麻豆影院 hosted a one-day Health Professions Summit on Friday, February 28, 2025, welcoming 90 high school students from Salem, Roanoke, Roanoke County and Franklin County. The event aimed to provide students with hands-on experiences and realistic exposure to a range of healthcare professions.

Health Professions Dean Marty Sullivan welcomed the students, highlighting Virginia Western’s nine healthcare Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees and introductory Career Studies Certificates (CSCs). She emphasized the local demand for healthcare and biotechnology professionals. Pam Woody, an advisor for Virginia Western’s health professions programs, provided valuable insights into the competitive admissions process for healthcare programs. She offered tips to strengthen applications and interviews, advising students to avoid saying they are interested in healthcare simply because their parents suggested it.

Throughout the day, students rotated through six stations, spending 25 minutes at each. The stations included physical therapist assistant (PTA), occupational therapy assistant (OTA), radiology and radiation oncology, surgical technology, dental hygiene, and registered nursing. These interactive sessions allowed students to engage in activities that showcased the skills and knowledge required in each field.

Samuel Smith, a senior who took an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course last year at William Fleming High School, shared his experience. Currently enrolled in medical terminology, Samuel plans to continue his healthcare pursuits next year. He remarked, “Today has opened me up to the other fields that I didn’t know about. I didn’t know about surgical technology. I learned about pathways and prerequisites for programs like radiation oncology and radiography.”

Jess Truax, work-based learning coordinator for Roanoke City Public Schools, underscored the importance of events like this for students. “Field trips like this are important for students. Students see and encounter things they can’t experience in the classroom,” Truax said. “These experiences often open their eyes to careers they haven’t thought about, and this helps them refine their interests and career path. 麻豆影院 is a great partner and a great avenue for students to get started in their chosen career path.”

Melissa Sullivan, faculty in the registered nursing program, noted the advantages high school students with prior medical experience bring to the two-year program. “High school students who come into the registered nursing program with prior medical experience, such as medical assisting, nurse aides, and EMTs, have a unique advantage. They’re already familiar with patient contact and often have those crucial communication skills nurses need to be successful. We spend a lot of time working on communication skills in the first year, and those experienced students help their classmates tremendously.”

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Virginia Western student Nick Flurnoy was the featured student speaker at the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education’s Legislative Reception on Jan. 21 at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. Flurnoy joined speakers including Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin; Del. Luke Torian, chair of the House Appropriations Committee; and Chancellor David Dor茅 of the Virginia Community College System.

The provided funding to help 麻豆影院 launch the Great Expectations program, which provides a range of support services to students who’ve experienced foster care. Flurnoy was part of the first cohort to join the program in 2023.

JW Taylor, Virginia Western’s Great Expectations success coach, said Flurnoy originally spoke on a student panel at a statewide Great Expectations event in August. This led to his selection to address the Legislative Reception.

In his speech, Flurnoy shared about his life before attending college. “Before my journey began, I faced many hardships. I spent a few years in foster care as the oldest sibling of five, rarely getting to see my brothers and sisters. I also lost two of my closest friends, who were incredible sources of support for me,” he said.

When Flurnoy was 17, he unexpectedly had to fend for himself and try to earn a living. Because of his time in foster care, he was eligible for the Great Expectations program.

Flurnoy said he grew up around the construction industry, which is why he decided to pursue Construction Management at Virginia Western. “Today, I am proud to say that I’ve earned my contractor’s license with the help of 麻豆影院 and the workforce development program,” he said.

In addition, an internship has led to full-time work in the construction industry, which he is balancing with a full course load as he completes work for an associate degree in May. “Programs like G3, Fast Forward, and the Great Expectations Program are vital to students like me,” Flurnoy said in his speech. “They not only open doors to career advancement but also provide the tools and confidence needed to step through them.”

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The Human Services Program prepares students for entry-level positions in the helping fields, or graduates may transfer to a four-year college or university for bachelor’s degrees in human services or social work.

“I’m proud of all of you,” Dr. Robert Sandel, Virginia Western President, told all the attendees as he outlined some of the ways the program has served the Roanoke region over the past half-century.

Thanks to research from College librarian and archivist Dale Dulaney, the roots of the program were traced back to the early 1970s. Three new “paramedical” programs started at Virginia Western in the fall of 1972, including Mental Health Generalist. Iona W. Sutphin was named the director of Mental Health Technology, and the College welcomed the first class of 25 students to the two-year program. 

A close connection was established in the foundations of the program with the Veterans Administration, and students were required to have “coordinated practice” in the local Veterans Administration hospital, as well as “various social and health agencies in the community college region.”

The program’s tie with these local agencies became the bedrock of the program that persists to this day. At the reception, program faculty honored representatives of community agencies who provide internships to Human Services students.

