Virginia Peninsula Community College President Towuanna Porter Brannon will be honored by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) with the 2025 Peninsula Humanitarian Award. The award recognizes individuals for their commitment to promoting respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Dr. Brannon is one of five recipients who will be recognized at VCIC’s 57th annual Peninsula Humanitarian Awards Dinner set for Feb. 27 at the Marriot at City Center in Newport News.
"This award is particularly special because it recognizes the reason I’ve dedicated my career to higher education. Being a humanitarian is working to improve the lives of others, particularly those who are members of vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Brannon, expressing gratitude to the VCIC for the recognition.
“Higher education and post-secondary training remain one of the most effective ways to improve individual’s lives and promote thriving and economically vital communities. Receiving education and training that leads to meaningful employment promotes human dignity, and addresses urgent needs such as hunger, health, shelter, and safety,” she added.
As the ninth president of VPCC, Dr. Brannon has more than 25 years of experience in higher education. Throughout her career, she has shaped policies, programs, and systems to enhance college access, retention and completion. During her presidency, the College had its first enrollment increase in eight years, particularly among dual-enrolled high school students and those pursuing short-term, high-demand workforce credentials, and opened a new skilled trades center in Toano to better serve Williamsburg and James City County communities. The College continues expanding its reach, launching a center for excellence in early childhood education and a maritime skills trade center in Newport News.
Alongside Dr. Brannon, the 2025 Peninsula Humanitarian Award recipients are distinguished community members Wallace C. Arnold, Naved A. Jafri, James B. Mears and G. Glenn Oder.
Congratulating her fellow honorees, Dr. Brannon emphasized she does not take the award lightly as it speaks to one’s character more than anything else.
“This award is not about my leadership or the things I’ve accomplished. This award acknowledges my compassion, empathy, and the willingness to take action to support others. At its core, that's what humanitarianism is about," she said.
Since 1963, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities has annually presented humanitarian awards within its different chapters – Lynchburg, Peninsula, Richmond and Tidewater. In addition to honoring outstanding community members, the award dinners are platforms to showcase the organization’s mission and programs.
For more information about Dr. Brannon and VPCC, visit www.vpcc.edu.