The world revolves around technology. Learn how to use it to your advantage to obtain a well-paying job and join the ranks of information technology (IT) professionals around the world who manage the electronic infrastructure of business, industry and government.
Preparing for IT Careers with Real-World Skills, Expert Insights from Laurel Ridge Professors, and Experiences from a Past Student
Program details
Program Information and Curriculum
In Demand G3 Program - $$ for Tuition and Fees
Discover our IN-DEMAND and STACKABLE credentials and education programs that are eligible for more funding than ever before through G3 Tuition Assistance. Learn more about the G3 program.
Explore Careers and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer-related jobs in general are projected to continue to be in demand through 2026. Some of the occupations that are projected to increase are information security analysts (28% increase), software developers (30% increase), web developers (15% increase), and computer user support specialists (11%) among several other specialized areas within the Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Computer Science disciplines.
Explore job outlook and career opportunities through the following resources:
Faculty
Laurel Ridge takes great pride in employing highly qualified faculty. Laurel Ridge employs full-time and adjunct faculty, all of whom possess many years of teaching and business-based experiences in information technology.
Educational backgrounds of these individuals include doctoral degrees in information technology, computer science, and community college education; master’s degrees in business administration, computer science, education, information systems, mathematics, operations research, program management, engineering management, and technology of management; and bachelor’s degrees in economics, mechanical engineering, and electronic engineering technology.
Full-Time Faculty
Professor Art Lee
Arthur L. Lee
Information Tech Design/Databases, Information Technology Essentials, Information Technology Programming, Student Development
Education
- Master’s degree in Education, James Madison University
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Processing, James Madison University
- Graduate level coursework at George Mason University, Shenandoah University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and University of Hawaii
- Summer Computer Institute, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
- Florida Faculty Institute, Daytona Beach, Florida
- SQL training, Fairfax, Va.
- Oracle training, Nashville, Tenn.
- Programming in Alice Summer Institute, Carnegie Mellon University
- Cloud Computing/AWS Training, NVCC
- AWS Educate Faculty Professional Development Launch Series
Background and Experience
Mr. Lee has been teaching at Laurel Ridge Community College since 1986. He has also held teaching positions at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va., Shenandoah University, Winchester, Va., and Leeward Community College (University of Hawaii system), Pearl City, Hawaii. Prior to that, he was an instructor at Fauquier High School, Warrenton, Va., and at Dowell J. Howard Vocational Center, Winchester, Va. He has also performed private consulting work for non-profit/profit organizations in computerized accounting systems and Web site development and maintenance. Mr. Lee has authored and published several training videos in Visual Basic (Versions 6, 2005, 2008) and C++ programming languages through Virtual Training Company (VTC).
Laurel Ridge Teaching
While teaching at Laurel Ridge, Mr. Lee has taught various Information Technology courses. He presently teaches courses in:
- Principles of Information Systems (ITE 120)
- Database Fundamentals (ITD 130)
- Software Design (ITP 100)
- Visual Basic.NET I and II (ITP 112 and 212)
- Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts (ITE 115)
- Orientation to the IT Professions (SDV 101)
Certifications & Professional Affiliations
Mr. Lee has received the following certifications/recognitions during his time at Laurel Ridge:
- 1986 – Present: Member of the Virginia Community College Association (VCCA)
- 1993: Virginia Community College Associations (VCCA) Faculty Showcase Award
- 2007: StrenghtsQuest Advocate program certification
- 2009: VCCS Teaching Online Program (“TOP”) Certification
- 2017: Faculty Mentoring Award
- 2018: Collaboration Award (with colleagues)
- 2019: Distinguished Teaching Award
- 2020: Collaboration Award (with colleagues)
Personal Interests
Mr. Lee enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren, traveling, and enjoys attending a variety of college sporting events.
Adjunct Faculty
Laurel Ridge also relies on the talents and experience of adjunct faculty from our local IT workforce to supplement and support our full-time faculty. The need for adjunct faculty varies from semester to semester.
Professor Russell Brown
Professor Mark Sunderlin
Mark Sunderlin
Explore Related IST Programs
Current Student Advising
A new advising tool designed specifically for IT students has been created at Laurel Ridge. It is a Canvas “organization.” An organization in Canvas is similar to your class sites within Canvas, but it contains specific information regarding the IT curriculum that you may find useful.
We will be using this tool to provide advising services to students in one of the IT programs (degree or certificate). This site will also serve as a place to provide announcements and other important details for our students. You may already be enrolled in this organization.
Current Students: log onto your Canvas account. On the Canvas Dashboard, look for an organization titled: “Information Systems Technology Curriculum.” Click on the link and explore!
If you are not enrolled, follow these simple steps to self-enroll:
Self-Enroll Instructions:
- Log into Canvas
- Click the following link or copy-and-paste into your web browser’s address bar: https://vccs.instructure.com/enroll/PR9NKJ
- Click the button in the upper right for Enroll in course.
- The course should now appear on your Canvas dashboard.
Tuition and Funding Options
Tuition rates for this program are approximately one-third the cost of attending a four-year college or university in Virginia. Compare savings now!
An estimated $15.2 million dollars in grants, loans, work-study and scholarships are awarded to Laurel Ridge Community College students each year. We are committed to using all available funds to help you gain access to a college education.
Payment plans are offered to break down tuition payments.
View all financial aid, payment options, and more HERE.
Student Testimonials
“A huge part of what I do today has to be credited to Laurel Ridge’s IT program. Working in the IT industry, is something I’ve wanted to do ever since I came to the United States 15 years ago. The Laurel Ridge IT program has had a huge impact in my career.”
“It is solely due to my education studying IT that this job was even possibly attainable for me. I had a firm understanding of how the process should work due to the classes I took. Of course the database class came in handy. The systems analysis class was another big one for my current job. The choice I made to go back to school has changed my life and I couldn’t be happier that it was Laurel Ridge as I have had such a great experience there.”
“I found the job listing in the IST Curriculum job opportunities posting and I would like to thank Laurel Ridge for providing me with the resources to achieve my goals and push me to another step closer to my dreams.”
“After I graduated, I was selected by [the company I now work for] as their IT/network tech. I was fortunate to be picked from a list of 300 other candidates. I loved my IT classes. I can say that Laurel Ridge opened the gate for my dream job. Without my education and without you the teachers at Laurel Ridge, I would not be able today to “play” with fiber optics, networks, servers, etc.”
“I am in my second week and am loving the job and applying the knowledge I received from Laurel Ridge. Our Network Operations Supervisor, Systems Analyst, and Network Support Technician in this IT department also graduated from Laurel Ridge in the last 10 years.”
“I am entering my second year at Laurel Ridge, majoring in Information Systems Technology with a Cyber Security Certificate. I am working with the PC Specialist Team at Winchester Medical Center as a paid intern in the Information Systems Department. Thank you so much!” …. UPDATED … I have enjoyed interning at WMC. Two months ago, I was hired as an employee and am now a PC Specialist here. Very excited about that. Thank you so much for always sending job opportunities to us!”
“I am emailing you to express my gratitude and appreciation to Laurel Ridge Community College and all of its staff. I am truly blessed to be given the opportunity to go back to school.
Our partnership offers cost-effective, authorized learning resources for enrolled technology students to properly prepare them for EC-Council exams and ultimately their careers after graduation. Students will have the opportunity to achieve industry recognized certifications and compete in free cyber competitions as they complete their degree programs, achieving the ultimate stackable credential lineup to enhance their resume.
