Raleigh, N.C. — Peace College President Debra M. Townsley on Tuesday named former Durham Public Schools Superintendent Ann Denlinger as director of the college's growing Education Department.

Denlinger headed the Durham district for nine years, until she retired in 2006. For the past four years, she has been president of the Wake Education Partnership, a school advocacy group.

“We’re thrilled that Peace College will now be home to Dr. Denlinger’s expertise in preparing world-class teachers for our schools. In the field of educating Peace College students to become excellent teachers, Ann Denlinger’s leadership will be of paramount importance,” Townsley said in a statement.

Denlinger, who earned her bachelor's degree at Peace in 1964, will be an associate professor at the school.