Downey named next BRCC president

John Downey of Harrisonburg will succeed Jim Perkins as the next president of Blue Ridge Community College, effective August 3.

Downey has worked as BRCC’s vice president for instruction and student services for the past four years, and has been at the college for 17 years. He becomes the fifth president in the school’s history.

“Our college is truly privileged,“ said Kathy Whitten, chair of the BRCC local board, in a release. “A lot of really talented people were interested in becoming the next president of Blue Ridge Community College. I believe we selected the best of the best. John has done outstanding work during his time at BRCC and we expect that to continue.“

Said Downey in the release: “I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity to be the president of a community college that I love in a community that I love. Over the years, I have worked with terrific people throughout the Valley on behalf of BRCC. I’m excited to continue that.“