Marian D. Clifton, M.A., CWDP is a Virginia Peninsula Community College Presidential Fellow -Southeast Initiatives Assistant Professor, Human Services Professor Clifton is an educator, motivator, and encourager. She is a victorious survivor of domestic violence, she is founding board member of the Menchville House, a home for families in transition, and a frequent guest speaker on topics of survival, women in transition and empowerment. She loves poetry and has been an invited guest to read her work on a national level. Professor Clifton was also the Executive Consultant for Natasha House, a home for transitional women. 

 Professor Clifton is a graduate of Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice, Hampton University, Master of Arts degree in Counseling and has completed credits in the American Studies doctorate program at the College of William and Mary. Professor Clifton is a doctoral candidate at Trevecca Nazarene University, and has completed the Harvard University School of Divinity Leadership Institute.

 A veteran higher education administrator, she serves as an adjunct professor at Virginia Peninsula Community College Human Services department, and a Certified Workforce Development professional.  She holds the credentials of Certified Federal Career Counselor, and Certified Federal Job Search Trainer. She is a subject matter expert on military spouse educational, career programs and scholarships, and has served as a national program manager of counselors with the Department of Defense.  She also serves various community initiatives and projects and specializes in nonprofit organizational development, proposal writing, group process and facilitation.