Employee Profiles

nursing simulation lab

Professors John Hammer and Mary Catts bring a wealth of expertise and varied experiences to the registered nursing program at Laurel Ridge Community College.

Dr. Alex Peebles

Engineering Professor Alex Peebles especially enjoys the small classes he leads at Laurel Ridge.

Maggie Marangione

Laurel Ridge Professor Maggie Marangione’s first historical fiction novel, “Across the Blue Ridge,” is now available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble. It tells the story of a young woman standing against the removals of families to make way for a national park.

Bill Wright

World travels inspired William Wright to pursue a later-in-life career as a history adjunct at Laurel Ridge Community College.

Amber Foltz

Having overcome her own barriers to succeed in college, Dean of Students Amber Foltz seeks to do the same with her students.

Tajmarie Rowe

Tajmarie Rowe draws from her own experiences as she advices Laurel Ridge students.

Mike St. Jacques

History Professor Mike St. Jacques had multiple careers before teaching, including nuclear weapons inspector/Russian interpreter and standup comedian.

Engineering Professor Elizabeth Palffy

Laurel Ridge Engineering Professor Elizabeth Palffy spent seven years in the engineering field – plus five years earning her bachelor’s and master’s from Virginia Tech – before becoming a professor.

Jennifer Jenni VanCuren

The English professor teaches English composition, American literature, technical writing and honors humanities classes. She can’t decide which class is her favorite to teach.

Ramon skeleton cropped

During his 30 years at Laurel Ridge, Professor Selove has taught more than 4,500 students. Besides anatomy and physiology, other courses he has taught include biology, body structure and function, alternative medicine/diet and college success skills.

nancie williams shred cube

Nancie Williams wears many hats – Laurel Ridge Foundation Board chair, family law attorney, former foster kid and now inventor.

Brent Kendrick

Growing up poor in a coal mine camp in southern West Virginia, Brent L. Kendrick dreamed about becoming a college professor.