WHEELING — West Virginia Northern Community College has announced the appointment of Debra Tervala as the college’s vice president for learning.

Tervala brings more than 25 years of higher education experience as both a teacher and an administrator, including 14 years at community colleges.

Tervala comes to WVNCC from Walden University, an online university that serves adult learners, where she worked as the vice provost for institutional effectiveness. Her previous roles in higher education include serving as chief academic officer, vice president, dean, program director, and faculty member. As a first-generation student herself, she has focused her career on creating opportunities for students to learn and contribute to the communities in which they live.

“We are excited to have Dr. Tervala join our team at Northern,” commented WVNCC President Daniel Mosser. “She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to support what has been a period of exceptional growth at the college.”

Tervala earned her Master of Education in Administration, Supervision, and Curriculum from the University of Maryland College Park and her Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law. She was also selected to participate in the Management Institute for Women in Higher Education, conducted by the Higher Education Resource Services (HERS) at Wellesley College. In addition, she received a Fulbright International Education Administration Award from the U.S. Department of State.

Tervala shared, “I began my career in higher education at a community college, and these students have always held a special place for me. I am delighted to return to work at a college as extraordinary as Northern. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the stellar team at West Virginia Northern Community College.”