Laurel Ridge’s 2026 Distinguished Part-Time Staff Award recipient Kris Stafira’s job title is apt – the testing center specialist was put to the test immediately after being hired in spring 2019. She passed with flying colors.
At the time, the testing center on the Middletown Campus – located in the back of the library – was short-staffed with just one full-time employee and a second part-time one.
“When Kris came on board, we were in the final exam period, and back then testing was all in person and the line of students waiting for a seat would extend nearly to the library entrance!” her award nomination states. “Having an employee who could jump into that position with a deep commitment to academic integrity, knowledge of compliance and FERPA, and most of all with unbelievable patience and an incredible sense of customer service, was like a wish being granted!
“All throughout the summer term, Kris brainstormed ways to streamline processes and organize information. That was truly a rebuilding era for the testing center at Middletown and Kris was at the forefront of developing the new vision for testing services at Laurel Ridge.”
The nomination goes on to add that Stafira works hard to create a “welcoming, but no-nonsense” and calming space for those coming in to take exams. During the pandemic, she saw the need for standard operating procedures and created a manual herself, and it has become “everyone’s go-to document for ensuring that we are maintaining compliance through proper procedure.”
A Falls Church native, Stafira has worked at the college for seven years now. Before having her son and daughter, she was a kindergarten teacher. Later, as a homeschooling mother, she became the director of a homeschooling co-op in Front Royal.
“The job here just appeared in my search and everything just happened really quickly,” Stafira said.
In her role, Stafira oversees a variety of tests, including course placement testing, course testing, testing for students who have accommodations, certification testing, ESL placement testing, Health Education Systems Inc. (HESI) exams, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams, and CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) testing .
“We’re here to partner with and support our students,” said Stafira. “Associate degrees generally take two years, so we see the students frequently. At the last graduation in May, we were so excited for all of them. So many of our students came by to the robing room to thank us.”
She said she had no idea her supervisor, academic and career support coordinator Sonya Foor, had nominated her for the award.
“When I saw my name on the screen just as a nominee at the Employee Recognition Luncheon, I was happy right there,” said Stafira. “I was happy that someone saw what I was doing and appreciates me. I really thought that was going to be the end of it. Laurel Ridge is a wonderful place to work. Everyone is so supportive and appreciative.”