Newest Board Members Eager to Make Impact
A military veteran, a longtime educator, a young accountant who also is a 2011 graduate of Thomas Nelson. Backgrounds and experiences as varied as the students, faculty and staff they will serve as the newest members of the Thomas Nelson Community College Board.
Curtis Bethany represent the City of Newport News, while Ed Durham and Linda Reviea represent York County. Below are short bios of each, followed by their responses to several questions about why they joined the board, and how they see their role and the board's role. To contact members of the board, write to the individual c/o Office of the President, Thomas Nelson Community College, P.O. Box 9407, Hampton, VA, 23670.
MEET THE NEWEST MEMBERS
Curtis Bethany III, a partner accountant for Ferguson Enterprises: Longtime resident of Newport News and a graduate of Woodside High School (2009.) … Earned business administration degrees from Thomas Nelson Community College (associate degree) and Old Dominion University (bachelor's degree, with a double major in accounting and finance), and a master's degree in public policy, concentrating in public administration, from Liberty University. … Well-known throughout the community as a public servant and community advocate, and is widely recognized as a leading voice for the next generation.
Ed Durham, chief financial officer for Joint Enabling Capabilities Command in Norfolk: Lives in Yorktown. … Earned bachelor's of arts degree in Asian studies from the University of Maryland in 2000, master's in business administration from Maryland in 2003, and master's of science in Strategic Studies from U.S. Army War College in 2014. … An infantryman and counterintelligence agent in the Marine Corps from 1992-2003. … Deputy Director of Capabilities and Assessments, U.S. Forces Korea from 2009-13. … Worked at Department of Army in Washington, D.C., from 2013-18. … Involved in numerous community service programs, mostly involving education in York County schools.
Linda Reviea, special projects coordinator for the Virginia Department of Education: Lives in Seaford. … Earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Mary Washington, a master's of arts in education and human development from George Washington University, and a doctorate of education in educational leadership, management and policy from Seton Hall University. … Worked as a teacher in Stafford County Public Schools, Chesterfield County Public Schools, Denbigh High School, and as an administrator at Denbigh, Crittenden Middle School, Heritage High School and Newport News Public Schools. … Also been an adjunct professor at Mary Baldwin and James Madison. … Has volunteer experience at numerous libraries and civic organizations.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Why did you decide to join the board? Do you have any ties to Thomas Nelson or any other community college?
Curtis Bethany: Not only did TNCC give me a second chance at higher education, the College also gave me an opportunity to meet my wife. It goes without saying that the College did a lot for my family. I can honestly say that without TNCC, I wouldn't be where I am today. Serving on the board gives me an opportunity to serve my community while also giving back to the college that laid the foundation for my adult and professional life.
Ed Durham: I have volunteered with and served on a number of boards for organizations dedicated to serving or educating our youth since 1990, over 30 years ago. Both of my older children attended Thomas Nelson as dual-enrolled high school students through the Governor's School for Science and Technology. I believe in Thomas Nelson's mission to change lives and transform our community through diverse, inclusive, and equitable education, helping students transition into new roles in our Virginia Peninsula workforce, and am proud to represent the people and businesses of York County on the board.
Linda Reviea: I have a deep commitment to serving others and I see my work on the board as a service to the community. Several members of my family and many friends have attended community college.
2. Is this the first college board you have served on? If not, please list the others and dates served, as well as positions on those boards.
Curtis Bethany: Yes, first time serving on a college board.
Ed Durham: This is my first college board position.
Linda Reviea: No, it is not. Blue Ridge Community College (board member 2014-18), finance committee (2014-18), vice chair (2016), chair (2017-18).
3. Do you know any of the other board members?
Curtis Bethany: I know one board member personally. That's about it. However, I look forward to bonding and getting to know the other members of the board.
Ed Durham: I did not know any of the other board members before I joined the board, but enjoy getting to know each member better, and learning more about how each member brings unique experience and knowledge to the board.
Linda Reviea: Yes. Mr. (Allan) Melton and I worked together in Poquoson. Several others I crossed paths with during my tenure as an educator serving on various community organizations.
4. What do you see as your role on the board?
Curtis Bethany: I view my role on the board as being able to provide a younger perspective. I'm also able to provide a more recent TNCC graduate perspective to the board.
Ed Durham: I believe the role of board members is two-fold: 1) board members ensure the college is sustainable through ethical and legal governance and sound financial management. 2) invest personal time and energy with both the board and community to ensure the college has access to the resources it needs to achieve its mission. As a member of the curriculum, instruction, and student services committee, I will help the college adjust its academic offerings to better suit the needs of the community.
Linda Reviea: I see the role of board members as being advocates for the college in the community. Additionally, board members have a unique connection to their locality, which carries an expectation to communicate that with the college. Board members are instrumental in sharing perspectives with legislators regarding issues in higher education in the General Assembly. The board is an instrumental part of the checks-and-balance processes to ensure that the college's programs and services meet the needs of our communities to prepare our students for their future goals - workforce development, certification and licensure opportunities, preparation for four-year colleges/universities, to name a few.
5. Do you have any goals for the board as a whole?
Curtis Bethany: As a new board member, my goal right now is to learn the "ins-and-outs" of the college. Understanding where the college is present day is important so that I can efficiently/effectively contribute toward the future, which is certainly looking bright.
Ed Durham: This is an exciting time for Thomas Nelson Community College, as we change our name to Virginia Peninsula Community College. The name change allows the board and the college to refocus on our community and future needs of students and staff. I'm excited to be part of this transition.
Linda Reviea: I believe the board should set measurable goals each year that are aligned with the college's strategic plan. Additionally, the board should receive regular and comprehensive presentations and information so that each member can advocate for our college from an informed position. I hope to see our board forming a strong partnership with Dr. Brannon and her staff as we create an excellent resource for our municipal members.