Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation Board member Donna Whitley-Smith said the college is a symbol of hope in Page County.
Whitley-Smith, who retired as Page County Public Schools superintendent in 2018, has long been a supporter of the Luray-Page County Center.
“It’s a representation of hope, of an attainable next step,” she said. “Page County is geographically a little bit isolated. There are no highways that run through it and there are mountains around it. Those barriers, as much as they are physical, become mental barriers to students who were interested in pursuing further education, but thought that was a reach too far. So, having the center in your own county certainly opens doors.”
After graduating from James Madison University, Whitley-Smith was interviewed for a teaching position by the principal of Grove Hill Elementary School, which is now closed. Noting she was from Fairfax, he predicted she would only stay in Page County for a year or two.
“I said, ‘Oh no, I plan to stay here forever,’ and I did,” she said. “Teaching was a wonderful career.”
Whitley-Smith served as principal of Luray Elementary School from 1991-2004, and as assistant superintendent for instruction between 2004-15. She became Page County Public Schools superintendent in 2015.
She is relishing her time on the foundation board.
“I love being on the board,” Whitley-Smith said. “It’s inspiring to see how many people are willing to donate their personal finances to try to improve the scope and the reach of Laurel Ridge.”
Her name, along with her husband’s, is among those listed on the donor wall in Jenkins Hall.
“My goal as a board member would be to continue to develop and enrich the offerings that are available locally, while supporting and strengthening the college as a whole,” said Whitley-Smith. “I’m thrilled that former Gov. Youngkin has seen the power of dual enrollment. The state of Virginia is now providing some of those classes to high schoolers at no charge to them. I do wish the state would hold the college financially harmless for that, but I just know what the power of dual enrollment can do.”
Page County and Luray high schools have long had high proportions of students dual enroll, with many students completing a year’s worth of college credits – or, even their associate degree – while still in high school.
“That was a big priority for us, and our high school guidance counselors and principals were supportive of finding ways to help students achieve their goals in dual enrollment,” Whitley-Smith said. “We looked for teachers who could be certified to teach dual enrollment in our high schools.
“People are always worried about return on investment. With the economic support in terms of finances that come and the money saved for those who want to pursue a four-year degree, if they have some of their general classes under their belt, and the earning opportunities for those in the skilled trades, I don’t think there’s any doubt that Laurel Ridge has enriched this community far more than the investment that’s been made here.”
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.