Davidson-Davie Announces Varner as Fifth College President

“Jenny Varner brings a unique set of qualifications that will carry the college into the future,” said Dr. William P. Steed, chair of the Davidson-Davie Board of Trustees. “She has been a steadfast advocate for the school for the past 15 years, and has already been instrumental in helping guide the college through growth and change. She is deeply rooted in not only the fabric of the school but of our communities, and we look forward to furthering the mission of Davidson-Davie under her leadership.”

Varner graduated from Duke University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public policy. Prior to coming to Davidson-Davie, she worked for U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole and for NASPA, the student affairs professional organization. As a college senior, she co-founded and later ran a nonprofit focused on student leadership. Varner is a Davidson County native and actively engaged in the local community, serving on the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce Board for six years and the Family Services of Davidson County Board for eight years, as well as various other leadership and fundraising roles.

“Finding the right person to lead the college is an important task, and these candidates all had outstanding credentials and career experiences,” said Kevin Firquin, chair of the trustees’ presidential search committee. “The committee carefully evaluated the qualifications of each candidate and reflected on the longstanding commitment Jenny Varner has to the college. She’s in tune with the values and needs of the campus, and her goals for the future align not only with the college but with our community as a whole.”

The search for Davidson-Davie’s new president began in late August, led by Firquin as search committee chair, Steed, Donnie Holt, Cathi Smith and Ken White. The committee gathered feedback from faculty, staff and students on characteristics they felt were important in a future college president. The search yielded more than 60 applicants, which the committee then narrowed to three finalists. The finalists participated in on-campus interviews and open forums with faculty and staff before the Davidson-Davie Board of Trustees made its final selection.

“I have been so fortunate to have worked side-by-side with the most dedicated colleagues and board members for the last 15 years as we focused on the education and success of our students and the Davidson and Davie communities,” said Varner. “And now, together, we have a 60-year legacy to uphold as we honor the past, build on our successes, and chart the future of this amazing college.”

Photo: Jenny Varner is the fifth president of Davidson-Davie Community College.

Davidson-Davie Community College (www.DavidsonDavie.edu), which incorporated Davie County into its name in 2021, is a fully accredited, multi-campus college where students of all ages and backgrounds pursue academic and career-focused education in order to build successful futures. As one of 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System, Davidson-Davie offers more than 40 degree and professional certificate programs, as well as affordable college-credit coursework to students who plan to transfer to four-year schools. With a mission to serve the changing needs of students competing in a global environment, Davidson-Davie is committed to quality education, innovative and equitable learning experiences, training, and support across a wide range of 21st-century career fields.