Wytheville Community College (WCC) was saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Edwin L. Barnes who served as WCC’s Acting President from 2005-2006. 

Barnes initially came to WCC as Executive Vice President at the request of Dr. Glenn DuBois, then Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. During his tenure at WCC, Barnes played a critical role in leading the college’s successful reaccreditation process through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. He also participated in early discussions related to what would ultimately become the Wythe-Bland Foundation Scholarship Program, one of the first “promise” scholarship programs in the nation.

While at WCC, Barnes also worked with both internal and external constituencies to strengthen college and community relations. In recognition of his exemplary leadership, Barnes received the college’s prestigious “Distinguished Service Award” in 2010. 

“Dr. Barnes was an extraordinary leader and a mentor to me and to many others at WCC, in the Virginia Community College System, and beyond,” said Dr. Dean E. Sprinkle, WCC President. “He genuinely cared about people. He leaves a tremendous legacy and will truly be missed.”

When Barnes announced that he would be leaving WCC in 2006, WCC faculty and staff established the “Dr. Edwin L. Barnes Scholarship Endowment” in his honor. Subsequently, Barnes and his wife Shirley established the “Barnes Family Scholarship Endowment.” Both endowments provide scholarship awards to deserving WCC students, clearly illustrating Barnes’ commitment to the community college mission and the WCC community.

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