Barbara Bennett has served as associate director for Outreach Program Development in the National Capital Region (NCR) since 2004. In this position, she works with faculty across the university and representatives from government, business and professional organizations uniquely accessible in the NCR to identify emerging issues, trends, and opportunities. Bennett reports to Jeri Childers, director of Outreach Program Development, and is a member of the Outreach and International Affairs (OIA) Leadership Team that serves John Dooley, vice provost for OIA.

Bennett develops symposia, courses and programs to advance the knowledge and credentials of mid-career professionals, and to set the stage for faculty to generate new research and enrich learning in the NCR. This work is done in collaboration with the university’s colleges and departments and with the support of the university’s Outreach Program Development and Continued Education Services. Her career encompasses experience in higher education, local government, grant writing and management, workforce development, social services, and community research and development.

Her prior experience includes program director for the Center for Executive Development of the University of Virginia from 1994-1999. She was also the author and administrator for a $2.3 million Department of Labor Workforce Development Grant awarded to the Region 2000 Workforce Investment Board which provided skill development training for 1500 employees of 15 companies in Lynchburg, Virginia, and its surrounding counties from 2001-2004.

Bennett earned her M.A. in Adult Education from George Washington University.

Contact Information

E-mail: bennbl@vt.edu

Office: (703) 518-2700