“The internship was always core to the program,” said Dr. Annemarie Carroll, who retired as Program Head in December. Human Services is 63 credit-hour program with a 180-hour internship.

“It’s something that so many people don’t get through their education, that ability to dip their toes in the field and understand what it’s going to be like in the field, because it’s challenging,” said new Program Head and Assistant Professor Mike Abajace. “And having that experience and getting that before you finish your degree — to me, that’s probably to me one of the biggest advantages Virginia Western has to offer in the Human Services Program.”

Abajace gave special recognition with certificates presented to members of the Curriculum Advisory Committee, a group of professionals in the field who help the program stay current and aware of developments in the human services field. Many Curriculum Advisory members are also internship coordinators, he said.

The program has adapted over time, and now the coursework can be completed fully online, as well as in person. Abajace said there are also a lot of changes in the field, which leads the program to continually assess “how we can better train and serve.”

Dr. Elizabeth Wilmer, Vice President of Academic and Workforce Solutions, noted the positive ripple effects that Human Services has had. “Most of our students stay in Roanoke, and so, many of you that are graduates started at Virginia Western and have been in Roanoke for your whole career, which is wonderful for our community,” she said, addressing those at the reception. “It’s wonderful for our graduates to stay here, to go back to the employers that maybe you worked with as an intern. And thank you to all of our employers who provide … on-the-job learning for our students. That is a wonderful gift.”

Joy bubbled up around the room at different points of the reception as attendees recognized and greeted one another. “My heart’s just exploding,” said Carroll, who received many hugs, especially from former students. “This program is incredible. It makes such a difference in Roanoke … lives touched in so many ways. We need to celebrate that, that that’s a big deal, we all did this together, and still continue to do this, and will continue to do this for another fifty-plus years, I hope so. Thank you all for being here.”

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The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated its 135th Annual Meeting of the Membership, a prestigious event that has been a cornerstone for connecting executives, elected officials, business owners, and civic leaders across Virginia’s Blue Ridge for over a century.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Joyce Waugh Lifetime Achievement Award to Virginia Western President Dr. Robert H. Sandel. The honor, presented by Chad Scott, Senior Vice President at First Citizens Bank, recognized Sandel’s significant contributions and dedication to the community. Sandel, who was unaware of the award until it was announced at the dinner, received two standing ovations from the nearly 500 attendees, a testament to the high regard in which he is held.

In his remarks, Sandel expressed his gratitude to the business community for their unwavering partnership with the College over the years. He also praised the regionalism of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, highlighting it as the best in Virginia. His words resonated with the audience, reflecting the strong sense of community and collaboration that defines the region.

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“Dr. Sandel had a vision that every person in every community would have the opportunity to learn a skill, get a certificate or a degree,” said Kenneth J. Belton, a Virginia Western Educational Foundation board member who co-hosted the outreach breakfasts.  “These community organizations have partnered with you and Virginia Western to help us execute that vision.”  

About 30 nonprofit leaders and College staff gathered at the Feb. 8 breakfast with a focus on the student support services that Virginia Western offers its students. Speakers included the College’s Student Behavior Advocate, Kim Stafford, who addressed the increasing mental health challenges facing today’s post-COVID student population, and Hillary Holland, who leads the Office of Disability Services and serves as a guide for students seeking accommodations as they learn.  

Leaders at prior outreach breakfasts suggested that Virginia Western connect with potential enrollees earlier in their educational career, instead of waiting until their junior or senior high school years. With that in mind, Roanoke City CCAP Success Coach Frank Tyree and College Recruiter Paige Miller last fall started visiting eighth-grade classrooms in Roanoke as part a new middle-school outreach initiative. At the Feb. 8 breakfast, Tyree and Miller detailed their school visits and career exploration activities.  

“I’m so proud of the collaboration and shared commitment that has grown from these outreach efforts,” said Bernadette Battle, Vice President of Student Affairs. “When we come together with open minds and a common purpose, we create meaningful opportunities for our students and strengthen our entire community. It’s through these partnerships that we turn vision into action and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.” 

Another outcome of the outreach breakfasts was the College’s involvement in the Roanoke EnVision Center, which opened in late 2022 across from Lansdowne Park, the city’s largest public housing development, and operates as a free one-stop community resource center for career counseling, resume development, mental health, financial literacy and education. Last fall, Virginia Western offered its first Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) classes on-site, with financial aid support from the state’s FastForward, G3 and Fantic programs.  

Program Coordinator Brittany Boltinghouse told the breakfast attendees that the CMAA students had a 90 percent certification rate in the class. Positions with this certification typically start at $14 an hour.  Six of the 10 participants were current Roanoke Regional Housing Authority residents.   

