Perkins to retire from Blue Ridge presidency

Jim Perkins was inspired to be an educator by his high school math teacher in upstate New York who saw Perkins’ talents in math and encouraged him to refine them.

“He saw my special talent in math and nurtured me and encouraged me,” Perkins recalled. “I hoped I could do this for others.”

Perkins envisioned becoming a math teacher and high school basketball coach, but life took him on a more ambitious path into higher education.

He ultimately became president of Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave.

On Friday, Perkins announced his retirement from that institution effective in August after 20 years on the job.

He has led Blue Ridge through unprecedented growth in enrollment, facilities and programs.

His program achievements includes innovations in workforce training and technology and the college’s start of a nursing program and one in aviation maintenance technology.

Among his other accomplishments is an endowment that was $52,000 when he took over, and is now in excess of $4 million. The endowment increase is the result of two successful capital campaigns.

Others speaking Friday said Perkins has demonstrated great leadership, vision and a willingness to let others who work for him grow.

“By the textbook, Jim is one of the best I’ve ever worked with in this business,” said Glenn DuBois, chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. “With Jim there is not a lot of sizzle but a tremendous amount of steak. He has professionalism, honesty, integrity and a clear focus on mission.”

Del. Steve Landes, R-Weyers Cave, said Perkins has managed to both succeed and be a nice guy.

“He is not only a successful person, but one of the nicest and easiest people to work with I have ever encountered,” Landes said.

Landes said he wished Perkins would remain on the job for a while longer.

Dr. Bruce Bowman is a Waynesboro veterinarian and Blue Ridge graduate who serves on the community college’s local board.

He credits Perkins with numerous changes at Blue Ridge that include new facilities such as the Plecker Workforce Center and college fine arts center, and guaranteed admission agreements for Blue Ridge graduates with numerous Virginia colleges and universities.

But he said one of Perkins’ greatest talents is finding other leaders, leaders who will carry on after he leaves.

“Jim has a way of identifying individuals with talent who can contribute to the school,” Bowman said.

Carl Rosberg is executive vice president of nTelos and has served on Blue Ridge’s foundation board twice.

He said Perkins is the kind of leader “who cannot be replaced. He will leave a legacy there … The organization will do great because he has prepared and developed them.”

Waynesboro Schools Superintendent Robin Crowder said Perkins has helped Blue Ridge “grow and change based on the needs of everybody it serves. Blue Ridge is a major player among community colleges and education in this region. It’s a great loss and we will miss him.”

Perkins said he is glad that Blue Ridge and other Virginia community colleges have become places where students are happy to start their collegiate careers.

“They have come into their own. You can get a quality education at the local community college,” he said.

Perkins said he believes the future of Blue Ridge will include more health-related programs and innovations to match changes in technology.

As for his future, Perkins plans to spend more time with family, travel and hopes to volunteer at area schools to help children.

He will also continue to serve organizations like the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s a little bit scary. It’s a new adventure and I don’t know exactly what I will do,” he said.

The Blue Ridge local board will meet Wednesday to discuss Perkins’ retirement and the hiring process for the community college’s next president.