WILLIAMSTON — A Washington native was recently named the new Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Services at Martin Community College.

Dr. Jennifer Rhodes Burruss, originally from Washington, began her duties as Dean on March 3, according to Judy Jennette, director of Public Relations and Institutional Advancement.

Dr. Ann Britt, president of Martin Community College said Burruss was selected as the top candidate after a nationwide search. Through a combination of education and experience, Britt and the committee formed to hire someone for the job were impressed with her interviews, Britt said.

“Something unique is she has the higher education experience, and she has a lot of experience with the public schools,” Britt said. “In my opinion, it set her apart from the (other candidates). Everyone perceived her to be someone who is a team player and she seemed to get along with everyone. We are just tickled to death she’s here.”

Burruss commented on why she was initially interested in working at MCC.

“I was drawn to MCC because small institutions can have a big impact on their communities, and Martin is a great example of that. I am excited to get to know the students, faculty and staff, and I look forward to working with them and the community as a whole.”

Rhodes comes to MCC from Virginia where she worked simultaneously for Caroline County Public Schools as the School Counseling Director and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond as an associate professor in the Counselor Education Department, Jennette said.

Jennette said Burruss earned her Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from George Washington University, her Masters of Education in Counselor Education from East Carolina University and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from ECU. She also holds Kindergarten through 12^th grade Pupil Personnel Licensure in Virginia and K-12 School Counseling Licensure in North Carolina, according to Jennette.

At VCU, Burruss also advised the Student Affairs Networking Association (SANA) and served on the university’s National Council for the Accreditation of Teaching (NCATE) Committee, Education Assessment Committee and Cultural Diversity Committee and is a member of NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Association).

Prior to joining the Caroline County School system, Burruss worked in the 2,000-student School of Education at VCU — first as Director of the Student Services Center and then as a clinical coordinator within the Counselor Education Department. Regionally, Burruss worked as a School Counselor in Bertie County and as an associate instructor for Beaufort County Community College, according to Jennette.

Away from work, Dr. Burruss enjoys spending time with her husband, David, and their two young children, Alex who is 10, and Susannah, who is 3. She and her family are very active in their church where she serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. She and her family enjoy cookouts and time at the beach. She is the daughter of Bob and Sandra Rhodes who live in Washington Park.