Debbie Adams
Fiscal Technician
dadams@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5606
Debbie provides support to the fiscal and human resources
administrator. She has more than twenty-five years of administrative experience in higher education, most of which has been at Virginia Tech. She is knowledgeable in state accounting, purchasing, and personnel procedures and regulations.
Debbie graduated from New River Community College. She resides in Bassett with her husband Mike and daughter Brittney.
Leanna Blevins, Ph.D.
Associate Director
lblevins@newcollegeinstitute.org(276) 403-5603
Leanna began work with the New College Planning Commission in 2004 and currently serves as associate director.
Leanna has worked as assistant to the president at the University of Virginia as well as in the offices of state government relations, university relations, and faculty advancement. Leanna has also served as director of career development at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and as a student consumer advocate at Virginia Tech. She also worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the deaf in southwestern Virginia.
Leanna earned a BA from Virginia Tech and an M.Ed. and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. Her dissertation research focused on rural students in Virginia and their access to and persistence in public colleges and universities. As a first generation college graduate, she is passionate about working with individuals to introduce them to higher education opportunities.
A native of Chilhowie, Leanna resides in Martinsville with her husband, Gavin Russell, their daughters Grayson and Ainsley, and son Heath. She is an active board member of Citizens Against Family Violence, Piedmont Arts Association and the Fayette Area Historical Initiative, and is a member of Charity League.
Leanna was featured in a New York Times article and accompanying slideshow on the impact of a college degree. Slideshow
Adell Boyce
Receptionist
(276) 403-5610
After retiring from the Martinsville City Schools with thirty-nine years of service on January 1, 2007, Adell is occupying some of her time by working part-time at NCI as a receptionist.
During her professional career, she worked primarily in the education field as a secretary for principals at Leatherwood Elementary and Albert Harris Elementary, and later for the school psychologist and for Federal Programs. She then worked as receptionist in the central office and as administrative assistant to the Assistant Superintendent.
Adell has taken coursework in technology at Patrick Henry Community College and at the Martinsville City Schools.
In her free time, Adell loves to sing, read, spend time with family, and church activities.
Married for 42 years to her husband, Leonard, and they have two sons and three grandchildren.
Barry Dorsey, Ed.D.
Executive Director
bdorsey@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5607
Barry has led New College Institute since its founding in 2006. He has served as president of the University of Rio Grande, deputy director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and director of student financial aid and assistant to the president of Radford University. He has also taught political science.
Barry earned a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University, a master’s degree from American University, and a doctorate from the University of Virginia. He is a frequent speaker at civic organizations and has been a presenter-discussion leader at national higher education conferences.
He is committed to improving the college-going rate for underserved students in the country and, particularly, in Southern Virginia.
Active in a number of community organizations, Barry is a board member and a vice chairman of the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and also a board member of the United Way and the SPCA.
Melanie Ingram
Administrative Assistant
mingram@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5607
Melanie is administrative assistant to the executive director.
Melanie was employed by BB&T for twenty-five years. During her banking career, she held various administrative positions in offices located in Martinsville and Franklin County. She earned an Associate in Applied Science degree from Patrick Henry Community College.
A native of Martinsville, Melanie resides in Franklin County with her husband Tommy. She is an active member of Twin Oaks Baptist Church in Ferrum where she serves as treasurer.
Ruby Jones
Assistant to the Associate Director
rjones@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5605
Ruby Jones came to NCI in October 2007. She brings with her over twenty-five years of professional office experience in areas of office management, public relations and event planning. At NCI, she will manage the website, classroom schedules, and special events.
Ruby worked most recently as administrative assistant to the General Manager at MasterBrand Cabinets. Prior to that, she was an executive assistant at the Martinsville Economic Development Office and also at the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.
A graduate of Laurel Park High School, Ruby has attended Patrick Henry Community College, and has completed several continuing education and technology classes and leadership development courses.
A lifetime resident of Henry County, Ruby lives in Axton with her husband Freddie and daughter Mandy. Her son Brian and his wife Amber both serve in the US Air Force. Ruby enjoys spending time with her grandson, Ethan, as much as possible. She is active in her church and loves to spend time with her family.
Steve Keyser
Outreach Educator
skeyser@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5612
Steve Keyser joined the New College Institute staff after working as a teacher in the Martinsville City Schools for more than twenty years. He works with community members to help them understand the value of a college education and assist them in achieving their educational goals.
Steve earned a BS from Radford University and a M.Ed. from the University of Virginia. He has been a teacher, coach, and community advocate during his career in education.
Steve is a native of Clifton Forge and resides in Martinsville with his wife Joanna, daughter Sarah Beth, and son Zach. He is an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Martinsville.
Sammy Redd
Outreach Educator
sredd@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5611
As part of NCI’s educational outreach team, Sammy partners with local schools and community organizations to create a college-going culture in southern Virginia.
Sammy worked most recently as a school counselor at Magna Vista High School. Prior to becoming an educator, he worked for ten years in the field of real estate management and finance.
Sammy graduated cum laude with a BA in art history from Yale University. A Martinsville native, he is an alumnus of Laurel Park High School. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in community and college counseling.
Sammy serves on the board of the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society, is a member of the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board, and has been appointed by Governor Tim Kaine to the board of trustees of the Virginia Museum of Natural History.
Charles Toothman
Fiscal and Human Resources Administrator
ctoothman@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5602
Charles supervises human resources, purchasing, technology, fiscal issues, and facility construction/maintenance. Before coming to New College Institute, Charles was the administrative manager for the West Piedmont Health District, which manages the Henry County-Martinsville, Patrick County and the Franklin County Health Departments. Charles also gained extensive experience in retail management prior to entering state service.
Charles graduated from Fairmont State University with a BS in business administration, and recently completed his master of business administration degree through Averett University. He resides in Martinsville with his wife Kimberly, daughter Sarah and son Ryan.