Start at Laurel Ridge Community College and be supported in your success

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Three people stand at a service counter in the Laurel Ridge Community College Admissions and Advising office. A young man in a teal Aero T-shirt works at an HP computer on the left, a smiling staff member in a white polo shirt stands in the center with his hands resting on the counter, and a young woman with a braided ponytail in a black polo shirt smiles as she works at another HP computer on the right. Behind them, large silver letters on a lime-green wall read "Admissions & Advising," and a blue digital display shows the Laurel Ridge Community College logo alongside the local weather forecast. The modern lobby features wood-paneled accents, a potted plant, and a rounded reception desk in the foreground.
Photo of students getting at advising support at the Laurel Ridge Middletown Campus.

Choosing a college path can feel overwhelming, but here at Laurel Ridge Community College, we make that process personal and approachable. On this episode of “The Valley Today,” outreach specialist and career coach Thomas Monk shares how his role is centered on helping prospective students of all ages navigate everything from applications and financial aid, to career exploration and transfer opportunities.

With a simple philosophy that “half the hurdle is just getting started,” Monk serves as a trusted first point of contact, connecting students to the right resources while making what can seem like a complicated process feel easy. 

The conversation also highlights Laurel Ridge’s guaranteed transfer agreements with 37 Virginia colleges and universities, expanding workforce and tech programs, and the college’s commitment to meeting students wherever they are in their educational journey, whether that is exploring college for the first time, returning after years away, or preparing for a new career. 

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