 1957-58, studying language. Bolick also attended Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina and Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, where he earned his doctorate in administration and supervision in 1968. Before joining the faculty of Appalachian State University, Dr. Bolick served as dean of occupational programs at Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro, North Carolina; as division chair, Catawba Valley Technical Institute, Hickory, North Carolina; as vice president of Green Valley Supply Company Wholesale and Retail, Lenoir, North Carolina; as science teacher at Happy Valley High School, Patterson, North Carolina; as education advisor at the Army Education Center in Frankfurt, Germany; as teaching and research instructor for North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina; and as teaching and research graduate assistant at North Carolina State University. Dr. Bolick developed and worked closely with the Bachelor of Technology program during his tenure at Appalachian, and having made outstanding contributions to the College of Continuing Education, he assumed the duties of coordinator of grants planning for Appalachian in 1977. He served for many years as the head of grants planning, along with serving as tenured professor of leadership and higher education. Dr. Bolick speaks German and Spanish and used his languages in many capacities at Appalachian State University. He continues to do consultant work and conduct training seminars in business and education and has traveled to several states and foreign countries. Many organizations have benefited from his superb efforts, including Kiwanis, Ruritan, the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, National 4-H, the Caldwell County Fair Committee, Kappa Delta Pi, Association for Continuing Higher Education, American Association of Community Colleges, Caldwell Economic Development Commission, and the American Association for Higher Education. He is a lifetime member of Yadkin Baptist Church and serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. During his professional career, Bolick wrote numerous articles and papers, including: • A Statistical Analysis of a Three-Breed Rotational Crossbreeding Program with an Inbred and an Outbred Population." (Master's Thesis) Raleigh: North Carolina State University, 1956. • "Socio-Economic Characteristics of Students Enrolled for Credit in the North Carolina Community College System." (Doctoral Thesis.) Durham: Duke University, 1968. • "The Politics of Program Approval in Higher Education," Southeastern Nursing and Allied Health Council, 1976. Among Dr. Bolick's honors and awards are a Dictionary of International Biography (London, England) listing; a Personalities of the South listing; a National 4-H Alumni Recognition Award (three previous North Carolina recipients: a United States senator, a governor, and a vice president of Ralston Purina); and a National Grange Award. Bolick is also a member of the Honorary Educational Society of Kappa Delta Pi and an Honor Club member, North Carolina 4-H Club. Dr. Bolick's current involvement includes: member of the Caldwell Economic Development Commission; member of the Caldwell Agricultural Board; commissioner for the American Dental Accreditation; and the advisory committee for Western Piedmont Community College Dental Assisting Program in Morganton, North Carolina. He is conducting research on the need for and development of a baccalaureate degree program for dental auxiliary educators that can be offered nationwide. In addition to the above, Bolick is owner-operator of an electronics business and an Arabian horse-breeding farm in Lenoir, North Carolina. He also presents equestrian training seminars throughout the Southeast. Dr. Bolick's wife of forty-four years, Sarah Lineberry Bolick, died in 2002. The Bolicks have a daughter, Lori Bolick Taylor, a son-in-law, Steve Taylor, and a grandson, Daniel Taylor. Sources: Appalachian State University files and long association. -Dr. Richard D. Howe
Comments