Averett University has ushered in a landmark moment, naming Dr. Tatia Daniels Granger as its 17th president. The appointment makes her the first Black leader to head the university in its 167-year history, and only the second woman ever to serve in the role.
Dr. Granger steps into the position on Aug. 1, 2026, taking over from Dr. Thomas H. Powell, who had served as transitional president. She arrives with more than 30 years in higher education spanning teaching, administration, enrollment management, finance, and executive coaching — a background university leaders say positions her well to guide Averett’s next chapter.
A Historic Appointment for Averett
Averett’s Board of Trustees framed the hire as a turning point for the university. Board Chair Emma Maddux Kozlowski pointed to Dr. Granger’s depth of leadership experience, her authenticity, and her knack for uniting people around common goals.
Kozlowski noted that Dr. Granger embodies the qualities the Averett community values most, and that trustees expect her leadership to deepen connections across campus — benefiting students, faculty, staff, alumni, and university partners alike.
Beyond the historic nature of the hire, the appointment signals Averett’s intent to honor its long institutional history while welcoming fresh perspective and vision for the future.
Three Decades of Experience Across Higher Education
Dr. Granger’s career reads as a tour of respected academic institutions. She has spent since 2017 as a clinical associate professor of organizational behavior at William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business, following four years there as an adjunct professor.
From 2008 to 2016, she also served as William & Mary’s very first ombuds — a role in which she built a reputation for collaborative leadership and academic excellence, particularly in helping institutions manage periods of transition.
Her résumé extends well beyond one campus. Earlier roles include vice president for enrollment services at Bennett College, where she drove enrollment growth; 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.
A Leadership Approach Built on Collaboration
Following her appointment, Dr. Granger pointed to Averett’s history of resilience as a driving reason she wanted to join the institution. She said she’s eager to partner with faculty, students, staff, alumni, and community members to shape what comes next.
She described Averett’s story as one of resilience and reinvention — a legacy she intends to carry forward as the university writes its next chapter.
Dr. Granger also spoke about her broader calling in education, calling it far more than simply a career — describing it instead as a lifelong journey she’s committed to continuing.
She emphasized that every student deserves the support they need to lead with purpose, and outlined plans to expand academic innovation, deepen partnerships throughout the Danville region, and help the university contribute to local economic growth and workforce development. She credits successful leadership to teamwork, a shared sense of purpose, and drawing on the strengths every community member brings to the table.
An Academic Foundation Rooted at UVA
Dr. Granger holds three degrees from the University of Virginia: a bachelor’s in French, a master’s in social foundations of education, and a Ph.D. in higher education and leadership.
She also completed a leadership coaching certificate program at Georgetown University and later earned the Professional Certified Coach credential from the International Coach Federation. In 2015, she founded Granger Leadership Practice, through which she has coached higher education leaders and executives on improving organizational performance.
That combination of admissions, finance, faculty leadership, enrollment strategy, and executive coaching experience gives her a wide-ranging understanding of how universities function at every level.
Colleagues at William & Mary Speak Highly of Her Leadership
Colleagues describe Dr. Granger as someone who builds trust while helping those around her succeed.
Dr. Todd Mooradian, dean of William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business, called her an exceptional leader of deep character, highlighting her dedication to students, innovation, and cross-campus collaboration. He credited her work with strengthening teaching quality, expanding how programs are delivered, and supporting colleagues throughout the institution.
William & Mary President Dr. Katherine Rowe offered similar praise, noting that Dr. Granger tackles challenges with integrity, optimism, and inclusion — leading in a way that empowers others rather than relying solely on positional authority.
That reputation is part of what convinced Averett’s Board of Trustees she’s ready to lead the university into its next phase.
Looking Ahead at Averett
Dr. Granger takes over from Dr. Thomas H. Powell, who came out of retirement in 2025 to help stabilize the university during a difficult stretch, overseeing its financial recovery before stepping aside for new permanent leadership. Powell said he’s confident Dr. Granger will build on Averett’s 167-year legacy of educating students and serving the Dan River region.
A native of Virginia’s Roanoke Valley, Dr. Granger is relocating to the Averett community with her husband, Earl T. Granger III. The couple has two grown daughters and a Labradoodle, and Dr. Granger says she’s looking forward to becoming part of the Danville community — including exploring its Riverwalk Trails.
With decades of higher-education leadership behind her and a collaborative style ahead of her, Dr. Tatia Daniels Granger now takes on a historic role that stands to shape Averett University’s direction for years to come.
