The commencement address for Patrick & Henry Community College’ (P&HCC’s) 2026 workforce graduation ceremony will be delivered by Charles R. Whitfield.
A respected community leader and a passionate advocate for economic empowerment, Whitfield is known for his compassionate counseling and leadership. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Harvest Foundation and the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation. He currently serves with C-PEG (Chamber Partners for Economic Growth) and continues his commitment to education and ministry as a former trustee of both Virginia Union University and Virginia University of Lynchburg of which he was bestowed an Honorary Doctorate Degree.
Whitfield is also the president of the Minority Business Consortium, a regional initiative focused on empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs and expanding equitable opportunities in the business ecosystem. He is the former president of the Virginia Baptist State Convention (2018–2021) and has received numerous accolades and commendations to include the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, signed by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. (2024). A sought-after leadership trainer and Christian counselor, he has been invited to preach across the country and has had the unique honor of delivering the opening prayer for three NASCAR races at the historic Martinsville Speedway. He is the author of two books, Anointed in the Moment and Embracing the Anointing.
“I am a servant-leader anointed for such a time as this—called to lead with integrity and build both faith and community through love and service,” said Whitfield.
Pastor Whitfield holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education, a Master of Arts in Human Services with a focus in Family & Marriage Counseling, and a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. He and his wife, Carmela, are the proud parents of Chas (Summer) and Charity, and proud grandparents of Monse’ and Cansas.
P&HCC President Dr. Greg Hodges said, “It is our honor to welcome Mr. Whitfield to campus to share his expertise and words of wisdom with tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, business leaders, and small business employees as they prepare to embark on the next step of their success journey.”
P&HCC workforce graduates will be recognized in a ceremony in the Stone Hall gymnasium on Friday, August 21 at 6 p.m.
Charles R. Whitfield
