2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

INTRODUCED

26200200D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2138

Offered June 18, 2026

Commending Kay Dunkley, Ed.D.

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Patrons—Rasoul, Austin and McNamara

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WHEREAS, Kay Dunkley, Ed.D., executive director of the Roanoke Higher Education Center, who has devoted herself to expanding educational and employment opportunities for the Roanoke community, will retire on January 1, 2027; and

WHEREAS, Kay Dunkley earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Radford University and a doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), and she previously served in various senior leadership positions at Virginia Tech and the Virginia Community College System and with two public school divisions; and

WHEREAS, Kay Dunkley has served for the past 10 years as the executive director of the Roanoke Higher Education Center (RHEC), overseeing an institution that brings 11 member institutions and five partner institutions together to offer quality undergraduate-level and graduate-level courses to Roanoke's students; and

WHEREAS, an average of 800 to 900 students completed RHEC programs annually during Kay Dunkley's tenure, entering the workforce with the skills and training needed to become thriving and productive members of the community; and

WHEREAS, Kay Dunkley has worked closely with board members, staff, educational partners, and community leaders to ensure the RHEC's success in pursuit of its mission; and

WHEREAS, Kay Dunkley's achievements with the RHEC include establishing the Central Walkway on RHEC's campus to honor the history and legacy of the Gainsboro community and invigorating the RHEC Foundation by recruiting new board members, hiring a coordinator of philanthropy, and creating new fundraising opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Kay Dunkley has been an effective advocate for the RHEC at the General Assembly, securing support for meaningful services and capital projects, and has elevated the institution's visibility across the region through her promotion and outreach; and

WHEREAS, as a result of her leadership, vision, and dedication, Kay Dunkley has made a profound and lasting impact on the Greater Roanoke community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Kay Dunkley, Ed.D., executive director of the Roanoke Higher Education Center, hereby be commended on the occasion of her retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Kay Dunkley, Ed.D., as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her contributions to Roanoke and the Commonwealth and best wishes upon her retirement.