Dr. Betty Jo Foster, left, is honored on her retirement from Danville Community College after 35 years of service. She was presented a plaque and gifts from Connie Wann, right, Administrative Assistant, who worked with Foster for many years when Foster served as the College’s Vice President for Academic and Student Services.

DANVILLE, VA, December 8, 2006 – As Danville Community College bids farewell to Dr. Betty Jo Foster, Professor of Administrative Support Technology, who is retiring after 35 years, Foster said there are four words that describe her career: exciting, fun, challenging and rewarding. She was recently recognized with a Board Resolution of Appreciation plaque and honored with the title, Professor Emeritus, as a token of esteem by the DCC Board.

 

Dr. Carlyle Ramsey, DCC President, had plenty of accolades for Foster whom he called, an “exceptional lady.” Ramsey said she has served as a faithful and dedicated member of the faculty and administration and will be sorely missed by her students and colleagues.

 

 “Dr. Foster’s professionalism, leadership and interest in the welfare of DCC and the VCCS (Virginia Community College System) have made her an extraordinarily successful faculty member, an admired administrator and an effective steward of the college and the Commonwealth’s resources,” said Ramsey. “She has given freely of her time, talents and experience to the development and expansion of Danville Community College.”

 

Throughout the years, Foster stressed that DCC has been a fulfilling and rewarding career for her, and that unlike many people, she has enjoyed going to work everyday.

 

“There have been only a few times when I’ve gotten up in the morning and wished I didn’t have to go to work,” said Foster. “In what other profession would you hear these words?”

 

Foster recalled numerous incidents during her tenure at DCC, including having to relocate her office at least 10 times for renovation projects. She said each time she moved, there are a few things she kept: a group picture of her and colleagues hired in 1971; cards and letters from students, faculty and staff; and many certificates and plaques from DCC and the community.

 

“The one plaque that will always stay on my wall at home or work is the ‘Faculty of the Year’ award I received in 1978. That was very special to me,” she said.

 

Foster credited Glenda Boswell, Administrative Staff Assistant to the President with piquing her interest in a teaching position at DCC.

 

“Teaching is special,” Foster said. “I’m energized by the students and their passion for learning. And I feel very honored for being here for these 35 years.”

 

She also thanked former DCC president and former Virginia Community College System Chancellor Dr. Arnold R. Oliver with encouraging her to make the leap from faculty member to administrator. Her career at DCC has involved a myriad of positions including Professor of Office Systems Technology; Director of the Center for Business, Industry and Government; Acting Director of Continuing Education; Vice President of Academic and Student Services; and Professor of Administrative Support Technology. She also served as Interim President of Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg, and conducted numerous seminars and workshops for area businesses and industries.

 

In addition, she serves on the boards of directors for many community and civic organizations and foundations, such as the Danville Regional Foundation, Danville Regional Health System and United Way. Foster is currently Chair of the Advisory Board of Directors for the Danville Regional Medical Center, a member of the Riverview Rotary Club (in which she is a past president and a past assistant district governor), and a member of the Leadership Southside Committee of the Danville/Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (an honorary teachers’ association).

 

Foster was the 1994 Citizen of the Year for Pittsylvania County, won the 1995 “Woman of Distinction” recognition from the Virginia Skyline Girl Scout Council and received the Leadership Southside Excellence in Leadership Award in 2003.

 

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from Radford University, a Master of Science degree in Vocational Technical Education at Virginia Tech and a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration from NOVA University. She also attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education - Institute for the Management of Lifelong Learning and she is certified as an Achieve Global Trainer.

 

Foster considers her retirement as a time to spend more time with her family. She also expects to continue some part-time teaching and special projects at DCC.

 

“I cannot imagine spending my career of approximately 35 years at any other place than at Danville Community College. It’s not because of the place itself and the buildings and not because of the great programs and services we provide, but because of the people I have had the privilege of working with over these past years—people who I shall always consider my friends,” she said.