The conversation highlights how the closure of the Wrangler plant in Page County more than 20 years ago sparked a meaningful shift in the community’s educational landscape. What first seemed like an economic setback instead opened the door for Laurel Ridge Community College to expand its reach and meet a growing need for accessible, local education.
Laurel Ridge President Kim Blosser joins host of the “Valley Today” Janet Michael to reflect on the two‑decade evolution of the Luray–Page County Center and its role in creating new pathways for students who once struggled to pursue higher education because of distance and topography.
Before the center opened, Page County’s mountainous terrain meant travel times of 45 to 90 minutes for residents attending other Laurel Ridge campuses. That limited opportunities for many aspiring learners. After the plant closure, local leaders stepped in, repurposing part of the former Wrangler facility and offering the college space. Their partnership created a permanent learning hub that not only filled an educational gap, but also strengthened the region’s long‑term workforce infrastructure. Trade Act funding enabled many former employees to retrain, turning the center into a cornerstone for educational growth and transformation.
Over the past two decades, this access to education has reshaped Page County’s future, demonstrating how a moment of crisis can become a foundation for meaningful progress and shared opportunity.
The story continues with the Jenkins family’s gift of centrally-located land, which fueled a community‑backed campaign to build a new Laurel Ridge site during the challenges of the pandemic. The result is Jenkins Hall, an inviting, modern facility that reflects the natural beauty of Page County and significantly expands program offerings.
At every step, the Luray–Page County Center reflects Laurel Ridge’s commitment to ensuring education is accessible across the region. Whether students seek workforce credentials, a transfer degree, or personal enrichment, they can find opportunity, and a welcoming community, at Laurel Ridge.