Dr. Felicia Ganther named Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Workforce Services at the Virginia Community College System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:

Susan Pollard
Asst. Vice Chancellor for Public Relations
[email protected]

Dr. Felicia Ganther named Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Workforce Services at the Virginia Community College System

RICHMOND, VA - The Virginia Community College System is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Felicia Ganther as the new Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Workforce Services.

"Dr. Ganther brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our core leadership team," said VCCS Chancellor David Dore. "I'm excited that she will play a vital role in advancing our mission, the Accelerate Opportunity strategic plan, and our One-System objectives."

"Dr. Ganther also has played an instrumental role in accreditation processes and the development of nationally recognized student success initiatives for at-risk populations," added Dr. Dore. "As a graduate of multiple leadership programs, Dr. Ganther is recognized for her expertise in implementing innovative solutions in community colleges."

Dr. Ganther started in her new role with Virginia's Community Colleges on January 1. Previously, she had served as a Presidential Fellow with the League for Innovation in the Community College, leading the development and implementation of the League's new Center for Workforce Solutions and piloting new fast-track credentials with the construction industry. She served recently as President of Bucks County Community College where she successfully navigated challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, improved enrollment rates, and secured significant funding for various initiatives.

Dr. Ganther holds a Ph.D. in Community Resources and Development from Arizona State University, a J.D. from the University of Illinois-Chicago and advanced degrees in Communications and Political Science from Norfolk State University.

"I am humbled and honored to serve Virginia's Community Colleges at this critical time in the evolution of higher education," said Dr. Ganther. "As an educator with more than 28 years of service working in both the community college and university settings, serving as a college president, as well as serving as the Chief Student Affairs Officer at a system office, I believe my experience will help me make a contribution to our students and our colleges."

"A commitment to achieve our strategic commitments and build upon the great foundational work of my predecessors, through convening, collaborating and consensus building, will be paramount to my work. My approach will be focused on the success of our students to reach their intended goals and dreams. I am personally and professionally driven by the thought that my work can positively impact and forever change a student's (and family's) financial trajectory," she added.

About Virginia's Community Colleges:
Since 1966, Virginia's Community Colleges have given everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills, so lives and communities are strengthened. By making higher education and workforce training available in every part of Virginia, we elevate all of Virginia. In academic year 2024, Virginia's Community Colleges served more than 232,000 students across 23 schools throughout Virginia. For more information, please visit www.vccs.edu.