myCanvas / myCourses 
Featured photo: Dr. Dolly Horton stands in the Patton Building of Blue Ridge Community College on July 15, 2025. (Photo by: Benjamin Rickert.)
Marketing & Communications Dept.
Blue Ridge Community College welcomed Dr. Dolly Horton as the College’s new vice president for instruction and chief academic officer on Monday, July 14, 2025. In this senior leadership role, Dr. Horton will provide strategic oversight for curriculum and instruction, supporting the College’s mission to offer accessible, high-quality education and training to students across Western North Carolina.
“Dr. Horton brings a deep understanding of the North Carolina Community College System and a demonstrated commitment to student and faculty success,” said Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, president of Blue Ridge Community College. “We’re excited to welcome her back to Western North Carolina, where her leadership will help guide the continued innovation and growth of our academic programs.”
Native to Western North Carolina, Dr. Horton began her higher education journey at Western Piedmont Community College, where she earned an associate degree in Medical Assisting. She went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in Health Service Management and Supervision from Western Carolina University, a Master’s degree in Adult Education from Regent University, and an Ed.D. in Administrator Leadership for Teaching & Learning from Walden University.
Dr. Horton brings decades of experience in North Carolina’s community colleges, most recently serving as vice president for instructional services at Bladen Community College. In that role, she oversaw both curriculum and continuing education programs and implemented a Master Educator program to support faculty development. Her previous leadership positions also included vice president of academic and student services at Isothermal Community College, dean of allied health and department chair of medical assisting at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and director of medical assisting at Mayland Community College.
“It is my absolute pleasure to accept this opportunity to serve Western North Carolina’s students and community through Blue Ridge Community College,” said Dr. Horton. “I want each student to know that now is always the best time to invest in yourself, and Blue Ridge offers the support and resources needed to help you move forward at any stage of life.”
In December 2024, following Hurricane Helene, Dr. Horton delivered toys on behalf of Bladen Community College to Blue Ridge’s resource distribution center.
Blue Ridge Community College has served the higher education and workforce training needs of Western North Carolina since 1969, currently employing nearly 450 team members across its Henderson and Transylvania County campuses. For more information about current job openings and programs, visit www.blueridge.edu/careers.