Dr. Betty Jo Foster

Dr. Betty Jo Foster was named Interim President of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research on January 5, 2022. In this new role, she will aid efforts by the board of trustees to establish an expanded leadership structure and continue driving successful economic transformation throughout Southern Virginia. Dr. Foster brings significant leadership experience, including time as former Chair of the IALR board of trustees. She also has served as Interim President for both Danville Community College (DCC) and Central Virginia Community College. In addition, she was the Interim President and CEO for the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Foster served most of her professional career at DCC as Vice-President of Academic and Student Services, professor, and Director of the Center for Business, Industry, and Government, among other positions. An alumna of both Radford University and Virginia Tech, she has also served on various boards over the years, including those of Smart Beginnings, Sovah Health, and Danville Regional Foundation.