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Featured Photo: Blue Ridge Community College’s newest trustees include (left to right) Dr. Jennifer S. Hensley, Dr. Arthur H. Pearsall, and W. Richard Rhodes.
Benjamin Rickert, Marketing & Communications Dept.
This July, Blue Ridge Community College welcomes three new members to the Board of Trustees: Dr. Jennifer S. Hensley, Dr. Arthur H. Pearsall, and W. Richard Rhodes. These experienced leaders will help Blue Ridge accomplish its mission, vision and strategic goals toward workforce development and student success.
Rhodes swore in at the Board’s regular meeting on July 14; Dr. Hensley and Dr. Pearsall will swear in separately through the clerk of court as they begin their service.
“Our community is deeply grateful to our incoming and returning trustees, as well as those who have recently concluded their service,” said Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, president of Blue Ridge Community College. “Their leadership helps ensure our College remains a vital force in the region’s workforce pipeline, changing lives through learning and strengthening the industries that sustain our communities.”
Additions to the Board of Trustees
The speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives appointed Dr. Jennifer S. Hensley to a 3-year term. Dr. Hensley, a chiropractor, earned degrees in biochemistry from Wright State University and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic.
The speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives appointed Dr. Arthur H. Pearsall to a 4-year term. A retired dentist, Dr. Pearsall has honed his skills in portrait photography in recent years. He earned a degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the UNC School of Dentistry.
The president pro tempore of the North Carolina Senate appointed W. Richard Rhodes to a 4-year term. A Henderson County native, Rhodes earned a degree from the Professional Academy of Broadcasting and has been employed by WHKP Radio for over 50 years, the station he now manages.
As Blue Ridge’s second Senate appointee, Rhodes joins Dina Moffitt, who was sworn in to her trustee role in July 2024.
Reappointments and Outgoing Members
Continuing their roles in serving Blue Ridge Community College, three trustees were reappointed for an additional term, including Dr. John Bryant, John B. “Chip” Gould, and Brian S. Traylor. Henderson County commissioners appointed Gould and Dr. Bryant to 3-year and 4-year terms, respectively. Transylvania County Commissioners appointed Traylor for a 4-year term.
Outgoing trustees Catherine P. Childress, Betty A. Gash, and Alfred F. Platt, Jr. completed their service to the College’s Board of Trustees in June. Childress served on multiple committees since 2020, including Curriculum, Executive, Nominating, and President’s Evaluation. Gash served on the Facilities Committee since 2007, and Platt served on the Facilities Committee since 2023.
“I’m deeply grateful for our Board’s leadership – especially during this period of significant growth for our College and as we continue supporting our community’s recovery from Hurricane Helene,” added Dr. Leatherwood.Information about the Board of Trustees and current members is available at www.blueridge.edu/trustees.