Leadership & Governance

Germanna Leadership

President's Cabinet

Dr. Janet Gullickson

President

Welcome to Germanna Community College. We hope your visit to our website is just the first of many. We want to be your college of choice in meeting your education and training needs as well as serving as your cultural and community partner. Please visit us in person soon. We are so honored to welcome you to Germanna Community College.

Dr. Janet Gullickson
jgullickson@germanna.edu

Getting to know Dr. Gullickson

Dr. Gullickson was appointed the first woman President of Germanna Community College, beginning July 1, 2017. She previously held leadership positions with the Colorado Department of Higher Education and Community College System, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and Community Colleges of Spokane.

Germanna Community College is the fifth largest community college in Virginia, serving approximately 12,300 students annually with more than 800 full and part-time employees in suburban and rural regions, larger in total land area than the state of Delaware. Through its multi campuses and sites, the college has grown in overall enrollment for the last four years by nearly 16% with a 25% increase in African American enrollment, one of few community colleges in the country to grow. Germanna has been recognized twice as one of the top 150 colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute as well as achieving high national rankings by WalletHub. The Aspen Institute, Johns Hopkins University and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond have examined its best practices and the college has been featured in several national publications and podcasts. The college budget is roughly $50,000,000 annually.

Since becoming President of Germanna, Dr. Gullickson worked with school divisions to improve education and services by creating single point-of-contact, concierge services for each division. Additionally, Germanna has increased partnership activity with county and city governments to broaden services and academic offerings to underserved geographic areas, resulting in the establishment of a Real Estate Foundation to oversee land holdings in Stafford County and a unique joint-use agreement among Culpeper County Schools, Culpeper County and Germanna. She was co-chair of the Virginia Community Colleges System’s (VCCS) Applying the Community College Mission to Virginia’s 21st Century Needs Taskforce, producing a range of enrollment and retention strategies for Virginia. Along with another VCCS President, she co-chaired the On-Boarding Redesign Taskforce to simplify the student enrollment process.

While President, Germanna was twice named one of the top 150 community colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute and the top community college in Virginia and 24th in the country in terms of career outcomes by the personal finance website, Wallet Hub. In 2019, the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designated Germanna as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, one of Virginia’s relatively few such institutions. In 2020, Germanna was awarded a National Science Foundation grant to expand pathways into the geospatial and unmanned aircraft systems technician workforce in partnership with other Virginia universities and the Virginia Space Grant Consortium. The college received a Federal Title III grant in 2022 to strengthen STEM achievement among high-risk students.

Dr. Gullickson serves on the boards of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, Smart Beginnings of the Rappahannock Area, Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development, and Culpeper Career Partners. In 2022, she was named to the Board of Visitors for Marine Corps University. She has been a featured keynote speaker for various events around the country and is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Gamma Sigma Delta Honorary Scholastic Societies. She has been recognized by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America with a National Service to Youth award. She recently received the Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award, presented by the Virginia Business Magazine, one of 42 women recognized from across the Commonwealth.

Dr. Gullickson holds a Doctor of Leadership and Policy in Higher Education degree from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Science degree in Rural Sociology and Planning from South Dakota State University and she completed the Lean Six Sigma Enterprise certification.

She is most proud to be a wife and a mother to three, adult children, two of whom live in Virginia and have served their country as an Army JAG and as a Navy Nuclear Reactor Operator and Reactor Technician. Her husband is a US Navy veteran, having served aboard the USS New Jersey battleship.

Would you like to schedule an appointment for Dr. Gullickson to attend a community event? The President of Germanna Community College is asked to participate in many events that celebrate student success and promote collaborative partnerships between the College and business and industry leaders, as well as the community. If you would like to have Dr. Gullickson participate in your upcoming event, please contact Lorraine Pendleton, Executive Assistant to the President now.

Dr. John Davis

Vice President, Administrative Services

Dr. Davis has been responsible for many critical support functions at Germanna Community College since 2016. His role at Germanna includes serving as the Institutional Accreditation Liaison for Germanna’s regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Dr. Davis is also responsible for budget and finance, technical services, facilities services, the police department, and institutional research and planning at Germanna.

Dr. Davis is a native of Panama City, Florida, and a proud community college graduate. Dr. Davis earned his associate degree from Gulf Coast Community College and his bachelor and master’s degrees from Florida State University. He completed his Ph.D. in higher education policy, planning, and leadership from The College of William and Mary. Dr. Davis has 28 years of higher education experience in a variety of settings including both public and private as well as two-year and four-year institutions. Dr. Davis’ work has focused on institutional research, planning, and accreditation compliance.

Dr. Davis resides in Spotsylvania County with his spouse, Heidi (who works in Germanna’s Human Resources department), his son, Grant (Germanna Class of ’22) and daughter, Kelsey. The Davis family actively fosters cats from a local nonprofit agency. On fall weekends, Dr. Davis can be found cheering on his beloved FSU Seminoles and arguing with game officials from the comfort of his man cave.

Dr. Shashuna Gray

Vice President, Academic Affairs and Workforce Development

Dr. Gray started her journey at Germanna Community College in 2006 with the division of Arts and Sciences as a Biology instructor. In 2011, she was appointed Dean of Arts and Sciences where she developed the New Faculty Academy to acclimate new faculty to the College. Dr. Gray’s many years of experience, knowledge, and determination prepared her well for her current role as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development.

Born in Forestville, Maryland, Dr. Gray has lived in Maryland, Alabama, Great Britain, and Virginia. Dr. Gray is a proud alumnus of Alabama State University where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in biology. Dr. Gray earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University in 2017.

