A new chapter has begun at Averett University with the appointment of Dr. Tatia Daniels Granger as the institution’s 17th president. Her selection marks a historic milestone, as she is the first Black president in the university’s 167-year history and only the second woman to hold the role.
Dr. Granger will officially take office on Aug. 1, 2026, succeeding transitional president Dr. Thomas H. Powell. Her appointment comes after more than three decades of leadership in higher education, bringing experience in teaching, administration, enrollment, finance, and executive coaching. University leaders believe her collaborative style and strategic vision will help guide Averett into its next era of growth.
Dr. Tatia Daniels Granger Makes Averett University History
The Averett University Board of Trustees described Dr. Granger’s appointment as the start of an exciting future for the Virginia institution. Board Chair Emma Maddux Kozlowski praised her leadership experience, authenticity, and ability to bring people together around a shared purpose.
Kozlowski said Dr. Granger reflects the best qualities of Averett’s community. She added that the university expects her leadership to strengthen relationships across campus while helping students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners achieve even greater success.
For Averett, the appointment is significant beyond leadership. It reflects the university’s continued effort to build on its long history while embracing new perspectives and opportunities for future generations.
Higher Education Leader Brings More Than 30 Years of Experience
Dr. Granger arrives with an impressive résumé built across several respected universities. Since 2017, she has served as a clinical associate professor of organizational behavior at William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business. Before that, she spent four years as an adjunct professor there.
She also served as William & Mary’s first ombuds between 2008 and 2016. Throughout her career, she has earned recognition for collaborative leadership, academic excellence, and helping institutions navigate change.
Her experience stretches well beyond the classroom. Dr. Granger previously served as vice president for enrollment services at Bennett College, where she helped increase student enrollment. She also worked as chief of staff to Duke University’s chief financial officer, director of multicultural student services at James Madison University, and assistant dean for undergraduate admission at the University of Virginia.
Leadership Philosophy Centers on Teamwork and Student Success
After accepting the appointment, Dr. Granger emphasized that Averett’s history of resilience inspired her to join the university. She said she looks forward to working alongside faculty, students, staff, alumni, and community partners to shape the institution’s future.
“Averett’s history is one of resilience and reinvention, a legacy I intend to build on as we write the university’s next chapter together,” Granger said.
She also stressed that every student deserves the support needed to lead with purpose. Her plans include expanding academic innovation, strengthening partnerships across the Danville region, and helping the university contribute to economic growth and workforce development.
Later, she reflected on her lifelong passion for education.
“Higher education has been more than a career to me. It has been a lifelong journey.”
She added that successful leadership depends on teamwork, shared purpose, and drawing from the strengths of every member of the community.
Strong Academic Background Prepared Dr. Granger for the Presidency
Dr. Granger is a three-time graduate of the University of Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in French, a Master of Education in social foundations of education, and a Ph.D. in higher education and leadership.
She also completed Georgetown University’s leadership coaching certificate program before earning the Professional Certified Coach credential from the International Coach Federation. In 2015, she launched Granger Leadership Practice, where she has coached higher education leaders and executives seeking to improve organizational performance.
Her broad experience in admissions, finance, faculty leadership, enrollment management, and executive coaching gives her a well-rounded understanding of how universities operate.
William & Mary Leaders Praise Her Collaborative Leadership
Several colleagues described Dr. Granger as a leader who inspires trust while helping others succeed.
William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business Dean Dr. Todd Mooradian called her an extraordinary leader with deep character. He praised her commitment to students, innovation, and collaboration across the university. He also noted that her work strengthened teaching, expanded program delivery, and supported colleagues throughout the institution.
William & Mary President Dr. Katherine Rowe echoed those views. She said Dr. Granger approaches challenges with integrity, optimism, and inclusion. According to Rowe, her leadership style empowers others instead of directing them through authority alone.
Those qualities helped convince Averett’s Board of Trustees that she is prepared to lead the university through its next stage of growth.
Averett University Looks Ahead Under New Leadership
Dr. Granger succeeds Dr. Thomas H. Powell, who returned from retirement in 2025 to stabilize the university during a challenging period. Powell helped oversee financial recovery and institutional progress before deciding the time was right for new leadership.
Powell expressed confidence that Dr. Granger will continue building on Averett’s 167-year tradition of educating students and serving the Dan River region.
Originally from Virginia’s Roanoke Valley, Dr. Granger joins the Averett community with her husband, Earl T. Granger III. The couple has two adult daughters and a Labradoodle. As she prepares to begin her presidency, she also looks forward to becoming part of the Danville community and exploring its Riverwalk Trails.
With a strong background in higher education and a leadership style rooted in collaboration, Dr. Tatia Daniels Granger now steps into a historic role that could shape Averett University’s future for years to come.
