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Women We Admire named Dr. Terri Dunn of Andalusia as one of its Top 50 Women Leaders of Alabama for 2023 on Monday, Dec. 4.

These accomplished leaders have been instrumental across various sectors, many within healthcare, academia, and non-profit organizations. As Alabama continues to prosper, it has witnessed remarkable contributions from women who have played pivotal roles in shaping the state’s trajectory. This year’s awardees bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to problem-solving, fostering creativity, and innovation within organizations. They serve as role models and sources of inspiration for other women and girls, encouraging them to pursue leadership roles and challenge traditional gender norms.

“I am truly humbled to be mentioned alongside such amazing women. It’s certainly an honor to have been nominated and recognized in this way, but at the end of the day, for me, it’s about helping others. I want to assist others in reaching their full potential, and I’m thankful to have a job and opportunities to work with programs that allow me to do just that. This is something I am very passionate about, and I remain committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those around me,” Dunn said.

Dr. Dunn began her professional career 24 years ago as an accountant at a local CPA firm. Shortly thereafter, she took a side job teaching business and accounting classes as an adjunct instructor at a local community college, which led to a full-time position managing a program called “School-to-Career.” That is when she knew she had found her calling.

For the past 21 years, Dr. Dunn has served in various capacities within the Alabama Community College System where she is an experienced administrator skilled in organizational leadership, consulting, program development, problem-solving, assessment, instructor and student development, grant writing, workforce development, budgeting, coaching, and efficiency planning. In her current role, Dr. Dunn works directly with WIOA Title II sub-recipient award programs based in the Southern region of the state to expand partnerships and program offerings that address business and industry needs for the incumbent and emerging workforce.

Of the many roles in which she has served, Dr. Dunn is most passionate about developing others. She has coordinated leadership programs for several years and is the founder of the Covington County Youth Leadership Program where she works with other business and education professionals to provide leadership training for high school juniors.

Dr. Dunn is a Certified Talent Developer for the State of Alabama and is part of the Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways, a committee of the Alabama Workforce Council tasked with annually identifying regional and statewide in-demand occupations, career pathways, and credentials of value. She has served her community on multiple boards and has served her state as a member and President of the Alabama Adult Education Directors’ Association and President of the Alabama Association for Public and Continuing Adult Education. She currently serves on the Professional Development Planning Team for the National Association of State Directors of Adult Education.

Dr. Dunn’s educational background includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law. She is also a proud graduate of the Alabama Community College Leadership Academy offered through the University of Alabama.

Dr. Dunn and her husband, Scott, have been married for 27 years. They live in Andalusia with their two children, Gabrien (21), a senior at Huntingdon College, and Adelaide (15), a freshman at Straughn High School.