October 5, 2015
David Smith, independent educational consultant and peace building trainer, will speak to students and faculty at Laurel Ridge Community College on Thursday, October 15 in the Thompson Conference Center at the Middletown Campus. The program will be video-conferenced to the Fauquier Campus, Room 115, as well. He will address students at 11:00 a.m. and faculty at 12:30 p.m.
At the 11:00 a.m. session, which Laurel Ridge is opening to the public, Smith will share his insights into dealing with conflict and will explore skill sets that individuals can develop and apply in their professional and personal lives. Increasingly today employers are recognizing that soft skills including the ability to negotiate, problem solve and work in teams are more important than ever.
At the 12:30 p.m. session, Smith will share with educators, interdisciplinary approaches to considering conflict and building peace in course work; including the studies of liberal arts, general education, and career education. Studies show that for students to succeed today, they need to develop skills and approaches to dealing with differences.
Smith was a senior manager for educational outreach at the United States Institute of Peace from 2005-2012. He holds a B.A. in political science and urban affairs from American University’s School of Public Affairs, an M.S. from George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution and a J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law.
For further information regarding the presentations, contact [email protected].
Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.