Office of the President

Biography of the President

When Pat Bear graduated from Wytheville Community College in 1974, she never imagined that one day she would become president of a college. But, 43 years later, Dr. Pat B. Huber became New River Community College’s sixth president and the first female to hold the position.

As a result of her love of education, the region and especially the people of New River Community College, her move to the leadership of the college was the best next step in her career following the retirement of Dr. Jack Lewis.

With 25 years of full-time employment at NRCC, Dr. Huber came to the presidency after serving as vice president for instruction and student services for 10 years. She also held other roles including interim vice president for instruction and student services, dean of arts and sciences, assistant division chair for the division of arts and sciences, and instructor/assistant professor of English. She earned a Ph.D. in community college leadership from Old Dominion University in 2006 while serving as NRCC’s dean of arts and sciences.

She earned teaching credentials and a bachelor’s degree in English from Emory and Henry College in 1976, then became a high school teacher in Smyth and Wythe Counties. During that time she earned a master’s degree in secondary education from West Virginia University. After a move to Pulaski in 1987, she taught full-time at Pulaski County High School and part-time at NRCC in dual enrollment and evening programs.

In Pulaski, where she resides with her husband, Peter, Dr. Huber enjoys being a member of the Pulaski Rotary Club and participating in community activities. She also serves on various committees and the leadership council of First United Methodist Church and the board of directors and scholarship committee for the Community Foundation of the New River Valley.

Dr. Huber likes to spend time with her family, cook and support local sports teams in her free time.