New College Institute (NCI) is pleased to announce the addition of several new team members and interns, reflecting NCI’s continued growth and commitment to workforce development and education.
NCI has recently welcomed two new full-time and multiple part-time staff members who bring valuable experience and enthusiasm to their respective roles. In addition, NCI has welcomed three interns representing Bassett High School, Magna Vista High School, and Patrick & Henry Community College, who will gain hands-on experience supporting NCI’s mission to advance education, innovation, and regional economic growth.
“We’re excited to welcome our new staff and interns to the NCI family,” said NCI Executive Director Joe Sumner. “Their diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives will help us continue creating opportunities for learners and strengthening our partnerships across Southern Virginia.”
New Staff & Interns:
- Andy Burnette – Event & Administrative Coordinator
- Wynonna “Wanda” Redd – Customer Service Receptionist
- Blake Underwood – Procurement Specialist
- Brenda “Marie” McKenzie – Custodian
- William “Carl” Morrison – Custodian
- Priscilla “Pat” Roberts – Custodian
- Jameson McGehee – Custodian
- Saige McBride – Finance Intern
- Riley Reed – Advanced Manufacturing Intern
- Chloe Wray – Advanced Manufacturing Intern
NCI also celebrates its Chief Information Officer Latoshua LeGrant, who recently graduated from the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) fourth cohort. Over the past six months, LeGrant took part in this immersive leadership program held across Virginia’s rural regions—including Southside, Southwest, the Shenandoah Valley, the Middle Peninsula, and the Northern Neck. Through expert-led sessions on rural priorities such as economic development, housing, education, healthcare, broadband access, and agriculture, she gained firsthand insight into both the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities. Each participant also completed a Community Impact Project addressing a critical local issue, ensuring their leadership experience results in tangible benefits for their home regions.
“Being part of VRLI has been an incredible experience that deepened my appreciation for rural leadership and understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in our region,” said LeGrant. “I’m grateful for this tremendous experience and to now be the third NCI graduate of the program. It’s time to get to work, and I am energized to bring back insights that will help us continue empowering our students and community.”
The addition of new staff, interns, and leadership development achievements underscores NCI’s ongoing commitment to building talent pipelines and investing in the future of Southern Virginia.