Virginia Peninsula Community College students, faculty and staff proudly congratulate President Towuanna Porter Brannon on being named to the 2026 Power List by Inside Business.
The annual Power List acknowledges individuals from various sectors and backgrounds who are visible leaders in their fields. Dr. Brannon is recognized among 75 Hampton Roads “power players.” They are decision-makers, influencers and those working behind the scenes who made positive contributions to the region in the past year.
This marks the third time Inside Business has selected Dr. Brannon for its Power List. She was recognized in 2022 and 2024.
The ninth president of VPCC, she’s now in her sixth year of leadership. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, she is dedicated to improving communities by delivering world-class academic and workforce development programs. She champions student success by designing policies and initiatives to improve access, retention, and completion rates.
Under her leadership, VPCC continues its tradition of excellence. Recent strides include completing SACSCOC decennial reaffirmation and two consecutive years of enrollment growth. The steady increase is fueled by expanded dual enrollment, more robust full-time pathways and closer alignment with regional workforce needs.
Additionally, the College expanded skilled trades training while also strengthening pathways into healthcare, technology and advanced manufacturing. In other gains, VPCC increased support for parent-students, military-affiliated individuals and working adults. The reopening of VPCC’s modernized cultural arts venue, the Dr. Mary T. Christian Theatre, was another milestone.
The VPCC family salutes Dr. Brannon for this year’s Inside Business recognition.
