Averett University names 16th president

DANVILLE, Va. (WDBJ/Averett University Release) - Averett University in Danville has named its new president.

Dr. Thomas H. Powell will begin May 1 as the university’s 16th president, to replace Rev. Dr. David Joyce, who resigned April 11. Dr. Venita Mitchell will remain acting president until May, when she will return to her role as vice president of student engagement, according to the University

Dr. Powell is president emeritus of Mount Saint Mary’s University, having led the campus from 2003-2015. Before that, he was president of Glenville State University in West Virginia and interim president of Frederick Community College from 2021-22.

“I am honored to be selected by the Trustees as Averett’s 16th president, and look forward to helping our faculty and staff prepare graduates with a faith-based, contemporary and robust education,” Dr. Powell said.

“Since 1859, Averett University has played a special role in the history of Virginia, preparing leaders to serve their communities. I am particularly impressed with Averett’s programs in nursing, aviation, business, hospitality and the liberal arts, and Averett’s Baptist foundation has a special attraction for me,” he continued. “The partnerships with Danville, Pittsylvania County and the surrounding communities set an example for how a university serves the needs of the community, especially in workforce development, and I look forward to working with these partners and communities.”

“Though this search and appointment came upon us quickly, I know that it has yielded an outstanding and experienced individual to lead Averett University into the future,” said Rev. Dr. Daniel Carlton ’90, chair of the Averett Board of Trustees. “Dr. Powell’s enthusiasm for this position, along with his well-known and established record as an outstanding leader in the field of higher education, made him the right choice for this university.”

“In the last few weeks, we have had the opportunity to research and interview several strong candidates for this position,” said Emma Maddux Kozlowski, vice chair of the Board of Trustees. “Dr. Powell immediately stood out as the right person to lead Averett in the future, and I look forward to serving alongside him.” Kozlowski is scheduled to succeed Dr. Carlton as chair of the Board of Trustees when his term expires in July 2025.