VGCC names new Social Sciences chair


Kristi Salmons-Ellenberg, department chair of Social Sciences (VGCC photo)

Kristi Salmons-Ellenberg, department chair of Social Sciences (VGCC photo)

Vance-Granville Community College instructor Kristi Salmons-Ellenberg was recently named chair of the college’s Social Sciences department. A resident of Henderson, Salmons-Ellenberg has taught at VGCC since 2010 and continues teaching Sociology courses.

The Social Sciences department, part of the VGCC Arts and Sciences division, provides instruction in anthropology, economics, history, psychology, political science and sociology. These courses can be taken by students in many different curriculum programs to fulfill general education or elective requirements, and they also form part of the highly-regarded College Transfer program, in which students earn the first two years of a four-year degree. Social Sciences courses are offered at all four VGCC campuses and online.

Salmons-Ellenberg earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Sociology at Marshall University in West Virginia. She completed coursework toward a Ph.D. in Sociology at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Before joining the VGCC faculty, Salmons-Ellenberg taught at Owens Community College (Ohio), Bowling Green State University, Marshall University and Marshall Community and Technical College (West Virginia).

At VGCC, Salmons-Ellenberg has also served as chair of the Academic Affairs Committee and as a Faculty Advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

“I am delighted to have Kristi serve VGCC in this capacity,” said VGCC Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs Dr. Angela Ballentine. “She is a positive, energetic, and competent professional who adds value to the department and to our institution. I look forward to working with her in serving our students.”