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President
Jenny Varner was named the fifth president of Davidson-Davie Community College on November 17, 2023. She succeeds Dr. Darrin L. Hartness, who passed away in July 2023.
Varner has been at the college since 2008 and was previously vice president for external affairs and executive director of the college’s foundation. In these roles, she led the Davidson-Davie Foundation through its years of greatest growth, celebrated the college’s history and milestones including the 50th Anniversary year in 2013, and oversaw the renaming of the college from Davidson County Community College to Davidson-Davie in 2021.
She served under two presidents, Hartness since 2019 and Dr. Mary E. Rittling from 2008-2018, and was engaged in all aspects of campus decision-making as a member of the senior leadership team.
She 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.
Davidson-Davie is governed by a volunteer board of trustees. Trustees' responsibilities include establishing college policies and approving an annual budget. Trustees also serve as advocates for the college in the larger community.
The Board of Trustees meets the second Tuesday of each month except for May and December.
Executive Vice President, Academic & Student Affairs
Dr. Susan Burleson began her career at Davidson-Davie in August 2003 as Faculty, Psychology. She has also served the College as Department Chair, Social Sciences, and Associate Dean, General Studies & Academic Support.
Dr. Burleson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from N.C. State University, a Master of Arts in Psychology degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and an Ed.D in Adult and Community College Education from N.C. State University.
She and her husband, Wade D. Burleson, Jr., live in Lexington with their three children Cameron, Lucas, and Emily.
Executive Vice President, Financial & Administrative Services
Laura Yarbrough joined Davidson-Davie Community College in 2003. She was previously the Dean of Financial & Administrative Services.
Yarbrough earned her Associate Degree in Applied Science from Davidson-Davie Community College and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science Degree from High Point University. She then earned her MBA from Liberty University. Prior to coming to Davidson-Davie, Yarbrough worked in various financial service roles at Cornerstone Health Care, P.A. in High Point before ultimately becoming the controller.
She and her husband, Sandy, live in Lexington.
Jenny Varner - President
Dr. Susan Burleson - Executive Vice President, Academic & Student Affairs
Laura Lester Yarbrough - Executive Vice President, Financial & Administrative Services
Dr. Jonathan Brown - Vice President, Workforce & Community Engagement
Dr. Christy Forrest - Vice President, Academic Programs & Services
Keisha Jones - Vice President, Student Affairs & Chief Diversity Officer
Jared Bowman - Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Dori Lloyd - Associate Vice President, Teaching, Learning, Innovation & Global Engagement
Jennifer Starsick - Associate Vice President, Financial & Administrative Services
Donald Beck - Chief Information Officer
Kristin Briggs - Executive Director, Foundation
Matt Ridge - Athletic Director
Elle King - Executive Assistant to the President & Board of Trustees
Vice President, Workforce & Community Engagement
Vice President, Academic Programs & Services
Vice President, Student Affairs & Chief Diversity Officer
Chief Information Officer
Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Executive Director, Foundation
Associate Vice President, Teaching, Learning, Innovation & Global Engagement
Athletic Director
Associate Vice President, Financial & Administrative Services
Executive Assistant to the President & Board of Trustees