FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCC PRESIDENT WRITES

ESSAY FOR NEW BOOK

DANVILLE, VA, January 12, 2005 – An essay written by Danville Community College President

Dr. B. Carlyle Ramsey

 Dr. B. Carlyle Ramsey is featured in a new  book, entitled, New Directions in Civic Engagement: University Avenue Meets Main Street, published by the Pew  Partnership for Civic Change. The book contains nine essays written by leaders in the fields of higher education and community development which address the most pressing issues associated with college/university and community partnerships.

The book offers perspectives on the importance of civic engagement in higher education, describes the state of engagement efforts at several institutions, and suggests ways in which to foster the civic mission of colleges for the betterment of students, institutions, and communities.

Ramsey’s essay, “Heavy Lifting: Bridging Main Street and College Avenue,” addresses the need for trust and moral values to exist between the institution and the community.

He writes, “It is almost impossible for the College to gain respect and credibility if it has a hidden agenda. The local citizens quickly see through transparent, purely self-interested motives and will not accept the initiative unless the College is a true partner and a neutral convener.”

Ramsey emphasizes that both groups—the institution and the community— want to see results and yet, there is no magic equation for building or rebuilding a community.

He further explains that community colleges like DCC are consistently seeking to empower community residents to take charge of their future.

“Community building, civic renewal and preparing students for engaged, responsible citizenship are not merely exercises, but rather part of a long-term process that requires ‘heavy lifting!’ But the results to the citizens, the community and the college are dramatic, powerful and, one might argue, essential to the nation’s future,” Ramsey wrote.

The Pew Partnership for Civic Change, a civic research organization established in 1992, seeks to identify and document promising solutions and strategies crucial to strong communities. The Pew Partnership is supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts and administered by the University of Richmond.

Prior to being appointed president of DCC in March 1992, Ramsey served as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Instructional Programs and Student Services for the Virginia Community College System in Richmond. He also has served as Dean of Instruction and Student Development at DCC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Florida and his master’s degree and doctorate in history from Florida State University.

Active in the Danville Community College service region of Danville, Pittsylvania County and Halifax County, Ramsey serves on the boards of the Danville Development Council and the Industrial Development Authority of Halifax County to name a few. In addition, he served as chair of the Rural Community College Alliance Board and is a member of the Rural Community College Initiative Advisory Council.

He is a native of South Boston and now lives in Alton with his wife, Rosemary. The couple has two children, Stephanie and David.