Danville Community College (DCC) welcomed Muriel B. Mickles, Ed.D. this week as she begins serving as the interim president for the College. Dr. Mickles comes to Danville from Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) in Lynchburg, Virginia where she served at Vice President of Academics, Students, and Workforce Development.
“I have been closely associated with Danville Community College for many years,” said Dr. Mickles. “I have known and interacted with many DCC employees at conferences, workshops, in numerous meetings, et cetera. As I prepare to begin my new position at DCC, I believe that I will feel right at home.”
Dr. Mickles earned an associate degree in education from CVCC; a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in agency counseling from Lynchburg College; and a doctorate of education in administration and supervision from the University of Virginia.
When asked about her upcoming role as interim president at DCC, Dr. Mickles expressed positivity and optimism.
“Through years of connections with DCC, I already know how wonderful the staff and faculty are,” said Dr. Mickles. “As I look ahead to my time as a fellow Knight at DCC, I have three major goals in mind: first, pave the way for a new president; second, reopen the college while keeping everyone safe and engaged; and third, working together with the DCC family, continue to move the college forward. I am truly appreciative of this opportunity to serve DCC,” Dr. Mickles continued. “Most of all, I am looking forward to working together with the DCC family as we change lives and prepare our students for success!”
Dr. Mickles is the recipient of many awards and has been recognized on two separate occasions as the CVCC recipient of the Virginia Community College Association Showcase Award, nominated for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, recognized as an Honored Member of Empire’s Who’s Who, received the CVCC Outstanding Employee Award, CVCC Outstanding Administrative Faculty Award, University of Lynchburg J. Edward Petty Outstanding Graduate Alumni Award, and the NAACP Outstanding Citizen of the Community Award. She also received the 2009 CVCC Outstanding Alumni and served as the commencement speaker for the 2009 commencement ceremony.
Dr. Mickles and her husband, George, have three children: Bethanie, Anna, and Evan. She is an active member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church where, before COVID-19, she directs and manages the Senior Choir, serves as Sunday School pianist, sings on several choirs, welcomes visitors to the church, serves with the Media Ministry and takes an active part on many church committees. Her hobbies include travel, reading, singing, and dancing.
“DCC has already proven to be a hospitable and friendly college,” said Dr. Mickles. “I have enjoyed welcoming phone calls and emails from college employees, as well as individuals in the community since my interim appointment was announced. I can say with confidence that there is genuine affection and respect for the college and what it has to offer to the community.”
Dr. Mickles will begin her interim presidency on Monday, May 17, and will continue to serve while a national search for the next permanent president of DCC is conducted.
Danville Community College is a two-year institution of higher education under the state-wide Virginia Community College System. DCC's service area includes the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County. For more information about the college’s nearly 100 programs of study, visit www.danville.edu.
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