The Patrick & Henry Community College Foundation honored eleven P&HCC graduates as distinguished alumni at the awards dinner on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Chatmoss Country Club.
Each year, P&HCC recognizes alumni who have brought distinction to themselves through academic achievement, career success and community involvement. Alumni who have graduated with a degree or certificate or have completed a minimum of twenty-four credit hours at P&HCC, have demonstrated success within their field of expertise, and have provided significant service in local, state, or national organizations are eligible for nomination.
This year’s award recipients are: Elizabeth Ashby, Dayna Bobbitt, J.D., Angie Brown, Brad Draper, Dr. Jan Harrison, Sandra Heath, Dr. Dylan Jones, Bethany Lackey, Rick Love, Rodney Mills, and Frances Wade.
Ashby completed credits towards her associate degree from P&HCC in 2005. While attending undergrad, she completed the CNA program at P&HCC during the summer of 2008 then finished her education at William & Mary earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in December of 2008. Ashby earned a Master of Arts degree in curriculum and instruction with an integrative STEM certification from Virginia Tech in 2014. She also completed postgraduate biology credits from Framingham State University to teach dual enrollment courses and earned a Teacher Leadership certification from James Madison University in 2022. Ashby currently serves as a Secondary Science Instructor of Physical Science, AP Biology, Life Science and General Biology for Virtual Virginia. She is also a Science Content Specialist with the CHOICE Program & Virginia Ed Strategies.
Bobbitt graduated with her associate degree in science from P&HCC in 2010 by participating in the D2 and Governor’s School programs. She continued her education at Virginia Tech, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and public relations with a minor in business leadership in 2013 and a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2016. Bobbitt is the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Patrick County. She has also been an Adjunct Professor for Patrick & Henry Community College in the Legal Assisting/Paralegal program.
Brown earned her associate degree in business administration from P&HCC in 1988. She continued her education by earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from Radford University in 1990. Brown currently serves as the Site Facilitator at the Patrick County site of Patrick & Henry Community College.
Draper graduated from P&HCC in 1982 with his associate degree in business administration. He continued his education at Radford University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and insurance in 1986. Draper is the owner and operator of Draper Flowers & Gifts. He has served as an adjunct instructor in Floral Design classes for Patrick & Henry Community College.
Harrison earned her associate degree in early childhood development from P&HCC in 2003 and her associate degree in general studies in 2006. She continued her education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in human services in 2006 from Old Dominion University, a Master of Arts degree in counseling, marriage and families in 2008, a Doctorate in educational leadership in 2019, and a graduate certificate in preschool in 2021 from Liberty University. Harrison is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Development at Patrick & Henry Community College.
Heath graduated from P&HCC in 1988 with a certificate in bookkeeping and in 1992 with an associate degree in computer information systems, microcomputer specialist. She continued her education at Averett University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Heath is in her 27th year serving as District Manager for the Patrick County Soil and Water Conservation District, a sub-division of the Commonwealth. In addition to her full-time job, Heath also is co-owner and operator of Heath Ridge Beef Cattle Farm.
Jones earned his associate degree in general studies from P&HCC in 2014. He continued his education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Roanoke College in biology in 2016, a Master of Science in biology, ecology and evolution from Montclair State University in 2018, and a Doctor of Philosophy in biology, ecology, evolution and behavior from Binghamton University, The State University of New York State in 2023. Jones is a biologist with the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC.
Lackey graduated with her associate degree in general studies in 2008. She continued her education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Ferrum College in psychology in 2011, a Master of Arts degree in counselor education from Virginia Tech in 2013, and a Doctor of Philosophy in counselor education and supervision from Virginia Tech in 2020. Lackey is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and is the Executive Director and co-founder of A Tree Planted Counseling, a mental health nonprofit built on collaboration and reducing barriers within the community through healing, inclusive and trauma-informed practices. She also started the Roanoke Refugee Partnership in 2017 and is the director. Lackey is an adjunct professor in the Counselor Education department at Virginia Tech.
Love graduated from P&HCC in 1980 with an associate degree in business. He continued his education at James Madison University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in marketing in 1982. Love is a Senior Member Advocate at ValleyStar Credit Union.
Mills earned his associate degree in general studies from P&HCC in 2005. He continued his education at the University of Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Arts in African-American and African studies in 2007. Mills is an AVID English and Sociology Teacher at Greensville County High School in Emporia.
Wade graduated from P&HCC in 1982 with an associate degree in secretarial science. She received a computer programming certificate from ECPI Technical Institute in 1977. Wade is a Master Chief Deputy Clerk with the Henry County Circuit Court.
For more information about the Patrick & Henry Community College Distinguished Alumni Awards program, please contact the P&HCC Foundation at 276-656-0250.
