April 30, 2021
Laurel Ridge is inviting members of the public to learn more about the process and our aspirations as we embark upon a name change. Community members will have the opportunity to ask questions during a telephone town hall, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 6.
Over the winter, the Laurel Ridge College Board voted to rename the college, which is in the midst of celebrating its 50th anniversary. All of the 23 colleges in the Virginia Community College System had been tasked with reviewing their names by the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges.
“It is the right time to take this opportunity to rename the college and move forward, capturing all we have accomplished in the past and the bright future we have ahead,” Laurel Ridge College Board Member Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley said.
The decision was made following a six-month study and review period involving a workgroup and a brand research firm. Since the board’s decision, a naming taskforce has been considering names, many of which have been suggested by students, staff, alumni and community members, and working with a nationally-renowned naming specialist.
To register for the town hall, go to laurelridge.edu/name.
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.