For Immediate Release:
December 17, 2025
Primary Media Contact:
Sally Voth
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
Phone: 540-868-7134
A targeted marketing campaign developed by Laurel Ridge Marketing Director Guy Curtis on behalf of Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions has been recognized with an international award from the Learning Resources Network (LERN), the leading association in the field of continuing education. LERN presented the award – one of 11 given – at its large annual conference which drew more than 1,400 lifelong learning professionals from three countries in November.
“The award is for innovation in the field of lifelong learning and serving communities,” noted LERN President William A. Draves. “These awards enhance the quality and involvement in lifelong learning, an absolutely critical component to individual and community quality of life and prosperity in this century.”
He said that Workforce Solutions has begun distributing brochures via carrier route, rather than zip code. A carrier route is similar to a neighborhood, and more or less covers the daily route of a U.S. Postal Service carrier. Data collected by Laurel Ridge was submitted to LERN, which then analyzed it and suggested carrier routes likely to yield the highest numbers of potential Workforce Solutions’ students.
“They targeted their best current and new prospects by carrier route and got a better response with a lower cost,” said Draves.
This is Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions’ second LERN marketing award since 2019.
“Guy Curtis’s innovative approach has elevated our work and expanded our impact, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of his marketing leadership and vision,” said Dr. Chris Coutts, vice president of communications and planning at Laurel Ridge.
Curtis said it was an honor to receive the award on behalf of the college.
“This recognition reflects a true team effort in developing and executing our marketing strategies and engaging prospective audiences,” he said. “While marketing plays a key role in attracting interest, it’s our dedicated frontline staff, coaches, and enrollment teams who ensure a smooth and successful educational experience for our students.
“We value the power of data-driven decision-making and appreciate the strong support from our college leadership in guiding strategic planning. I’m also grateful to LERN for promoting best practices and innovative strategies that strengthen our work across the industry.”
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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, in addition to providing access to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs offered on site by a four-year institution. 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.
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