Student Profiles

Derocher in front of American flag

Air traffic controller Chris Derocher turned to Laurel Ridge Community College when he sought a career change to anesthesiology.

Photo of Brandon Tester in front of USA flag.

After serving in the U.S. Army and the Virginia State Police, Brandon Tester turned to Laurel Ridge Community College when he wanted to pursue a career change.

Laura Price nursing student photo

When her ninth child started kindergarten, the timing was good for Laura Price to enroll in Laurel Ridge Community College’s nursing program.

Commencement photo of Kohn with President Kim Blosser

2023 Laurel Ridge Community College engineering graduate Trae Kohn said the program prepared him well for his transfer into Virginia Tech.

Image of Dovel with certificates

Peggy Dovel had long dreamed of a health care career. At 65, she is finally able to begin that dream thanks to the team at Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions.

Kalyn Owens headshot

Laurel Ridge Community College graduate Kalyn Owens benefited from a partnership between the college and Navy Federal Credit Union.

Jordan Carpenter photo

Laurel Ridge Community College “opened so many doors” for dental hygiene student.

Pamela Neff graduating

Pamela Neff, Laurel Ridge Community College’s 2023 Outstanding Graduate for the Middletown Campus, came to the college after medically retiring following a distinguished career with the Virginia State Police. She hopes to one day provide mental health counseling to law enforcement officers.

Theresa Akyaa graduation

2023 graduate Theresa Akyaa is Laurel Ridge Community College’s 2023 Outstanding Graduate from the Fauquier Campus.

Shelia Webster photo

Sheila Webster has been working towards her degree at Laurel Ridge Community College since 1999. She never gave up, and says college personnel were with her every step of the way.

Celia Cooley photograph

Celia Cooley, the 2023 commencement speaker, credits her science professors and the STEM Club at Laurel Ridge Community College for helping her to get a full scholarship to James Madison University.

Shannon Mitchell

Shannan Mitchell, class of 2023’s speaker for the health professions commencement ceremony, said Laurel Ridge Community College “fosters a community of support” for students.