William C. Wampler, Jr. 
Executive Director
wwampler@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5601
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 &
Chief Academic Officer
lblevins@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5603
Leanna began work with the New College Planning Commission in 2004 and currently serves as associate director and chief academic officer.
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, The Harvest Foundation, the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation, 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
Katie Croft
Receptionist
kcroft@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5610
A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Katie has resided in Henry County for approximately 3 years. She is currently serving as a part-time receptionist for New College Institute. Prior to coming to NCI, she worked for the Henry County School System.
Katie attended Mid-Atlantic Christian University in Elizabeth City, NC and earned her B.S. in bible and theology and double minor in counseling and cross cultural studies. She also received the Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities award. She plans to pursue her Master's in guidance counseling from Old Dominion University through NCI.
Katie resides in Collinsville with her husband Les, son Roc and their cat QT. She is an active member of Stone Memorial Christian Church and volunteers as their elementary coordinator. Katie also enjoys traveling and helping others - combining these two passions, she has been on mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Paupa New Guinea, Singapore, Indonesia and New Orleans, LA. In her spare time she loves being with friends and family.
Suellyn M. Danter
Media Specialist
sdanter@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5628
Suellyn is a Media Specialist, providing facilitation for New College Institute and previously at Patrick Henry Community College.
Before coming to NCI, Suellyn worked nine years for several area veterinarians and boarding kennels. She assisted as a veterinarian technician, oversaw kennel operations, and provided dog grooming services. She currently owns and operates her own home pet sitting business.
Suellyn graduated Magna Cum Laude from Patrick Henry Community College with an Associate in Arts & Science. Her academic achievements earned her a membership in Phi Theta Kappa. She is a 2009 graduate of Old Dominion University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree, Occupational and Technical Studies with a training emphasis.
Previously from West Virginia and Texas, Suellyn currently resides in Fieldale. She enjoys horseback riding, swimming and home repair projects.
Randy Ferguson
Multimedia Specialist
rferguson@ph.vccs.edu
(276) 656-0229
Randy Ferguson is a multimedia specialist and provides media and video production support to both New College Institute and Patrick Henry Community College, bringing with him over 20 years experience.
Before coming to NCI, Randy was a Producer and Production Supervisor for Time Warner Cable Media Sales in Greensboro, NC for nearly 10 years. He also owns RF Media, a local media production company where he produces commercials, marketing/informational videos, and other media projects. He has worked as a freelance producer, videographer, and editor. He also worked as a Broadcasting Instructor and Video Technician at PHCC and as Audio-Visual Supervisor at Danville Community College.
Randy is a graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA where he received a B.S. in communications with a concentration in radio, television, and film. He has won many awards for his work including two Telly's, two Communicator Awards, and a top five selection at the Cable Advertising Bureau Awards. Most recently, Randy produced a commercial for PHCC that was selected for a Medallion Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations.
Randy is a native of Henry County and resides in Ridgeway, VA with his wife Amy and two daughters, Haley and Breanna. Together they enjoy camping, hiking, boating, whitewater rafting, and soccer.
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
Academic Scheduler & Communications Coordinator
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 manages 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 attended Patrick Henry Community College, and has completed several continuing education and technology classes and leadership development courses.
A lifelong resident of Henry County, Ruby lives in Axton with her husband Freddie. Her daughter Mandy is a student at Liberty University, and her son Brian and his wife Amber both serve in the US Air Force and are stationed at McChord AFB in Tacoma, WA. She is active in her church and loves to read, cook, and spend time with her family.
Steve Keyser
Coordinator of Community Engagement
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. As part of the educational outreach team, he partners with local schools and community organizations to help them understand the value of a college education.
Steve is a first-generation college graduate who 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. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, Henry County Career and Technical Board, current Member of the Board of Trustees for Boys Home in Covington, Va, and is a very active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Martinsville.
Steve is a native of Clifton Forge and resides in Martinsville with his wife Joanna, who is a math teacher at Carlisle School. He has two children, Sarah Beth, a graduate of Davidson College and his son Zach who is a current student at Lenoir Rhyne University.
