Dr. Barry Martin Dorsey, age 78, passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 4, 2021 at his home in Martinsville, VA. Born in Gaston County on October 31, 1942, he was the son of the late Bob Dorsey Jr. and Margaret Camp Dorsey. Barry was a member of Eastside Baptist Church from childhood until he completed college. During his teen years, Barry was the church pianist for Eastside. He was a 1961 Graduate of Shelby High School and a 1965 graduate of Wake Forest University. While at Wake Forest, Barry was elected President of the Student Government Association. Because of that accomplishment, he had an opportunity to have dinner with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Barry later enrolled American University, where he obtained his Master's degree and also served as an aide to Senator Sam Ervin, Jr. He went on to earn his Doctorate in Higher Education from the University of Virginia in 1980.
Dr. Dorsey began his professional career as an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Radford University in Virginia, where he also later served as the Director of Financial Aid and as the Assistant to the President. His career also included eighteen years working for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), where he served as an Associate Director and later as Deputy Director of the Council.
In 1991, Dr. Dorsey became the 18th President of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College, a unique partnership between public and private institutions in southeastern Ohio. During his time there, the institution began 50 new academic programs and its student enrollment increased by almost 30 percent. Significant facilities projects including Bob Evans Farms Hall, McKenzie Hall, and the Alumni Bell Tower were also completed during his tenure. Dr. Dorsey was President of Rio Grande until 2006 and was one of the longest-serving presidents in Rio's history.
The New College of Virginia (NCV) Planning Commission named Dr. Dorsey as its executive director in December of 2005. As the founding Executive Director of the New College Institute (NCI), his first order of business was working with the planning commission members, Harvest Foundation Board members, college representatives, and legislators to ensure that NCI was funded in the state's next budget. He is credited with helping to bring 18 degree and certificate programs to NCI to create educational opportunities in southern Virginia.
After his retirement from New College Institute in 2011, Dr. Dorsey served as interim Head of the Carlisle School, a private college preparatory school in Martinsville, Virginia, from 2012-2013. He also operated BMD Consulting, an educational consulting firm.
Barry received many honors during his illustrious career including: Knights of Columbus Public Servant of the Year (1995), University of Virginia Outstanding Alumnus (1997), Trinity College, Wales, Honorary Fellow (2002), Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, Averett University (2007), and the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Chairman's Award for Outstanding Public Service. In 2020, Barry received the Clyde Hooker Award from the Piedmont Arts Board of Directors. The award was named for the late Clyde Hooker, Jr., a legend in the furniture industry, and recognizes businesses and individuals that are involved in and support art and cultural organizations in Martinsville, Virginia.
At various points in his career, Dr. Dorsey served as President of University of Virginia Education Foundation, the National Association of State Scholarship and Grant Programs, and the Ohio College Association. He had served as Chairman of the Ohio Appalachian Consortium for Higher Education and the Council of Presidents Mid-Ohio Conference.
Barry was a member of Starling Avenue Baptist Church in Martinsville, where he had served as a Deacon, as a Trustee, and was on the Building and Grounds Committee. He was a member of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Martinsville Uptown Revitalization Association, and the Board of the Henry County SPCA. He held multiple positions with the United Way. Barry was a founding Board Member of Phoenix Community Development Corporation.
Dr. Dorsey is survived by his sister, Jeanne Dorsey Burks of Mooresville, NC. He is also survived by his niece and two nephews and their families. His niece Ginger Burks Draughon, her husband, Kelvin and their children Dorsey and Margaret Draughon reside in Garner, NC. Barry's nephew Randy and his wife Erica Burks reside in Denver, NC and their children are Ethan Nazabal, Adam Hoefler, and Carter Burks. His nephew Marty Burks and his wife, Katie, and their children Luke and Madi Burks reside in Mooresville, NC.
A small graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, January 18, 2021 at Sunset Cemetery in Shelby, NC. Rev. Robert Raynor, Rev. Dale Byrd, and Rev. Leland Kerr will officiate. It is requested that those in attendance wear face coverings and practice social distancing.
At a later date, a larger memorial service will be held in Martinsville, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any of the multiple universities, churches, or community organizations where Barry served. Dr. Dorsey was a first-generation college graduate and was passionate about education. At the University of Rio Grande, contributions may be made directly to the "The Barry M. Dorsey Scholarship" (https://www.rio.edu/giving/). At the New College Institute, donations may be made to the "Dorsey Family Scholarship" via the New College Foundation (ncfmhc.org/forms/donate).
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.
Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com |