Dr. Gray is an amazing mother of three (Asjah, Tristin, and Niah), a supportive sister, a devoted daughter to her father, a retired Air Force Veteran and her beloved late mother, and the fun aunt to her nieces and great nieces. In her spare time, you can find Dr. Gray tackling new arts and crafts projects, taking walks in nature, and playing Pokémon Go. She is also an avid reader, poet, and Barbie doll collector and loves the science behind NASCAR racing.

Dr. Tiffany Ray-Patterson

Vice President, Student Affairs

Dr. Ray-Patterson joined Germanna Community College in 2018. In her role, she is responsible for providing leadership, executive level strategic vision, and administrative direction for initiatives related to marketing, increased student enrollment, completion, and overall student success operations.

A native of Hampton, Virginia, Dr. Ray-Patterson earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration and Ph.D. in higher education, all from Old Dominion University. She has held various positions at Old Dominion University, The College of William and Mary, and Virginia Tech. Prior to her current role at Germanna, she served as the Interim Dean of Enrollment Management at Virginia Peninsula Community College (formerly Thomas Nelson Community College).

Dr. Ray-Patterson serves on the Old Dominion University Strome College of Business, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, the University of Mary Washington Center of Community Engagement Community Advisory Committee, and the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisor Council for the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region. She is a board member for Rappahannock United Way, Didlake, Inc., and HERDI Innovate. She also volunteers with the Community Foundation’s Youth in Philanthropy Program. She was selected by Old Dominion University’s Alumni Association as part of their inaugural “40 under 40” class. She was recently named as one of 31 leaders selected for the 2022-23 class of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship.

In her free time, Dr. Ray-Patterson enjoys movies, hiking, reading, and all things 80s.

Ms. Melissa Leecy

Vice President for Community Engagement

Ms. Veronica Curry

Associate Vice President, Human Resources

Ms. Veronica Curry joined Germanna in 2010, working initially as an adjunct instructor in Workforce Development. She soon moved to Student Services, serving in the roles of adjunct instructor, counselor, and Director of Equity Advancement. In her current role as Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Ms. Curry is responsible for developing and guiding human resources strategy, processes, policies, and services that support all Germanna employees.

Ms. Curry was born in Gary, Indiana. As an Air Force brat, she moved from Indiana at an early age, traveling around the world with her family. Ms. Curry earned her bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College and her master’s degree from Valparaiso University. Ms. Curry has over 20 years of experience in the airline industry, where she held leadership positions overseeing globally dispersed employees and staff. Ms. Curry’s work has focused on training, human resources, dispute resolution, counseling, and operational management.

Ms. Curry actively serves on community and advisory boards including the Stafford County Public School District – CTE Advisory Board, UMW Women’s Leadership Colloquium Advisory Board, President’s Diversity Advisory Committee, and a local church Talent Acquisition and Retention Advisory Committee.

In her spare time, Ms. Curry enjoys traveling, playing board and card games with family and friends, reading John Grisham books, and hanging out in shopping malls.

Academic Leadership

Dr. Nanette Graham

Associate Vice President, Health Sciences

Dr. Graham is a distinguished professional whose unwavering dedication to leadership, analytical expertise, and problem-solving defines her career. As a dynamic force in healthcare and social sciences, she excels in strategic planning, coordination, and execution. A visionary Academician and Medical Doctor, Dr. Graham's exceptional background uniquely positions her to drive transformative initiatives in Higher Education.

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Graham has earned six advanced degrees, including three master’s and two doctoral degrees. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Maryland-College Park and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from AUC School of Medicine. Additionally, she has completed Executive Leadership and Performance Leadership Certificates from Cornell University. With over 30 years of experience in academia, she has profoundly influenced countless students, mentored emerging leaders, and passionately pushed boundaries to elevate educational excellence.
Dr. Graham has lectured at one of the nation’s top 50 institutions—The College of William & Mary—and has held executive leadership roles, including Market Medical Director for the Allied Health and Biology Divisions at Bryant & Stratton College. Currently, she serves as the Associate Vice President of Health Sciences at Germanna Community College, where she continues to lead with vision and innovation.

A steadfast team player, Dr. Graham is known for her impeccable judgment and ability to resolve challenges efficiently. She is highly adaptable, embracing new concepts and technologies to drive institutional success. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom—she has spearheaded leadership programs, led accreditation teams, chaired committees, delivered keynote addresses, and served on numerous professional boards. Her core principles are anchored in a strong work ethic, exceptional organizational skills, and outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities. She is relentless in her pursuit of excellence, always striving to exceed expectations and achieve impactful results.

With an unwavering passion for transformative change, Dr. Graham has positioned herself as a leader in Higher Education, driving methodical problem-solving and data-driven decision-making to create lasting institutional improvements. A self-proclaimed “servant leader” and dedicated “change maker,” she champions collaboration, strengthens teams, and leverages her wealth of knowledge to enhance efficiency in academia and workforce development.

Dr. Graham’s professional affiliations reflect her commitment to leadership and service. She is a member of the American Association of University Women, the National Association of Female Executives, and the American Council on Education - Women’s Network Virginia. She previously served on the Executive Board of the Newport News Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she chaired the Physical and Mental Health Committee and contributed to Program Planning & Development. She is currently a member of the Fredericksburg Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Additionally, she holds membership in several prestigious honor societies, including Alpha Phi Sigma, Phi Eta Sigma, Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, and Golden Key.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Graham is a devoted mother to her daughter, Skyla, and the proud owner of two beloved dogs, Oscar and Sophie. In her spare time, she cherishes family retreats, finds solace in reading, enjoys breathtaking sunsets, embraces all sports, and rejuvenates through peaceful walks.

Dr. Graham is a trailblazer, a mentor, and a visionary, continuing to shape the future of Higher Education with passion, purpose, and excellence.