May 6, 2023
Laurel Ridge Community College had a very special visitor on the Middletown Campus on Tuesday. Dr. David Doré, the Virginia Community College System’s (VCCS) new chancellor, embarked on a listening tour May 4, just his second day on the job.
Laurel Ridge was Dr. Doré’s 18th campus stop. There are 23 colleges in the VCCS, and he is expected to make his 22nd and 23rd visits on Tuesday, May 9, at Rappahannock and Germanna community colleges.
“Our visits have been fast-paced, but it was one of my top priorities to see our colleges and start getting to know our people and our students as soon as possible,” said Dr. Doré, whose most recent position had been as president of campuses and executive vice chancellor for student experience and workforce development at Pima Community College in Tucson. “It’s been exhilarating to see Virginia’s beautiful countryside and her incredible and rich diversity.”
Dr. Doré, a first-generation college student, has nearly three decades of experience in the community college field. While he has served as an executive vice chancellor, president and dean, he has also worked as an instructor, director and a department chair.
At Laurel Ridge, Dr. Doré took a tour and had conversations with students, faculty and staff, administrators and community and industry representatives. He had the opportunity to explore the newly expanded trades and mechatronics lab space in Alson H. Smith Hall, fly a drone and see the cybersecurity lab, speaking with students and faculty along the way.
“We really enjoyed welcoming Dr. Doré to campus this week and introducing him to all Laurel Ridge does to ensure student success,” Laurel Ridge President Kim Blosser said. “We share his mission of ensuring every single Virginian feels welcome and valued on our campuses.”
Before wrapping up his tour at the college, Dr. Doré met with representatives from various businesses, industries and community organizations from the region.
“I’m really interested in hearing what are the things that are top of mind for you, not so much specifically for Laurel Ridge, but for our system,” he said to them. “What are the things that you think I really need to be focusing on as I’m embarking upon this new position? We’ve got some exciting work ahead. We’ve got some challenges ahead.”
Several attendees spoke about the need to erase any lingering stigma around career and technical education. Top of Virginia Regional Chamber CEO Cynthia Schneider, herself a Laurel Ridge alumna, said the VCCS could help change this, suggesting a slogan along the lines of “all work is honorable.”
“It was wonderful to welcome Dr. Doré to Laurel Ridge to meet our students,” said Dr. Caroline Wood, associate vice president of student services and academic support. “We are thrilled he listened to what was on their minds, while also sharing his vision for the VCCS.”
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.