Column: Blue Ridge Community College looks back at milestones with year in review

As 2019 comes to a close, I would like to reflect on this significant and historic year for Blue Ridge Community College.

This year marked the 50th anniversary of the college and the 45th anniversary of Blue Ridge’s Educational Foundation. These 12 highlights from the past year were made possible thanks to the support from our students, our community, and our region.

Enrollment Increases

Despite decreasing college enrollment and low unemployment rates in the U.S., Blue Ridge’s curriculum enrollment has been up for the past two years – from 2,128 students in fall 2017 to 2,334 students in fall 2019. Today, Blue Ridge serves more than 11,000 students annually at our three campuses through curriculum and continuing education programs.

Education Elevated Brand

To continue increasing enrollment, enriching students’ lives, and meeting workforce needs, we launched a new brand, “Education Elevated,” in celebration of our 50th anniversary. Backed by months of research, the “three summits” in our new logo represent both our core student programs – Job Training, College Transfer, and Continuing Education – and our brand pillars – Quality, Affordability, and Access.

50th Anniversary Celebrations

Blue Ridge hosted a series of 50th anniversary events, including a car show at our Transylvania County Campus and time capsule presentation at our Henderson County Campus. The event series culminated with our 50th Anniversary Luncheon featuring Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut, best-selling author, and professor at Columbia University.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Blue Ridge Community College received formal approval of its reaffirmation of accreditation through 2028 from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). We earned the best possible review from SACSCOC with the committee finding the College in compliance with all 87 standards.

With our reaffirmation of accreditation, Blue Ridge’s credits will continue to transfer to other colleges and universities, and students will continue to be able to receive federal funds for financial aid.

Admission Agreements with North Carolina Universities

Blue Ridge created more pathways for success for our students and our region by adding strategic partnerships, new programs, and work-based learning opportunities. Strategic partnerships included admission agreements with Western Carolina University, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Brevard College, Gardner-Webb University, Mars Hill University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Fayetteville State University, and Lees-McRae College.

New Program Offerings

For fall semester, Blue Ridge offered four new diploma and four new certificate programs: Criminal Justice (diploma), Healthcare Management (diploma and certificate), Interpreter Education (diploma), Leadership Studies (diploma and certificate), Payroll (certificate), and Plastic Injection Molding (certificate). Joining the College’s more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates, these programs were developed to meet the immediate needs of area workers, while also providing them with stackable credentials.

Capital Improvement Project

The Henderson County Commissioners provided unprecedented support for Blue Ridge’s facilities needs by funding a $31 million campus improvement project. This investment will provide new and renovated state-of-the-art classrooms and job training labs at our Henderson County Campus. Still in the planning stage, the project will begin with a groundbreaking in fall 2020 and completion slated for January 2022.

Made in Henderson County Apprenticeship Program

Blue Ridge Community College, Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, Henderson County Public Schools, Elkamet, GF Linamar, Meritor, and WestRock launched the Made in Henderson County Apprenticeship Program.

With no cost to enroll and free tuition, apprentices can complete the program after two years by earning a certificate in Mechatronics Engineering Technology and receiving a full-time job offer. Currently, the program is at full capacity with 20 apprentices in the first cohort.

Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program

We also partnered with Friday Services and area manufacturers to launch the Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program. After three semesters, apprentices can complete the free program by earning a certificate in Mechatronics Engineering Technology and receiving a full-time job offer.

SkillsUSA State Conference Top Honors

Fifteen Blue Ridge students competed at the SkillsUSA North Carolina State Conference in five skilled trade areas. Four students – Howard Green, Daniel Owen, Jared Own, and Garrett Woodall – received top honors, and Brian Johnson, automotive systems instructor at Blue Ridge, was named SkillsUSA North Carolina Post-Secondary Advisor of the Year.

Cuba Study Abroad Trip

Ten Blue Ridge students participated in our first study abroad trip to Cuba. Led by Blue Ridge Instructors Jack Igelman and Ben Hardy, the trip provided students with an opportunity to discuss the history and current events of Cuba as part of their humanities course.

Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon

Blue Ridge awarded more than 400 scholarships during our 26th Annual Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon. By investing in Blue Ridge’s Educational Foundation, we offer more than $500,000 in scholarships for curriculum students and more than $10,000 in scholarships for continuing education students. With hundreds of scholarship opportunities and affordable tuition, we help students overcome financial obstacles in order to pursue their dreams and reach their summit.

To read more about our impact in Blue Ridge’s 2018-2019 Annual Report, visit blueridge.edu/annualreport.

Laura B. Leatherwood is president of Blue Ridge Community College