New Campus Executive Directors at Centura College bring a combined 88+ years of experience in the industry.
Centura College announces an enhanced leadership structure within its school system that allows for new opportunities, experience, and positive change. Centura College is pleased to welcome a new Campus Executive Director to their campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Newport News, Richmond, and Virginia Beach under the leadership of veteran Regional Director, Dr. Paulette Thomas-Collins. Through these seasoned professionals, Centura’s campuses will lead and educate the next generation of skilled trades and allied health workforce in an encouraging and ever-developing environment.
Dr. Paulette Thomas-Collins has guided a vision for elevated leadership to meet the needs of the ever-growing Hampton Roads community. Dr. Thomas-Collins is a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She values education and has a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Paulette’s work ethic is attributed to very humble beginnings. As a child, she was instilled with morals, integrity, and the drive to ensure every task is done well. These values and attributes contribute to her ability to push the Centura campuses to new heights. Dr. Thomas-Collins on the new leaders at Centura College: “The leaders in my region are experienced, knowledgeable, passionate, and hungry-that alone is a recipe for success.”
Dennis Ryan has been a part of the Centura family for over 20 years. His tenure has included being an employee and a student. At Centura College, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Dennis rose through the ranks as an employee of Centura College, holding multiple positions from Instructor all the way to Campus Executive Director. After successfully leading the Virginia Beach campus for 4 years, he was promoted to Campus Executive Director at the largest Centura College campus in Chesapeake.
James Ray has been with the Centura family for 6 years. A Pennsylvania native, he prides himself on his roots, and often says “the best things come from PA.” He is a well-rounded individual with experience at Centura College and the organizations’ other school brands, Aviation Institute of Maintenance and Tidewater Tech. James has a bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University, two master’s degrees from Strayer University, and is a doctoral candidate at Capella University. James has a passion for admissions, working as the Director of Admissions for several campuses. In addition, he published a book “An Admissions Officer’s Guide to Success in Proprietary Education.” He brings his passion for education to the position of Campus Executive Director at Centura College Virginia Beach campus.
Isaac Walters joins the Centura family at the Peninsula campus in Newport News and brings his talents to a new community of education. A Philadelphia native, Isaac’s passion for education started at an early age. After receiving a degree in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing and Economics at Babson College, Isaac spent some time in the business world before returning to his passion, education. Isaac has a wide range of skills, particularly in education. Isaac started in admissions and was then chosen to serve as a Campus Director at Strayer University, where he remained in the role for 12 years. Isaac seized the opportunity to join the Centura family, because of its notoriety for student success as well as a student-centric focus around day-to-day operations. Isaac’s passion for education inspires his community to aim higher and work harder. In his free time, Isaac enjoys traveling.
Duan Joyner joins the Centura family and brings a unique skill set to the Richmond campus. Being from a military family, Duan is well-traveled, originally hailing from North Carolina. She has a master’s degree in Human Resources with a concentration in Organizational Development. She has 21 years of post-secondary higher education experience, as well as a vast variety of customer service and management experience. These skills complement her role as Campus Executive Director well, serving students and the team with which she works. Duan is excited to serve in this role to aid students in reaching their full potential and helping her community through adversity. A self-proclaimed “foodie”, Duan enjoys cooking for and spending time with family and friends.
Cory Doxey joins Centura College’s Norfolk campus with several different skill sets to aid him in his role as Campus Executive Director. His unique experience is imperative to the success of innovative programs like Wind Turbine Technician. Cory is a Norfolk native who received both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, Bakersfield, California campus. He has over 15 years of experience in senior leadership with a wide range of organizations. His bold and creative leadership capability allows for a fresh take on various projects in store for 2022 and beyond. Cory is a proud husband and father of three daughters and two sons.
About Centura College
Centura College has been part of an organization dedicated to helping individuals develop careers since 1969. The schools connect students to local communities and career fields through training in healthcare, technology, business, and trades. Centura College offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, job placement assistance, and provides the students the opportunity to gain certifications with American Welding Society, Environmental Protection Agency, OSHA-10, American Medical Technologist (RMA), and more. Centura College is an accredited member of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). To learn more, visit www.CenturaCollege.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centura.edu.