Dabney S. Lancaster Community College announces the selection of Dr. Benjamin Worth for the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs. Worth comes to DSLCC with over 20 years of community college experience, formerly serving as the dean of distance learning at Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, KY. While at BCTC, Worth held leadership positions at both the faculty and state system levels with a focus on distance learning innovations and expanding diversity in academic instruction.
Worth has deep roots in southwestern Virginia. “Assuming this position meant the opportunity to return to my childhood home in Lexington, which has been a deeply rewarding experience,” commented Worth. “The highlands of Virginia have always been near and dear to my heart. I have been able to visit Lexington often during the 20 years that I have been living in Kentucky, but now I can live and work near my family and friends in the region.” He is a graduate of Rockbridge County High School, earned his undergraduate degree in Classics at Washington and Lee University and a master’s degree in English at James Madison University. He also holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Kentucky.
Worth’s arrival is especially timely as DSLCC reviews the recent results of a feasibility study on current and emerging educational and training needs of the Rockbridge region. With the experience that Worth brings to the position and his passion for the region, he will be instrumental in working with other top DSLCC leaders to address the many opportunities outlined by the consultants from their research and focus groups.
DSLCC president Dr. John Rainone recently welcomed Worth to the Clifton Forge campus, hosting a reception for him with faculty and staff. Worth will be based on DSLCC’s Clifton Forge campus, but will be scheduling office hours at the College’s Rockbridge Regional Center in Buena Vista in the near future.
“I feel fortunate to be working at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. It is a very special institution; I have family and friends who have attended the college over the years. I believe strongly in the mission of the community college to bring quality and affordable access to higher education and I want very much to make a real difference here,” said Worth, on joining DSLCC.
Worth and his wife, Christian, a graduate of Washington and Lee University and a licensed attorney in Kentucky, will reside with their two children in Lexington, to be close to his parents, Drs. James and Maureen Worth.
