Roanoke Higher Education Center Names Julie J. Brown, Ph.D. as New Executive Director
Roanoke, VA, October 30, 2026 — Today, the Roanoke Higher Education Center (RHEC) announced the appointment of Dr. Julie J. Brown as Executive Director, effective January 1, 2027. Brown, who currently serves as the Provost at Averett University in Danville, VA, will serve as Agency Head of the Center, where 9-member institutions and five partner institutions collaborate to expand educational and workforce training in the Roanoke region.
For more than 15 years, Brown served as Vice President of Advanced Learning at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, one of the five higher education centers in the Commonwealth. Brown brings more than 30 years of experience in education, working for private and liberal arts and public research universities, Virginia and North Carolina community colleges, and regional K-12 districts. She succeeds Kay Dunkley, Ed.D., who concludes her tenure after 10 years of dedicated service. The search committee was composed of members of the Authority Board of Trustees, the RHEC Foundation Board, and representatives from the Center’s member institutions and staff.
“Dr. Julie Brown brings an exceptional depth of leadership experience and a strong understanding of how higher education centers can serve as catalysts for regional growth and opportunity,” said Angela Penn, President and CEO, Total Action for Progress, and Chair of the Roanoke Higher Education Authority Board of Trustees. “Her service as Vice President of Advanced Learning at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville provides her with firsthand knowledge of the collaborative model that makes these centers so valuable to their communities. We are confident that her experience, strategic vision, and commitment to partnership will position the Roanoke Higher Education Center for continued success in connecting learners with educational opportunities and meeting the evolving workforce needs of our region. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Brown and working with her to build upon the Center’s strong legacy and advance its impact across the Roanoke Valley.”
As Executive Director, Brown will provide strategic leadership and oversee the operations of the RHEC and the Roanoke Higher Education Foundation. She will strengthen partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations to respond to the evolving needs of the current and future workforce, while advancing the organization’s mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
“I am honored to serve as the next Executive Director of the Roanoke Higher Education Authority,” said Brown. “Though I am new to the Roanoke Valley, I am no stranger to what makes communities like this one special — dedicated workers, resilient leaders, trusted partners, and a shared belief that education is the surest path to a stronger future. With momentum building around the Blue Ridge Innovation Corridor, there has never been a better time to strengthen institutional collaboration and connect learners to the opportunities taking shape across our region. I am eager and grateful for the chance to work alongside the Authority and RHEC Foundation Boards, the dedicated staff, and our partners to advance the Authority’s vision and the Center’s continued commitment to providing access to those we serve.”
Since the Center’s founding 25 years ago, more than 17,000 individuals have earned degrees, achieved industry credentials, and pursued new careers and opportunities for upward mobility, and an average of 800-900 individuals have completed programs each year for the last decade. In 2022, RHEC established the Central Walkway on its campus to honor the history and legacy of the Gainsboro community, and last year, Appalachian College of Pharmacy joined the Center to offer classes leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree, addressing the shortage of pharmacists and pharmacy education in the Roanoke Valley.
About Julie Brown, Ph.D.
As Averett University Provost, Brown provides executive leadership, overseeing the institution’s academic programs, supporting faculty and staff, and ensuring the university’s educational mission is fulfilled. During her tenure as Vice President for Advanced Learning at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, her responsibilities included developing and resourcing strategic initiatives such as GO TEC© Virginia, the Dan River Year and Public Health AmeriCorps programs, and the EmPOWER system to increase work-based opportunities for emerging workers. She also has extensive experience in grant development and execution, evaluation, program development, and fiscal accountability.
Brown received her baccalaureate degree from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree from Longwood University, and a Ph.D. from Old Dominion University. A graduate of the Sorensen Institute, Lead Virginia, and Leadership Southside, Brown serves on numerous boards and was inducted into the Academy of Community Engagement Scholarship.