FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANA EDUCATOR TAPPED FOR TOP

ACADEMIC OFFICER POSITION AT DCC

            DANVILLE, VA, June 16, 2005 --  Dr. Christopher C. Ezell, a Chief Administrative Officer at Vincennes University in Indiana, is headed to Danville Community College to accept the position of Vice President for Academic and Student Services, it was announced by Dr. Carlyle Ramsey, DCC President. Ramsey said Ezell will begin his new position on July 1.

            Ezell, who lives in Jasper, has been employed at Vincennes University for 21 years, serving most recently as Dean and Chief Administrative Officer for Vincennes’s Jasper Campus for the past seven years. Vincennes is a state-funded comprehensive community college with approximately 8,000 students and three regional campuses. DCC has a student enrollment of approximately 6,000 students with off campus locations in Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County.  Prior to his current position, Ezell served as Associate Dean of Social Sciences, Professor of Sociology, and Department Chair of Sociology/Social Work. He also has served as a textbook and software reviewer for several publishing companies.

            “We are pleased to have Dr. Ezell join the DCC family, “Ramsey said. “He brings to DCC and this area a wealth of educational experiences and background. He has an enthusiasm for his work and he has a sense of community engagement, which I am sure he will continue to do in the Danville area.”

            A native of Clarksville, TN, Ezell holds a Bachelor of Science degree with secondary certification in sociology and political science from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville and his Master’s degree and Doctorate in Sociology from Vanderbilt University. He is the author of several scholarly publications, including Organizational Sociology, Relationships and Families, and Principles of Sociology.

            “I am looking forward to being a part of Danville Community College,” Ezell said. “DCC  is a vital part of the community and has an increasing role in higher education and workforce training.”

            Ezell has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Curriculum Development Award, Award for Exemplary Service, Competency Testing Development Award, and the University Mini-grant Award. His civic engagement includes an elected member of the Dubois County Area Economic Development Corporation Board, Vice president of the Jasper Kiwanis Club, member of the Southern Indiana Network for Area Manufacturers, former Vice President of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce, member of the Dubois County Economic Steering Committee Board, and member of the Dubois County Association to Promote Education.

            Ramsey said Ezell was selected for the position after a nationwide search, and by screening committees comprised of faculty, staff and students.

            “As the chief academic officer at the college we wanted to ensure that faculty, staff, students, and administrators participated in the process,” Ramsey added. “Dr. Ezell was highly recommended by several campus groups. I am looking forward to working very closely with Dr. Ezell.”

            As DCC’s chief academic and student affairs officer, Ezell will be responsible for providing educational/administrative leadership in all academic programs, student support services, learning resources, and workforce services.  The Vice President is accountable for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of curricula/programs.  Ezell will also have overall responsibility for the effectiveness and assessment of the academic and student support services program.

            “The staff and faculty are enthusiastic and supportive. I will work with them to develop programs which meet business and industry needs,” Ezell said.

            Ezell added that his family is eager to move to Virginia as well. He is married to Nancy Ezell and the couple has three children, daughter, Betsey, age 13, and sons, Ethan, 22, and Ian, 16.