Nov. 14, 2007

As Averett University approaches its 150th year of higher education, Dr. Franklin W. Maddux, chair of the Averett Board of Trustees, announced today the formation of a search committee for the recruitment of the 24th President of Averett University. Averett's Presidential Search Committee will work in close partnership with executive recruitment firm RPA Inc. Led by Richard P. Allen, RPA Inc. specializes in recruiting exceptional senior executives for institutions of higher education and brings a national scope to the recruitment process to replace retiring Averett President Dr. Richard A. Pfau. Maddux has appointed Jackson E. Reasor, CEO of Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, to chair the search committee and provide leadership for this process. The Presidential Search Committee is comprised of members of the University Board of Trustees, faculty, alumni, students, administration and Southside Virginia community leaders. Averett will begin its search this month with a goal to have a new president in place prior to the start of the 2008-2009 academic session.

"I am pleased to have assembled a dynamic and forward-thinking team for what is one of the most important activities in the life of the university," stated Maddux. "Each of these individuals is committed to Averett's development as a successful university with a
clear direction, recognizing the importance of finding strong and focused leadership to execute a strategy of growth and advancement for Averett. I appreciate their willingness to serve on behalf of our institution and community."

Reasor, a Danville native, has served on Averett's Board of Trustees since 2004. He is president and CEO of Old Dominion Electric Cooperative and the Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives. Reasor previously served as vice president of First Virginia Bank and President and CEO of Premier Trust Company in Bluefield. A graduate of the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond, Reasor is a former partner in the law firm of Galumbeck, Simmons and Reasor.

In addition to Reasor and Maddux, the members of the Presidential Search Committee include:
Dr. Stephen C. Ausband, Faculty, Professor, Chair, Dept. of English
Amanda Bradley, Averett Student, Biomedical Science
Nancy A. Combs, Averett Student Business Administration, Academic Program Coordinator Institute for Advanced Learning & Research
Dr. Sue B. Davis, '72, '75, '81, Alumni, Superintendent, Danville Public Schools
Virginia W. Hamlet, Trustee, Community Leader, Philanthropist
Charles S. Harris, Administration, VP of Student Services, Averett
Dale P. Lee, Trustee, VP, RGC Resources
Dr. Alice Obenchain-Leeson, '92, Faculty, Asst. Professor, Business Admin.
Mary M.G. Riddle, Trustee, VP, Coca-Cola Company
Richard Roccessano, '81, Trustee & Alumni, EVP, Mark Properties, Inc.
John D. Vigouroux, '82, Trustee & Alumni, CEO, Finjan, Inc.
Ebb H. Williams, III, Trustee, Ebb H. Williams III Law Firm

To keep up-to-date with Averett's presidential search process and to provide your perspective for the search committee, visit http://www.averett.edu/presearch.

Chartered in 1859, Averett is a coeducational, comprehensive university located in Danville, Va. Averett enrolls more than 2,500 students on its main campus and in its statewide programs.