Wytheville Community College recognized Dr. Phyllis Ashworth as the 2026 Administrative Professional Faculty Emeritus Award recipient. This award recognizes retired administrative professional faculty for meritorious and significant contributions. Dr. Ashworth served WCC for 31 years in numerous leadership roles, concluding her career as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Effectiveness.
A native of Hampton, Dr. Ashworth is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974. In 1976, she earned a Master’s degree from Indiana University, and, in 1989, she was awarded a Doctorate from Virginia Tech, where she was the first recipient of the Chancellor’s Fellowship given by the Virginia Community College System.
In her role as WCC’s Liaison to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Dr. Ashworth led the college community through three successful reaccreditation cycles. Her excellent management of the college’s institutional research, assessment, strategic planning, and marketing efforts helped guide and promote WCC, and her expertise in grant writing secured significant funding for the college. Dr. Ashworth participated in numerous key standing and ad hoc committees and the WCC Legislative Advocacy Team, as well as provided dedicated leadership of numerous special events, including presidential inaugurations. She was also a member of the Campaign Executive Committee during the Foundation’s “Forging Futures Capital Campaign.”
Dr. Ashworth’s professional expertise and wise counsel were recognized and appreciated by college administrators, faculty, staff, and students; by members of the WCC Local Board; by colleagues throughout the VCCS; and by members of other organizations, including the American Council on Education’s Office of Women in Higher Education where she served as a member of the state Executive Committee. She was a respected member of the WCC leadership team and served as an ambassador for the college through her work with numerous community organizations and activities. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the WCC Distinguished Service Award by the WCC Educational Foundation in 2009.
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