First-time attendee Eric Beasley, Board President of the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, said he appreciated learning about the College’s Great Expectations program, which provides a success coach and financial support for students who were previously in foster care.   

“Programs like Great Expectations have the power to transform family trajectories,” Beasley said.  
“By combining resources with coaching, it significantly enhances the chances of success for foster youth and adults. Research shows that educating a parent has generational payoffs, improving their children’s and grandchildren’s educational attainment, social mobility and overall well-being.” 

Dr. Sandel, who retires in June 2025 after 24 years of service, said he approached the breakfasts as an opportunity to learn about other community resources and to hear feedback about the College, both positive and negative. “I always said, ‘Help us do better. Be honest with us, and let us know how we can help you.’ ” 

For more information about Virginia Western’s community outreach initiatives, contact Community Engagement Specialist Jessica Mahuron at (540) 857-7610 or jmahuron@virginiawestern.edu. 

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Early each year, Virginia legislators convene in Richmond to make decisions on behalf of their constituents. Helping to give a face to the many people being represented, five Virginia Western students met with members of the General Assembly on Monday, Jan. 27, at the Virginia State Capitol.

Those students spoke to their experiences in an array of programs: Joshua Hawks from Engineering; Yassine Abdelkader from Business Administration; Chanell Johnson from Liberal Arts, Fine Arts; and Grace Dillon and Ulekesis Williams from Practical Nursing. They were accompanied by Vice President of Student Affairs Bernadette “Bern” Battle and Student Activities Coordinator Natasha Lee.

Dr. David Dor茅, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, greeted the Virginia Western delegation and joined them in meeting with members of the legislature. Each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges visits the General Assembly during its annual session, which began meeting in mid-January and is scheduled to adjourn Feb. 22.

During a full day, the students met with Senator Chris Head and Delegate Terry Austin, both of Botetourt County, and spoke to the legislative aides for Senator David Suetterlein of Roanoke County and Delegate Sam Rasoul of Roanoke. During a session of the state Senate, Sen. Head introduced the Virginia Western students, noting that he served as commencement speaker last year, and praised the work being accomplished at the College.  The students observed how proceedings take place in the Senate, and later took a tour of the Capitol building’s historic rooms.

Coming from an array of backgrounds, the students covered a range of topics in their meetings. They shared how Virginia Western’s affordability made going to college possible, which for their families would not have been the case for a four-year college right after high school.

The Practical Nursing students spoke in support of bills, and , to strengthen the pathway that bridges from Practical Nursing programs to Registered Nursing programs. Each of these bills passed their respective houses and is proceeding through committees of the other chamber.

Four of the students also shared personal stories about the positive impacts of taking Dual Enrollment courses in high school, which they said provided a bridge to college and helped them become interested in Virginia Western. One of the students advocated for letting more students know about Dual Enrollment’s benefits, including how these classes can help students’ transition to college.

The contingent of students also advocated for increased funding for Virginia Western, given that Virginia community colleges do not receive the same level of funding as state four-year schools. For every $1 that supports a full-time equivalent student at a public Virginia university, VCCS receives 57 cents. Each year, Virginia’s Community Colleges account for 46% of all public undergraduate students in Virginia.

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For many, the road to lifetime achievement started at 麻豆影院.  The Virginia Western Alumni Association established the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006 to recognize those alumni who have achieved outstanding success and made a lasting impact on their community. The prestigious award is intended to showcase the diversity of Virginia Western graduates and their range of influence on our region. 

Prior honorees: 

2024 – Yolonda L. Weaver, D.D.S. ’94 
2023 – Dr. Brenda L. Hale ’89 and Joe Gaither ’77  
2022 – Elvir Berbic ’06 and Jason Peters 
2021 – Mary Catherine (Kate) Lawrence ’06 
2020 – Tony Pearman ’10 
2019 – Deborah L. Petrine ’74 
2018 – Elizabeth Testerman ’06 
2017 – Dr. Carol Swain ’78 
2016 – Mary B. Loritsch Ed.D., R.T. (R) ’74 and Michael A. Crawley 
2015 – Deborah A. Yancey ’97 and ’98 
2014 – Chief Craig S. Harris ’00 & J. David Wine ’73 
2013 – Cheryl Cunningham ’86 
2012 – Anne Hogan ’76 
2011 – Carolyn Webster ’81 
2010 – Russell H. Ellis ’80 
2009 – Shirl D. Lamanca ’75 and Dennis R. Cronk ’72 
2008 – Donna L. Mitchell ’81 
2007 – Dr. Kent A. Murphy and Charlotte C. Tyson ’84 
2006 – John B. Williamson, III ’75 

Anne Hogan (’76), serves as chairwoman of the Alumni Association. The Association fosters a mutually beneficial relationship and interaction between the College, its alumni, and the community; connecting with the college community to recognize and foster the diverse talents and successes of Virginia Western graduates.  

