Underwood elevated to dean of GTCC’s Human Services and Public Safety Department

“I am honored to step into the role of dean of Human Services and Public Safety,” Underwood says.

JAMESTOWN, N.C. (Jan. 7, 2025) – Jeremiah Underwood, who has spent the last eight years leading Guilford Technical Community College’s emergency medical science programs, has been promoted to dean of the college's Human Services and Public Safety Department.

“I am honored to step into the role of dean of Human Services and Public Safety,” said Underwood. “This is an incredible opportunity to support our faculty, empower our students and help shape programs that directly impact the well-being and safety of our communities.”

As the dean of the Human Services and Public Safety Department, Underwood will provide leadership for a large group of instructional programs and noncredit training and educational units including criminal justice technology, emergency medical sciences, fire protection, health and physical education, human services technology, basic law enforcement training and in-service training, emergency medical technician occupational extension training, and fire academy and fire occupational extension training.

He will oversee the department’s curriculum, academic programs, strategic planning and budgeting along with management of enrollment and student retention strategies.

“We’re grateful for the leadership and guidance Jeremiah has provided to the emergency medical science programs these past several years, “said Beth Pitonzo, Ph.D., senior vice president of instruction at GTCC. “We know with his experience at the college and within the industry, he will continue to grow and enhance the programs within the GTCC Human Services and Public Safety Department.”

Underwood served as a simulation education specialist at High Point University from October of 2016 to May of 2017 before making the move to GTCC. Prior to that, he led the Stokes County emergency services department for 16 years.

Underwood is currently working on his Doctor of Education from Cappella University, and holds a Master of Health Science and a Bachelor of Science from Western Carolina University.