Gene Purvis retires after 22 Years serving VGCC students

Gene Purvis of Franklinton recently retired as Dean of Student Development at Vance-Granville Community College, after a 32-year career in public education (including 22 years at the college). His VGCC colleagues held a retirement reception in his honor on August 29 at the college’s Main Campus.

 

Purvis first joined VGCC as a vocational counselor in 1991, following 10 years of service as a teacher and counselor in the Granville County Schools system. He also served as coordinator of Financial Aid at the college before becoming assistant dean and later dean of Student Services. Under various titles, Purvis has provided leadership for a division that included departments such as Admissions & Records , Financial Aid , the Registrar , Student Activities and Athletics . He also coordinated all curriculum commencement ceremonies and presided over scholarship ceremonies for many years.

 

Purvis earned a bachelor of science degree from Appalachian State University and a master’s in education from North Carolina State University.

 

During his retirement reception, VGCC President Stelfanie Williams praised Purvis as a dedicated and steady leader, as well as an advocate for students and his employees.

 

Above: VGCC Board of Trustees member Donald Seifert, Sr. of Henderson (left) congratulates Gene Purvis at his retirement reception. (VGCC photo)