Danville, VA — Danville Community College (DCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gabriel Olmstead as the Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services, effective January 1, 2025. Dr. Olmstead’s extensive experience and dedication to fostering academic excellence and student success will be invaluable as she steps into this critical role.
This leadership appointment follows the transition of Dr. Cornelius Johnson, the former Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services, into the role of Interim President of DCC. Dr. Olmstead’s appointment ensures continuity and robust leadership for both academic and student service programs during this transitional period.
"I am both excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve the students, faculty, staff, and community members across the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County service region as the interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services at Danville Community College," said Dr. Olmstead. "It is truly an honor to be part of an institution that is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and empowering students to achieve their fullest potential."
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Olmstead’s educational journey began as a non-traditional student at Fayetteville Technical Community College, where she earned an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. She later completed her Bachelor of Arts in English at Methodist University, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Bowling Green State University and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Mississippi.
Dr. Olmstead brings over 20 years of experience in teaching and academic leadership to DCC. Most recently, she served at Brightpoint Community College as the Dean of Academic Support and Strategic Partnerships and Interim Associate Vice President of Academics, where she focused on dual enrollment, faculty development, and student success services. Before her time in Virginia, Dr. Olmstead was Chairperson of the Division of Languages and Literature at Delta State University in Mississippi, where she led transformative initiatives in academic programs and faculty professional development.
Her expertise extends to distance learning innovation, quality assurance frameworks, and strategic partnerships. Dr. Olmstead has also been a leader within the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), contributing to statewide initiatives through the eLearning and Educational Technology Committee(eLET), the VCCS Technology Council, and the Council of Deans and Directors. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Sallie Mae Teacher of the Year Award, the Outstanding Faculty Award from Ashford University, and the Excellence in Education Award from the VCCS.
Dr. Olmstead is certified in Quality Matters, a graduate of the Institute for Emerging Leaders in Online Learning (IELOL), and an alumna of the American Council on Education's Senior Leadership Seminar. She is deeply committed to fostering collaboration among faculty, staff, and community partners to advance student success and support DCC’s mission.
This leadership transition comes as Dr. Cornelius Johnson, who previously served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services, assumes the role of Interim President of DCC.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Olmstead to the DCC family,” said Dr. Cornelius Johnson. “Her wealth of experience and passion for higher education will strengthen our efforts to provide exceptional opportunities for our students and community.”
For more information about DCC, visit Danville.edu.
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