Gov. Hunt Names Mack Jarvis Secretary of Correction

Raleigh - For the first time in the history of the North Carolina Department of Correction a correctional officer has risen through the ranks to become secretary of the department. Gov. Jim Hunt named R. Mack Jarvis, Jr. the new secretary of the Department of Correction Jan. 17 following the promotion of Franklin Freeman as the governor's chief of staff.

Jarvis began his correctional career in 1959 as an officer at Caldwell Correctional Center in Hudson. He has held a number of positions since that time, most recently as deputy secretary for the department.

"I have chosen Mack Jarvis for his thorough knowledge and experience in running successful correction programs and for his commitment to safe prisons and making the probation and parole offices more effective," Hunt said. "Mack is a standard bearer for excellence and professionalism in state government."

Freeman called Jarvis a trusted, hard-working deputy who will easily fill this new role and do an excellent job. "Mack Jarvis is making history by rising through the ranks and taking the lead position in the Department of Correction," Freeman said. "I couldn't be happier for him and what this means for other correctional personnel."

During the past 35 years, Jarvis has held numerous positions in the department including being superintendent of Avery, Watauga, Stokes, Western and Piedmont correctional centers. He was a program director for the Western Area Office, then area administrator in 1977.

Jarvis graduated from Lenoir High School in 1956 and attended Clevenger College and N.C. State University. He was president of the State Employees Association from 1981 to 83. Former Secretary James C. Woodard recognized Jarvis as the top administrator in the department in 1983.

Jarvis developed a comprehensive training program for correctional officers for Western Youth Institution before it opened in 1970. He also developed an inmate gradient system.