Being in the classroom has been a “magical” experience for Psychology Professor Loretta Duncan, who is retiring after teaching courses this summer.
“I absolutely love the teaching. I just love the college,” she said. “I love the campus and the people. I just felt like it was such a neat group. I’m going to miss it all.
“The teaching, it’s still so magical. You get in that classroom and magic happens. Psychology is such a great subject. When you get it, you’re like, ‘Wow, I’m learning these tools to help my life.’”
Professor Duncan, who divides her time between Virginia Beach and Bryce Resort in Shenandoah County, first came to Laurel Ridge 19 years ago.
“I’ve always practiced psychotherapy and taught,” she said.
In the 1980s, Professor Duncan taught at Florida Keys Community College (now College of the Florida Keys) while also providing counseling services in Key West.
“I worked with HIV patients in the 80s, and that work was so sacred,” she said. “It was kind of neat raising two children in Key West. My son is taking me down to the Keys after I retire.”
Professor Duncan plans to continue her psychotherapy practice, and intends to start holding more retreats, seminars and group therapy.
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.