Ferrum, VA, July 15, 2026 — Ferrum College is proud to announce the appointment of distinguished alumnus George “Bryan” Slater ’82 to its Board of Trustees, welcoming one of the College’s most accomplished graduates back to help guide its future.
A 1982 graduate of Ferrum College, Slater has built an exceptional career spanning more than three decades of leadership across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Following his service as Virginia Secretary of Labor, he now serves in a senior leadership role with Dominion Energy, where he continues to advance workforce, organizational, and strategic initiatives. His career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to public service, organizational excellence, and principled leadership.
Slater’s distinguished record includes service as Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management at the U.S. Department of Labor, Assistant Secretary for Administration at the U.S. Department of Transportation, White House Liaison at the U.S. Department of Labor, and Congressional Relations Officer for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He also served as Virginia Secretary of Administration under Governor James Gilmore and has held executive leadership positions with several nationally recognized nonprofit organizations. In recognition of his leadership, Slater received the Virginia Commonwealth University Wilder School’s Innovation in Government Award and previously served on the Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors.
Three years ago, Slater returned to his alma mater as the keynote speaker for Ferrum College’s commencement ceremony, where he challenged graduates to lead lives of integrity, purpose, and service. His appointment to the Board of Trustees reflects his enduring commitment to Ferrum College and to preparing future generations of leaders.
“As an alumnus of Ferrum College, Bryan Slater has a deep understanding of the vision and mission of the college,” said Scott Showalter, ’73, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
“His various and distinguished experiences in the Federal Government and State of Virginia can provide significant insights to the college as we maneuver the ever-changing and complex regulatory environment impacting higher education today. I look forward to working with Bryan.”
As a member of the Ferrum College Board of Trustees, Slater will help provide strategic guidance as the College continues to strengthen its academic programs, expand opportunities for students, and advance its mission of educating leaders who embody the College’s motto, Not Self, But Others.
“Ferrum College is proud to welcome Bryan Slater ’82 back to the Panther family as a Trustee,” said Dr. Mirta M. Martin, president of Ferrum College. “Through this appointment, we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and the lasting impact they make in the world. Mr. Slater’s distinguished career in public service, including his leadership as Virginia Secretary of Labor and his current leadership role with Dominion Energy, reflects the very best of our mission—preparing graduates who lead with integrity, serve others, and make a meaningful difference in their communities. His continued commitment to the College is a testament to the enduring strength of the Panther experience and the lifelong connection shared by our alumni.”
Slater’s appointment reflects Ferrum College’s long-standing tradition of alumni leadership and the profound impact its graduates continue to make across Virginia and the nation. His return to serve his alma mater is a powerful example of the lifelong connection shared by members of the Panther family.
