As president of Bluefield State College, which is administratively linked to NRCTC, Dr. Albert L. Walker noted, "It has been my distinct pleasure to work closely with Dr. Perkins during my 2 plus years at Bluefield State College. He has been a tireless advocate for providing access to quality higher education throughout southeastern WV. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding NRCTC during the critically important period following its creation and through its effort to achieve institutional accreditation. On behalf of the BSC community, I bid ‘Dr. Dave' our most sincere wish for continuing success and many fulfilling years as he moves into this new chapter in his life."

Meanwhile, Dr. Richard Teaff, president of Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in Clifton Forge, Va., said, "Dr. Perkins has been a strong academic leader and has worked with DSLCC enabling both institutions to develop cooperative programs to better serve students in our area. His strong leadership and insight have made NRCTC a strong academic institution." DSLCC and NRCTC, along with Bluefield State College, have had a reciprocity agreement so that students in the neighboring WV/Virginia area could take certain classes and programs of study at either institution while paying "in state tuition."

"Several years after Greenbrier Community College Foundation, Inc., has assumed responsibility for renovating Greenbrier Hall as a home for Greenbrier Community College Center, we welcomed Dr. David Perkins as Bluefield State College's local dean. Dr. Perkins joined us in guiding the renovation. He brought valuable experience in tailoring community college and continuing education courses to local students and employer needs. We appreciate Dr. Perkins' dedication, commitment and passion for the local college. Greenbrier Community College Foundation's Board of Directors, staff and donors express their best wishes to Dr. Perkins as he begins a well-earned retirement," reports Ann P. Fort, executive director of the Greenbrier Community College Foundation Inc.

Area superintendents of schools also praised Dr. Perkins. John D. Curry of Greenbrier County Schools said, :"Many people in Greenbrier County have benefitted from the services provided by the community college In large part due to Dr. Perkins' leadership."

Dr. Lyn Guy of Monroe County Schools added, "Dr. Perkins has certainly brought community college education to the forefront in the state. He has made college education possible for both adults and high school students who would not have normally had that opportunity."

Speaking as a member of the Greenbrier County Commission, Betty D. Crookshanks of Rupert, a retired public school educator, echoed Dr. Guy's remarks, saying "The community college has made it possible for many people of all ages to acquire a college education. It has provided specialized training for many others. Dr. Perkins has been a leading force in this effort and under his leadership the college has grown and is a fine example of an institution of higher education. We have been fortunate to have Dr. Perkins and the College in the Greenbrier Valley."

Another prominent educator in the Greenbrier Valley, Arnold Anderson, a retired high school history teacher and a member of the faculty at what is now the Greenbrier Valley Campus since it opened in the fall of 1969 explained that "The college has a solid reputation of providing a quality education. It is a real asset to our area." And he adds, "It is entirely fitting that we should arrive at this position under the leadership of Dr. Perkins. He has characteristics that make him uniquely qualified for educational leadership. He has experience education gained by a lifetime of pursuit of excellence in his field. This is reinforced by an abundance of common sense."

Anderson continued, "In spite of his accomplishments, he has not lost his understanding and appreciation of students problems and needs gained from coming from a working class family himself."

Having been a student to Dr. Perkins' father at the former Smoot High School, Anderson concluded, "I do regret his parents can not see the results of (Dr. Perkins' life work. They would be very proud." The current director of the Greenbrier Valley Campus, Roger Dale Griffith summed the College community's feelings, "The NRCTC family is at one time tremendously happy and also sadden by the retirement of Dr. Perkins. The retirement is well deserved, but leaves a large void in the life of the College. He has provided 42 years of dedicated service to the students and communities within our region and has touched the lives of so many in our area. We thank him for his leadership and his friendship. He has provided a dedicated and proven leadership during the creation of NRCTC."

December 15, 2004

Submitted by Mike Williams