VFCCE Honors Rhonda Catron-Wood with the Kathleen H. Smith Distinguished Service Award
During the April Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy Luncheon, The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) presented Dr. Rhonda Catron-Wood with the Kathleen H. Smith Distinguished Service Award for her exceptional expertise and dedication to advancing the mission of higher education. As Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Wytheville Community College, Dr. Catron-Wood has demonstrated a powerful commitment to student success for more than 30 years.
“Her outstanding leadership has been instrumental in generating substantial funding for innovative programs that enrich lives, support the college, and strengthen communities. Her ability to secure resources has made a lasting impact on WCC and its ability to provide quality education to a diverse student population,” said Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President.
Dr. Catron-Wood has achieved many notable accomplishments including the successful WCC Forging Futures Capital Campaign from 2002-2006 which raised $3 million and included securing a gift from WCC’s first million-dollar donor. During this campaign, Dr. Catron-Wood also garnered the financial support of 97 percent of WCC full-time faculty and staff and the financial support of 100 percent of Board members which included WCC Local Board, WCC Educational Foundation Board, and the WCC Scholarship Board. In 2024, Catron-Wood led efforts to establish the WCC Real Estate Foundation.
Dr. Catron-Wood was instrumental in securing three college tuition programs that include the Wythe-Bland Foundation, Twin County Community Foundation, and the Smyth County Promise Program. Due to Dr. Catron-Wood’s efforts in securing these three programs, each graduating high school student in WCC’s service region can now attend college with minimal or no cost.
On May 18, 2023, WCC announced the receipt of the largest donation in the school’s 60-year history when the estate of Janie (Dolly) Hale Gentry of Grayson County donated $1,338,000 to WCC for scholarships and capital improvements.
“Dr. Catron-Wood’s outstanding leadership is enriching future generations, faculty and staff, and strengthening the college’s impact across the region,” said Dr. Jennifer Gentry, VFCCE’s Executive Director.
The prestigious award is named for a pioneer in the world of institutional advancement. Kathleen H. Smith’s selfless devotion and inspiring achievements helped elevate the profession and the Commonwealth. Smith’s storied, 37-year career includes Director of Programming and Fundraising at Ferrum College, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation at Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC), and Senior Development Officer for the VFCCE.
Smith was vital to generating significant funding for innovative programs that continue to change lives, including the Great Expectations program for foster youth. Dr. Catron-Wood continues to represent Smith’s legacy, advocating for a better future for each and every student.
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