In Memoriam: Ms. Andrea L. Harris

Vance-Granville Community College mourns the loss of
Andrea Harris, a member of our Board of Trustees and an
extraordinary Vance County citizen. Ms. Harris passed away
Wednesday morning at the age of 71.

VGCC President, Rachel M. Desmarais, Ph.d., affirmed that
“she was a powerful voice for equity, justice, and education”.
Ms. Harris was known throughout North Carolina, and
beyond, for her pioneering work to expand opportunity for
all. Among her many accomplishments, she co-founded
and served as president for the North Carolina Institute of
Minority Economic Development.

Governor Roy Cooper, who appointed Ms. Harris to the VGCC
board in 2018, paid tribute to her in the following statement:
“Andrea Harris was a trailblazer who never stopped fighting
for social and racial equity in our state. When doors were
intentionally shut, she broke through for women and minority-owned businesses to succeed, modeled excellence in advocacy
and mentored scores of freedom fighters. She left an indelible
impact on North Carolina’s business and African-American
communities, and she will be missed. Kristin and I send our
prayers and deepest condolences to her friends and loved ones.”

The VGCC Vanguard family sends our condolences to all who
knew Andrea Harris and gives thanks for her leadership and service.