Each year, the Patrick Henry Community College Foundation names its Distinguished Alumni based on academic achievement, career success and community involvement. Ten alumni were chosen to be recognized as Distinguished Alumni this year, and were honored at a dinner on May 8 at Chatmoss Country Club. This year's recipients are:

 

Patsy Anderson-Rusmisel ('82) 

Anderson-Rusmisel earned her associate degree from PHCC in education in 1982. She continued her education at the University of Virginia, earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology, and a master’s degree in counseling and student personnel supervision. She received her doctorate degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in curriculum and instruction in adult and higher education.

She currently serves as director of Student Support Services at PHCC. Anderson-Rusmisel is a member of the National Academic Advising Association and the Virginia Community Colleges Association. She also serves on the Virginia Community College System Task Force and Teacher Education Preparation and on the Virginia Community College System Transfer Counseling Task Force.  

corbin campbell ('99) 

Campbell earned his degree from PHCC in general studies/performing arts in 1999. He continued his education at Averett University with a bachelor’s degree in theater arts and at Radford University earning a master of arts in educational leadership.

He is employed by Henry County Schools where he has held several positions as a teacher and assistant principal. He now serves as the principal at Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School. He also is the artistic director for TheatreWorks Community Players, and is a member of the SCOPE 9 Cohort through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at the University of Virginia. 

Ernest linwood carter ii ('92) 

Carter earned an associate degree in business administration in 1992 at PHCC. He continued his education at Averett University earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and at Liberty University earning a master’s degree in religion with a specialization in pastoral counseling. He is currently seeking a certified sports event executive certification.

Carter is employed as an athletic external event coordinator at Liberty University where he is responsible for facilitating all external athletics events taking place on campus, as well as bringing new events to the university. He also is an active member at Thomas Road Baptist Church, and leads a team annually in the Ford Mays Liberty University Athletics Golf Tournament.

roxanne collins ('95) 

Collins earned her associate degree at PHCC in arts and sciences in 1995. She continued her education at Longwood University earning a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. She had a 22-year career in banking with Patrick Henry National Bank and Carter Bank and Trust, but decided to return to school in 2007 to pursue a lifelong dream of teaching.

Collins is currently employed by Martinsville City Public Schools at Patrick Henry Elementary School as a third grade teacher. She serves as lead mentor and on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council, and Collins was named Teacher of the Year in 2013-14 for Patrick Henry Elementary and Martinsville City Schools. 

Cameron cooper ('05)

Cooper earned her associate degree from PHCC in 2005 in general studies. She continued her education at Old Dominion University with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, and earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Averett University. She is employed by Martinsville City Public Schools as the instructional coordinator at Patrick Henry Elementary School.

Cooper also serves as president of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary, she’s active in 4H as a judge and camp volunteer, and she’s a member of Rich Acres Christian Church. She is an active board member with the Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County.

Cooper has been recognized as the 2014-15 Teacher of the Year for Martinsville City Public Schools, and the same year, she was recognized as Teacher of the Year for Patrick Henry Elementary School. 

sharon gilbert ('91)

Gilbert earned her associate degree in general studies from PHCC in 1991. She continued her education at Ferrum College earning a bachelor’s degree in public administration. She also attended Virginia Tech earning a master’s degree in counselor education, and went on to earn a certificate of advanced graduate studies in liberal studies from Hollins University.

Gilbert is employed as an associate professor of sociology, human services and psychology at PHCC. Gilbert currently serves as a member of the American Psychological Association Society for the Psychology of Women; Virginia Community College System Psychology, Sociology and Distance Education Peer Groups; and the Virginia Community College Association. In addition to her work at the college, Gilbert participated in a mission trip to Guatemala last year and is planning an upcoming trip to work in an impoverished region of Appalachia.

alison parker ('09)

Parker graduated from PHCC in 2009 with an associate of arts and sciences degree through the Piedmont Governor’s School for Math, Science and Technology. She continued her education at James Madison University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

She now works as a television journalist for WDBJ7 News in Roanoke. Before starting at WDBJ7, Parker was the bureau chief for WCTI TV 12 and FOX 8/14 in Jacksonville, N.C. She also is an annual volunteer for Richard’s Dinner in Martinsville, and she’s volunteered with the SPCA in Harrisonburg and was part of a telethon to raise money for cystic fibrosis in Jacksonville. 

kevin reynolds ('79)

Reynolds received his bookkeeping certificate from PHCC in 1979 and followed with his associate degree in accounting in 1980. He continued his education at Radford University earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and then graduated from the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management at the University of Virginia.

Reynolds is employed as the assistant controller of River Community Bank N.A. in Martinsville. He is an active member of Mt. Nebo Holiness Church, and he’s been involved with the Boy Scouts for almost 20 years, now serving as assistant scoutmaster for Troop 69 in Patrick Springs. Reynolds also is an active member of the Patrick Springs Ruritan Club, serving in a number of leadership roles including president. 

marcus stone ('09)

Stone graduated from PHCC in 2009 with an associate degree in nursing. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology/premed from Bridgewater College and is working toward a master of business administration at Liberty University. He now works as the director of emergency services for Memorial Hospital of Martinsville Henry County.

In addition to his work at the hospital, he also is an EMT (emergency medical technician), a CPR instructor, a scuba diver, a member of Bassett Church of the Brethren where he’s chairman of the Stewardship Committee, and a lifetime member of the Bassett Fire Department. He’s involved in a number of professional organizations including the Lifepoint Hospital Emergency Department Council, Piedmont Regional Crisis Intervention Team Advisory Council and as parliamentarian of the Bassett Rescue Squad. In 2014, he was presented with the CARES Award from Memorial Hospital. 

seberina tatum ('08)

Tatum earned her associate degree in general studies from PHCC in 2008. She continued her education at Averett University and at Old Dominion University earning a bachelor’s degree in human services. She also graduated from Liberty University with a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling.

Tatum works as a college success coach, adjunct instructor and Dream Keepers coordinator at PHCC. She also is an active member of Trinity Church of the Living God in Stuart, where she is involved in many activities including two choirs, the usher board, and serving as secretary for State Council.