November 17, 2025
Deciding to give up long hours and unfulfilling work to “take a chance” on training for a new career through Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions wasn’t only “life-changing” for Zachary Caudle. It was award-winning.
The 2015 Sherando High School graduate was presented with the 2025 Chancellor’s Award for Workforce Development – Outstanding Student Success Story at the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Hire Ed Conference on Nov. 14. The award is presented to a student embodying the transformative power of education, and who has “demonstrated personal and professional growth through the achievement of a credential.”
Following his high school graduation, Caudle bounced around warehouse jobs and did a little truck driving. Some of the jobs had extremely long hours and came with rotating shifts. His wife encouraged him to go back to school.
“I was going through the Workforce Solutions website one day and watched a bunch of videos trying to find something to get into other than warehousing,” Caudle said. “My youngest son had just been born, so I was trying to find a career. I quit my job, took a chance and started my journey with certifications.”
He has earned certifications in numerous CompTIA subjects, including A+, Network+, Project+, IT Operations Specialist, Security+, and CySA, as well as ITIL and other certifications. Fortunately for Caudle, G3 and FastForward funding covered all of his tuition costs.
Today, Caudle is working as a systems administrator for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s operations technology division while also pursuing his bachelor’s degree. He said he is happy in his role and finds it “really fulfilling.”
“I like my brain being challenged,” Caudle said. “I like the constant problem solving. It’s crazy to see if you just put your head down and really want something, how quickly you can attain your goals at Laurel Ridge. It wouldn’t have been possible without this place. It changed my life.”
Upong receiving his award, Caudle thanked his wife, noting that when he was attending Laurel Ridge, she frequently told him “You got this.”
He also had words of thanks for Workforce Solutions.
“You all changed my life, you changed the life of my family,” said Caudle.
Students like Caudle are what make working at the college so meaningful, said Jeanian Clark, vice president of Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education at Laurel Ridge.
“Zach is a hard-working young man trying to jump start his career,” she said. “He had the will, but just didn’t know the way, until he found the FastForward short-term career training programs at Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions. And, while Zach decided to devote himself full time to earning his certifications, our programs are designed to accommodate working adults’ schedules. In just a few short months, giving us just a weeknight or two of your time, these programs are a multi-generational game changer for individuals and families in our community. We are so thrilled for Zach and his wife, and we know many more big career moves are ahead for him!”
Shannon Whitlow, director of workforce advising and coaching at Patrick & Henry Community College, presented the award to Caudle at the VCCS conference.
“Zachary Caudle’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of Virginia’s Community Colleges,” she said. “Now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cloud Computing from Western Governors University, Zachary plans to become a Cloud Solutions Architect—and he credits Laurel Ridge and Virginia’s Community Colleges with opening the door to a new future. His story embodies perseverance, purpose, and the power of workforce education to change lives.”
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.