NCI Adds New Expertise and Skills with Additional Team Members

This week, the New College Institute (NCI) announced four recent additions to its staff. Rebekah Hughes, Christopher McDonald, Chris Niblett, and Brian Stanley bring their experience and expertise to NCI.

“NCI’s ability to foster economic development and bringing unparalleled opportunities in education and career advancement depends on having excellent staff working to realize this mission,” said Karen Jackson, interim executive director of NCI. “These team members are a huge boom to our organization.”

Rebekah Hughes joins as NCI’s Website Marketing Administrator, where her responsibilities include managing the agency’s website and the enhancements to NCI branding and marketing strategies. A graduate of James Madison University with a degree in Communications/Journalism, Hughes brings more than 20 years of experience in website development, graphic design, and marketing. Over her career, Hughes has assisted hundreds of Virginia businesses with their website and marketing needs. Additionally, she has worked with multiple state entities, including Christopher Newport University, Hampton University, the Appalachian College of Pharmacy, Thomas Nelson Community College, and Rappahannock Community College, as well as numerous cities. Hughes and her husband of 21 years have three sons – all currently pursuing careers in the military.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a great group of professionals toward NCI’s goal of facilitating access to the excellent educational opportunities available to folks both locally and across the Commonwealth,” said Rebekah Hughes.

Chris McDonald serves as the Student Engagement Specialist and helps

NCI expand the number of students participating in its programs, both online and in-person. His responsibilities include: outreach to prospective students, assessment of students’ interest and qualifications, and program identification, application, financial aid, and matriculation.

“Working for NCI is a blessing,” said Chris McDonald. “I’m grateful that everyone has welcomed me into the family with open arms and I’m looking forward to doing my part in helping us succeed in the future.”

Chris Niblett brings to NCI fourteen years of service to the state of Virginia in various capacities. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration through New College Institute’s partnership with Averett. She was among the first group of students to take advantage of staying in Martinsville while earning her degree. Niblett returned to Averett and earned a Master’s in Business Administration. As the Human Resources & Board Relations Coordinator, Niblett oversees the agency’s human resource policies, procedures, requirements, and needs in accordance and compliance with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM).

“I am honored to provide services for NCI, who in turn, provided me with the opportunity to further my education right here at home,” said Chris Niblett.

As the Event and Facility Coordinator, Brian Stanley provides administrative and office management in the daily operations of NCI. His responsibilities include providing day-to-day management for all academic class scheduling and space assignments at all NCI locations, and coordination and facilitation of all NCI events. Stanley manages and facilitates the LIFE program and supervises all part-time Customer Service Receptionist positions.

Prior to joining the NCI team, Stanley worked for MHC After 3 at Patrick Henry Community College, as the Assistant Coordinator and was with the afterschool program for four and a half years. Stanley is a native of Henry County, a first-generation college graduate, and is an advocate for lifelong learning opportunities. Stanley earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Public Policy & Community Service from Emory & Henry College. He completes a master’s in visual communication design from Liberty University in December of 2019 and is seeking a Masters in Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design at Liberty University.

“I am excited to help strengthen the Commonwealth’s workforce and foster lifelong learning opportunities here in Martinsville-Henry County,” said Brian Stanley.