Norfolk Mayor Kenneth C. Alexander has been selected as the next vice chancellor for strategic partnerships for the Virginia Community College System, the network announced Monday.

His appointment by VCCS Chancellor David Doré takes effect July 10. Alexander, who has served as Norfolk’s mayor since 2016 and is not seeking reelection, will lead public and private resource development, legislative engagement and systemwide communications. He will also serve as executive director of the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Alexander to our leadership team,” Doré said in a statement. “His visionary leadership and deep commitment drive strategic initiatives that change lives and elevate Virginia’s workforce.”

Alexander’s appointment follows a career spanning education, government and business.

He previously oversaw a national network of career colleges where enrollment grew by more than 15% and graduation rates reached 86%.

Alexander began his academic career teaching international relations at Tidewater Community College and later served in the Virginia General Assembly, where he helped secure funding for major projects at Eastern Virginia Medical School. As mayor, he launched the Norfolk Open Data portal, established an innovation corridor and partnered with local universities to expand downtown entrepreneurship and research initiatives.

“Higher education is a pathway for economic growth and social mobility, and I am enthusiastic about using my experience to enhance partnerships that will benefit our students and industries across the commonwealth,” Alexander said in a statement.

Alexander holds an associate degree from Brightpoint Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University, a master’s degree from Norwich University and a doctorate from Antioch University.