RICHMOND — Virginia’s Community Colleges announced Monday that Sharon Morrissey, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Workforce Programs, will retire at the end of 2023.
“It’s an understatement to say that Dr. Morrissey has provided crucial and valuable guidance for our colleges over the years, including leading our institutions statewide as Interim Chancellor from last summer through March of this year,” said Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Chancellor David Doré. “I am especially grateful that Sharon stayed on to help me transition into my new role when I arrived in April. Her advice and counsel have been invaluable.”
“I know we’ll miss her steady hand and unwavering optimism as we wish her all the best in a well-earned retirement,” Doré added.
Her decision comes after a 37-year career in higher education leadership in Virginia and North Carolina.
“I’m so grateful to have worked with the wonderful faculty and staff at Virginia’s Community Colleges,” said Morrissey. “Even in the most challenging times as we worked to manage the impact of COVID-19, I appreciated collaborating with dedicated and talented colleagues to ensure that students had access to the courses and services they needed. The pandemic even yielded some positive improvements in our enrollment policies, online student support services, and expansion of distance learning opportunities.”
“My most cherished memories will be student success stories. From English faculty to college president to system leader, the arc of my career has always been focused on student success,” she added.
Morrissey joined the Virginia Community College system in 2014, ultimately serving as Interim Chancellor.
“During my time as Chair, Dr. Morrisey demonstrated exceptional leadership as Interim Chancellor of the VCCS,” said Douglas Garcia, who chaired the VCCS State Board in 2022-23. “We were facing uncertain times and she was steadfast in her determination to ensure our colleges and students were always considered first and foremost.”
Prior to her time in Virginia, Morrissey realized 28 years of higher education success in North Carolina, as a faculty member, college vice president and president, and executive vice president of the North Carolina Community College System.