Dr. Anderson joined the Emily K Center in 2017 as the Chief Program Officer and was promoted to Chief Impact Officer in 2022. She reinforced the Center’s focus on racial equity and played a major role in the strategic growth and development of the Center’s Game Plan: College program, which now serves up to 2,000 students annually. Dr. Anderson also pioneered new initiatives at the Center to improve the community’s postsecondary access system, including the development of the Emily K Center Next Step Teachers Fellowship and the implementation of a Parent Advisory Council. Dr. Anderson draws on her own lived experience as a first-generation college graduate and her educational and professional background in leading the Center’s efforts.
News
New Leadership Structure and Staff Promotion
The Emily Krzyzewski Center is thrilled to announce the promotion of Dr. Valerie Anderson to Executive Director. Dr. Anderson will work alongside Adam Eigenrauch, Chief Executive Officer, to strengthen the organization’s impact and explore opportunities to support the Durham community. This staffing decision demonstrates the vitality of the Center and a commitment to plan for long-term success.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to partner with Dr. Anderson in this new capacity,” says Adam Eigenrauch. “It’s incredible to see the Emily K Center continue to thrive after eighteen years of existence and I feel confident that this enhanced leadership structure puts us in an excellent position to accomplish our most meaningful work in the coming years.”
“It is a joy and a privilege to work with so many brilliant students, families, colleagues and community partners towards the shared goal of advancing educational opportunity and economic mobility for Durham’s youth,” says Dr. Anderson. “I’m looking forward to broadening my work with the Emily K Center to deepen our impact and ensure Durham’s young people are well positioned to claim their space in our rapidly changing higher education, career and economic landscape.”