DCC Op-Ed with Dr. Jerry Wallace: Strengthening Our Community Through Strategic Partnerships and Leadership

August has been a busy and productive month for Danville Community College (DCC) as we continue to focus on building partnerships, advancing our educational mission, and supporting the growth and prosperity of our region. I'm honored to share some of the exciting developments and initiatives that have taken place recently, each of which underscores our commitment to excellence and community engagement.

Leading Virginia’s Manufacturing Future

On August 6th, I was selected to serve as the advisory board chair for the Virginia Smart Manufacturing Accelerator (VSMA) through GENEDGE. This opportunity is both humbling and exhilarating, as our region is increasingly recognized as a leader in the manufacturing industry. Serving in this capacity allows me to help guide initiatives that will not only boost our local economy but also set a standard for innovation and smart manufacturing across the Commonwealth. As we continue to embrace cutting-edge technology and best practices, I am confident that our region will remain at the forefront of manufacturing excellence.

Chancellor’s Leadership Retreat: A Vision for the Future

From August 7th to 9th, DCC leaders, including advisory board members Kathryn Roberts and Carlyle Wimbish, attended the Chancellor’s Leadership Retreat in Roanoke. This retreat was an invaluable opportunity to engage with community college leaders from across Virginia and discuss the future of our institutions. Dr. Doré, our Chancellor, shared his vision for the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and highlighted key points of the strategic plan, Accelerate Opportunity 2030. One of the highlights of the retreat for me was co-hosting the VCCS Student Panel with New River Community College President Pat Huber.

Hearing from our students, including DCC graduate and former Phi Theta Kappa President Eben Leigh, was both enlightening and inspiring. Their stories remind us why we do what we do and how education can transform lives.

Strengthening Workforce Development

On August 13th, I had the privilege of traveling to Richmond with Dr. Cornelius Johnson to experience the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) firsthand. This partnership is vital to our mission at DCC, as we work to support businesses and companies through programs like the award-winning Virginia Talent Accelerator. Recently, our collaboration with Tyson Foods exemplifies how we are working to increase the skilled labor force in our region. These efforts are critical as we strive to meet the needs of our local economy and ensure that our graduates are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Responding to Regional Growth

One of the most pressing issues in our region is the growing demand for skilled labor in the construction and building trades. On August 26th, I joined my colleagues, Dr. Quentin Johnson of Southside Community College and Dr. Greg Hodges of Patrick & Henry Community College, in committing to expanding building trades programs. As our region experiences rapid economic growth, the demand for housing and commercial construction is soaring. It is our responsibility as educational leaders to respond to these trends and ensure that our communities have access to the necessary training to fill these crucial roles. By doing so, we not only support local industry but also help our citizens achieve economic stability and success.

Engaging Our College Community

At DCC, we believe that creating a vibrant and supportive campus environment is essential to our students’ success. This month, we have hosted several events aimed at fostering community and connection among our faculty, staff, and students. From the DCC Swag Cab on August 22^nd, to the DCC Movie Knight on August 23rd, where we welcomed 85 attendees, to the Slush Bus visit on August 27th, these events bring us together and remind us of the importance of camaraderie and school spirit.

On August 28th, we hosted our first President Charcuterie Chat, with delicious charcuterie provided by Allyson Wallace. This event served as the kick-off for our welcome committee, where we presented welcome boxes to new employees. Building a strong, welcoming community at DCC is one of my top priorities, and I’m thrilled to see these initiatives take root.

As we look to the future, I am confident that DCC will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of our region. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and a deep commitment to our students and community, we are poised to lead with vision and purpose. I am proud of the work we are doing and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.