In 1970, shortly after the establishment of Virginia Western Community College, Dr. Dolores Yuille Johns became the College’s first African American faculty administrator. Today, Johns is celebrated as a trailblazer, a quiet activist and a pioneering leader in education.
Her remarkable career spanned over four decades, creating an impact on students from elementary school to the university level. She served at Virginia Western from 1970 to 1975 as Director of Special Services, and again from 1980 to 1982 as Counselor.
On Sept. 27, 2024, Johns turned 90 years old. To commemorate this milestone, her family hosted a celebration at the L.H. Hamlar Event Center on Melrose Avenue in Northwest Roanoke on Sept. 28.
Seated front and center in a chair fitting of the occasion, Johns was honored by notable speakers, including Roanoke City Mayor Sherman O. Lea, Sr.; High Street Baptist Church Associate Pastor, Dr. Carl Bentley; and Virginia Western Community College President Dr. Robert H. Sandel. Additional tributes came from former Councilwoman Anita James Price and the Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., her four children, and her brother and sister.
As a civil rights leader and mentor, Johns worked tirelessly to help Black students navigate the racial barriers she herself faced growing up. As a business and marketing teacher, she assisted many students in becoming the first Black employees at local businesses in downtown Roanoke.
In his remarks, Sandel highlighted Johns’ significant contributions to minority recruitment at the College, noting that her initiatives led to a nearly 60% increase in Black student enrollment. Although they did not work together directly, he acknowledged her pioneering efforts, which were recognized with a Meritorious Service Award from the College in 2000 for increasing minority student enrollment from 1% to 13%.
Johns holds a doctorate in education and counseling from Virginia Tech, a master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor’s degree from Virginia State University.
Virginia Western was honored to join Dr. Dolores Johns and her family to recognize her countless contributions to the Roanoke Valley and Virginia Western Community College. The College is profoundly grateful for her legacy.
