Don Metzger, a Lumberton city councilman and former building contractor, attended his first Board of Trustees meeting at UNC Pembroke on September 20.
Metzger was appointed to a four-year term on the Board of Trustees by North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory. Metzger was president and owner of Lumberton-based Construction Systems, Inc., for 19 years, and since leaving the construction business, he has compiled a remarkable record of public service.
Chancellor Kyle R. Carter welcomed Metzger to the board. “Along with his expertise as a businessman and public servant, Don Metzger brings to the Board of Trustees warmth and affability,” Dr. Carter said. “His approachability makes his experience and skills accessible to other board members and to the university. I can see already that his input will be sought after among the entire group.”
Metzger said he is excited about the opportunity to serve the university that serves his community and the region.
“Because of my business and educational background, I hope to contribute to the positive direction of the university and its service to our community,” he said. “I appreciate what the university is doing for our region, and I’d like to see its great work continue into the future.”
An engineer, Metzger earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and master’s degree in construction management from the University of Missouri. He worked in manufacturing and construction, and before moving to Lumberton in 1980, he was president and owner of Progressive Building Methods, Inc., in Cleveland, Ohio.
Active in community and civic affairs with two granddaughters enrolled at UNCP, Metzger is well acquainted with the university.
“The growth of UNC Pembroke has been remarkable,” he said. “It’s one of the best educational values in the nation, and I would like to see more people take advantage of it. Education is one of the pathways for our children can improve their lives.”
Metzger is a past president of the United Way of Robeson County, the Lumberton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Robeson County Committee of 100. He has served on the board of several educational institutions, including Robeson Community College (RCC), the Robeson County Partnership for Children and the Robeson County Communities in Schools. At RCC, he also served as chair of its foundation and its capital campaign.
The chair of the United Methodist Retirement Homes’ Board of Directors, Metzger has been involved in the oversight of three continuing care communities including Wesley Pines in Lumberton NC, Cypress Glen in Greenville NC and Croasdaile in Durham NC.
Metzger was unopposed for re-election in 2011 to his second four-year term on the Lumberton City Council, representing Precinct 1. He has been chairman of the Robeson County Republican Party and treasurer of the District 7 Republicans.