Here’s a roundup of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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$30 million gift will create new space for admissions, financial aid at W&L
Washington and Lee University has announced a $30 million anonymous gift that the Lexington school will use to construct a new building on campus.
The 28,600-square-foot Founders Hall will house the offices of admissions, financial aid and the Johnson Program in Leadership and Integrity, according to a news release from the school. It will be built on the corner of Washington Street and Lee Avenue, replacing the Early-Fielding building.
The new facility will also address a need for flexible event space on campus; it will be able to host small conferences, alumni programs and university events such as Admitted Students Day and Alumni College lectures.
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Danville Community College names new president
The national search for a Danville Community College president is over, and interim President Cornelius Johnson will be moving into the role permanently starting July 1, according to a Tuesday announcement.
Johnson has served as DCC’s interim president since December, when Jerry Wallace left to become president of West Virginia University, Potomac State College. Wallace had led DCC since 2022.
Johnson had been DCC’s vice president of academic affairs and student services. He has over 27 years of experience in higher education, working previously at schools in Texas and Indiana, according to a news release from the Virginia Community College System.
His appointment ends a search that drew 79 candidates worldwide, according to the release.
Johnson will “definitely hit the ground running,” said David Doré, chancellor of VCCS, in the release.
“We’re excited that a leader of Dr. Johnson’s caliber has accepted this post and we’re grateful to all of the talented leaders who expressed interest in the Danville Community College presidency,” Doré said.
Johnson said in the release that he hopes to expand opportunities for students and community members during his tenure at the community college, which currently offers almost 100 programs of study.
“I’m excited and humbled to be appointed as the next president of this great college,” he said. “DCC has a rich history and strong foundation in both workforce and transfer programs and plays a vital role in our city and region.”
Johnson is a community college graduate himself; he earned an associate degree at Seattle Central Community College before receiving a bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington, a master’s degree at Indiana State University and a doctor of education degree at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
His time as interim president, and in other roles, makes Johnson well-suited for the position, said Ernestine Payne, vice chair of DCC’s advisory board.
“The leadership Dr. Johnson has demonstrated during his various roles at the college is a testament that Danville Community College stands poised for a new era of innovation and growth,” Payne said. “With his unwavering commitment to the college and visionary leadership, I know Dr. Johnson will continue to move DCC forward.”
— Grace Mamon
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Radford University opens new coworking space
Radford University has launched a new coworking space, called CoWorks@The HUB, in downtown Radford.
The 12,000-square-foot facility is housed at The HUB, an economic development center adjacent to the campus.
CoWorks offers membership options ranging from daily passes to private offices. In partnership with the Greater Roanoke and New River Valley Small Business Development Center, the center also will host office hours for free small business counseling and education, according to a news release announcing the launch of the facility.
