Leonda Keniston has joined Piedmont Virginia Community College as the new dean of the Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences Division. Keniston replaces former PVCC dean Cliff Haury, who retired in June after more than 40 years of service to the college.
Keniston has an extensive background in higher education and began her career as a sociology professor at John Tyler Community College in Richmond, Va., and went on to serve as the chair of the humanities and social sciences, the assistant dean of academic affairs, and the associate dean of mathematics, natural and health sciences at that institution. Prior to accepting her new position at PVCC, she served as the director of assessment and planning at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury, Md.
“We’re extremely pleased to have Dr. Keniston joining PVCC,” said John R. Donnelly, vice president of instruction and student services at PVCC. “Dr. Keniston brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with her to PVCC. Her roles as a faculty member, associate dean and director of assessment and planning will be an asset to her faculty, the division and to the college as well.”
As dean of humanities, fine arts and social sciences, Keniston will oversee a wide variety of academic programs including art, graphic design, music and theater, as well as coursework in the social sciences discipline such as history, political science and sociology. In addition, Keniston will also preside over PVCC’s Fine Arts and Performance Season, a year-long series of music, dance and theater performances; free movie showings; and art exhibitions by local and regional artists.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve the faculty and students in the humanities, fine arts and social sciences division specifically, and PVCC in general,” said Keniston. “I consider Piedmont Virginia Community College one of the gems of the Virginia Community College System and I am truly excited about supporting and contributing to its student success initiatives. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to continue to advance the mission and vision of PVCC.”
Keniston has a doctoral degree in community college leadership from Old Dominion University and both a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University.
To learn more about PVCC’s humanities, fine arts and social science programs, visit www.pvcc.edu/programs or call 434.961.6581. To learn more about PVCC’s Fine Arts and Performance Season, visit www.pvcc.edu/performingarts.
