Danville Community College (DCC) proudly welcomed elected officials from Pittsylvania County, the City of Danville, and Halifax County to its inaugural Elected Officials Day on Thursday, November 9, 2023. The event welcomed local leaders to engage with the DCC community, gain insights into the college's initiatives, and explore collaborative opportunities to strengthen educational and workforce development in the region.
Pictured from left to right: City of Danville Councilman Barry Mayo; City of Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones; Dr. Ellen Davenport, Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs and Governmental Relations; Dr. Jerry Wallace, DCC President.
The evening commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Jerry Wallace, President of DCC, who expressed gratitude for the elected officials' presence and emphasized the importance of fostering strong partnerships between the college and the local government.
“Danville Community College recognizes the importance of educating the elected officials in our community about the many opportunities and initiatives happening on our campus,” said Dr. Wallace. “By sharing this important information with incumbents and newly elected officials, we are facilitating their ability to advocate for our college while making decisions for our communities.”
Guests were invited to take campus tours, offering a firsthand look at DCC's state-of-the-art facilities and innovative learning environments. The tours highlighted the college's commitment to providing quality education and training that aligns with the evolving needs of the workforce.
The highlight of the event was an engaging presentation by Dr. Ellen Davenport, Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs and Governmental Relations. Dr. Davenport shared valuable insights into the various ways the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is actively contributing to the training and education of Virginia's workforce. Her presentation underscored the pivotal role DCC plays in shaping the future of the region by equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in today's dynamic job market.
“It was an honor, and an incredible experience to be part of Danville Community College’s first ‘Elected Officials Day’ event,” said Dr. Davenport. “Danville Community College already stands out as the best example of our 23 community colleges in implementing the transformational vision of VCCS Chancellor David Doré to proactively address the economic development and workforce needs of the community. The relationships that DCC’s stakeholders have throughout the state will remain important in advancing our legislative priorities in the 2024 General Assembly to prepare, upskill, and reskill additional learners.”
The evening culminated with a delicious barbecue dinner, providing an informal setting for elected officials, DCC faculty, and staff to engage in meaningful conversations and discuss potential collaborations. The event reinforced the importance of a strong partnership between the college and local government in creating a vibrant and prosperous community.
"Elected Officials Day at Danville Community College was an incredible opportunity to showcase the impactful work happening on our campus and to foster relationships with the leaders who play a crucial role in the success of our community,” said Dr. Wallace. “We look forward to continued collaboration and shared success in the years to come."
The success of the first annual Elected Officials Day at DCC sets a positive precedent for future events, reinforcing the college's commitment to community engagement, education, and workforce development.
For more information about Danville Community College, visit www.danville.edu.
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