December 8, 2017
Kim Blosser, Laurel Ridge’s vice president of academic and student affairs, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Shepherd University Assistant Provost for Academic Community Outreach Virginia Hicks allowing Laurel Ridge graduates in the associate of science program to seamlessly transfer into Shepherd’s bachelor’s of science in chemistry program.
“We developed a pathway where they will accept all of our credits to transfer right into a bachelor’s degree in chemistry,” says Brandon Shaw, dean of science, engineering, math and health at Laurel Ridge. “With this, we know that our students won’t lose even one credit when transferring to Shepherd University.”
Laurel Ridge chemistry professors Sam Dillender and Ernest Grisdale worked hard on the joint venture, which will also see transfer students enjoy a significant discount on tuition.
“This is a win-win for our students, Laurel Ridge, and Shepherd University,” professors Dillender and Grisdale say in a joint statement. “It allows our students to continue their education at a school offering the same class size, experience, and caring faculty as Laurel Ridge. Shepherd University also has excellent research opportunities for chemistry majors, and is close enough that our students can either commute or live on campus. In addition, with the articulation agreement satisfied, Shepherd University will accept up to 72 credits, and can offer a minimum of a 25-percent tuition discount.”
Shepherd University, located in Shepherdstown, W.Va., has already had good experiences with Laurel Ridge graduate transfers, according to Hicks.
“This is so exciting, our first 2+2 (two years for an associate degree and two years for a bachelor’s degree) agreement with Laurel Ridge Community College,” she says. “We have examined Lord Fairfax’s associate of science programs and we are impressed.
“The professors and administrators from both universities worked hard together to make this happen.”
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.