Michael Palmer
IT Specialist
mpalmer@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5618
Michael is an IT Specialist and provides technical support to both New College Institute and Henry County Public Schools.
Before coming to work at NCI and HCPS, Michael was Office Manager in the School of Nursing Department at North Carolina A&T University. While there, he gained experience in grant writing, budgeting, and management.
Michael is a graduate of Averett University in Danville, VA where he received his masters degree in Business Administration. He also received his BS in Computer Science at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC and graduated Cum Laude.
Michael is a native of Henry County and plans to be married in August of 2011. He is an active member of High Ridge Baptist Church and throughout the community of Martinsville and Henry County. He mentors young men and women in the workfield and in the community. His hobbies include sports and singing. He was recently selected to serve on the Arts Alive Committee for the 2011-2012 school year at Henry County.
Mary Moyer-Redd
Receptionist
mredd@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5636
Mary joined New College Institute in August 2009, and serves as part-time receptionist. She brings with her over twenty years of professional office experience and computer expertise.
Mary worked most recently at Hooker Furniture Corporation as a Vendor Planner. Prior to that, she was the administrative assistant at Danville Community College's Education Opportunity Center program.
She has an Associate's Degree in Computer Application Management from National College, and is currently attending Patrick Henry Community College. A lifetime resident of Henry County, Mary lives in Martinsville with her daughter DeAnna. She is active in her church, Greater Refuge Temple Center of Deliverence and enjoys spending time with her family.
Sammy Redd
Coordinator of College Access
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. He is a 2011 graduate of the Duke University Non-Profit Management Certificate Program and is currently pursuing a master's degree in community and college counseling. A Martinsville native, he is an alumnus of Laurel Park High School.
Sammy serves as chair of the board of trustees of the Virginia Museum of Natural History. He is a member of the executive committee of the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board and serves as chair of the Youth Council. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Virginia College Access Network.
Christina Reed
Finance Director
creed@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5602
Christina Reed joined New College Institute in January 2011 after working for The Harvest Foundation for seven years. At NCI, her main focus will be on accounting and finances, but she will also bring experience in various areas of Operations.
Christina is a first-generation college graduate who earned a BS in Accounting from Averett University. In addition she has completed several continuing education courses and various other training classes and leadership training.
A native of Patrick County, Christina currently lives in Fieldale with her husband and son. Her son is a student at Bassett High School. Together they enjoy visiting with family and spending time with their puppies.
Christie Rogers
Receptionist
crogers@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5610
Christie currently serves as a part-time receptionist for New College Institute in the King Building.
Christie graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA and earned a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration in Speech Pathology and minor in Exceptional Education. While in school, she worked as a student assistant in the Communication Sciences and Disorders department. She also volunteered with Special Olympics and the Arc Op Shop of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. She is currently taking time off before she returns to school to obtain her Master's degree in Speech Therapy.
A native of Henry County, Christie currently lives in Collinsville. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her puppy, Matilda, reading, photography, sewing, shopping, and being outside.
Barbara Waldron
Coordinator of Recruitment and Information
bwaldron@newcollegeinstitute.org
(276) 403-5635
Barbara came to New College Institute in 2008 after working as a business teacher at Franklin County High School in Rocky Mount. At NCI, she coordinates educational information and recruits students through collaboration with regional community colleges, public school systems, businesses, and community organizations. Providing information to potential students and paving the path for continued education is the goal of the recruitment office, while partnering with NCI Outreach Counselors to present opportunities available in our region.
Barbara earned her A.A.S. degrees in General Engineering and Industrial Electronics from Patrick Henry Community College, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Averett University. Prior to teaching, Barbara worked as credit program coordinator at PHCC and as enrollment counselor at Averett University.
Barbara grew up in Europe, the daughter of an American Army veteran/civil servant and a German mother. Having lived in Henry County for 25 years, she considers this home. Barbara has two grown children and enjoys walking, reading, movies and playing with her dog, Charley. She serves on the board of Crime Stoppers, is Vice-President-Membership of the Blue Ridge Human Resources Association, and a 2010 graduate of the New Civic Leaders Program.