Distinguished Alumni eligibility requirements: 

To be eligible for nomination, the candidate must: 

• Be a graduate of or have completed a minimum of two semesters at 麻豆影院. 
• Have attained extraordinary distinction and success in his or her profession or life. 
• Be a person of such integrity and stature that the College will take pride in his or her recognition. 
• Have attained regional, statewide or national prominence and significant involvement in civic, cultural or charitable affairs. 

 
How to nominate: 

Anyone may nominate a 麻豆影院 alumna/us or former student for this award by completing a nomination form.  This form can be submitted online or downloaded from the College’s website at virginiawestern.edu/alumni.  Two letters of reference are also required.   

Deadline: 

Nominations must be received by Feb. 28, 2025. 

For more information, contact Syreeta Combs, Philanthropy Relations Officer, 麻豆影院 Educational Foundation, at scombs@virginiawestern.edu or (540) 857-6833. 

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Faculty and staff were able to positively impact the community through these service opportunities:

• The American Red Cross held a Blood Drive at the Fralin Center for Science and Health Professions. The drive collected 20 units of blood, including contributions from four first-time donors.
• Virginia Western volunteers processed 7,548 pounds of food through morning and afternoon shifts at Feeding Southwest Virginia’s Salem Food Bank. Those serving were given the task to evaluate donated food products by inspecting and sorting packaged food products to control for such issues as shelf life (dates), dented cans, crushed boxes or other superficially damaged food.
• An on-campus Food Drive gave the opportunity to contribute items for the Virginia Western Student Food Co-Op, powered by Kroger.

“The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a chance to care for the greater community surrounding Virginia Western,” said Interim Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Vice President Jolene D. Hamm of the College’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness. “We are honored to celebrate Dr. King’s work and teachings.”

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Hydroponics offers an efficient, sustainable way to grow a variety of crops in a controlled environment, allowing for year-round production and minimizing the use of water and land resources. This course will explore the principles behind hydroponics, from the basic technology and equipment to setting up and maintaining a hydroponic system. The course will benefit individuals looking to grow plants at home, launch a small business, or build a career in the booming field of controlled-environment agriculture. 

“We are thrilled to offer this new course, which is an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge area of agriculture,” said Amy White, Dean of STEM and Workforce Solutions at Virginia Western. “Hydroponics provides a solution to food production challenges while also offering a career path in a growing industry that values innovation and sustainability.”  

The will meet on the Virginia Western campus, and the registration cost is $295. Those interested in enrolling must do so by Wednesday, February 12, 2025. 

This program is made possible thanks to funding from Farm Credit of Virginias, which awarded Virginia Western one of seven for postsecondary institutions in the region. The ACE program aims to support agricultural career development by providing funding for educational initiatives that foster workforce readiness in areas like agricultural sciences, technology, education and agribusiness. 

“We are proud to support this important educational initiative at Virginia Western,” said Jamie Kinsey, Chairperson of the Farm Credit of Virginias’ Board of Directors. “Farm Credit remains dedicated to investing in the future of agriculture and rural communities. By supporting institutions that provide practical training and educational opportunities in agriculture, we can help nurture the next generation of innovators and professionals.” 

Brad Cornelius, CEO of Farm Credit of Virginias, added, “Our ACE grant program is a prime example of how we’re working to support agriculture and rural communities. We are excited to see the lasting impact this course will have, not only in Roanoke but across the region, as it helps to shape the future of agriculture and prepares students for rewarding careers in controlled environment farming.” 

White expressed gratitude to Farm Credit of Virginias for supporting this course through the ACE grant.  “This work is in line with other innovations at the College involving agriculture, mechatronics and growing systems,” White said. “We are deeply interested in food security and expanding the ecosystem to address the ever-changing agriculture industry. This class is an opportunity for community members to experience this industry firsthand.” 

For more information on the course or to register, please visit the Virginia Western or contact us at (540) 857-6076 or enroll@virginiawestern.edu.

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Virginia Western hosted its annual Autonomous Robot Competition on Saturday, Dec. 7.聽

Teams were required to design and build an autonomous fishing robot that successfully gathered up to seven wooden聽fish while identifying three fishing spots with missing fish, all randomly placed in three lakes, and deliver the seven caught fish to either of two fishing stations in a timely fashion.

Twelve teams from local high schools and Virginia Western competed.聽聽The Botetourt Technical Educational Center hosted three teams and Cave Spring High School hosted two teams. 聽

Teams competed in five trials, completed a technical report and presented before engineering and STEM judges.聽 Four new judges from Metalsa attended. 聽Awards were presented to the top three teams for high school and college.

The winning team for college was called Fishcakes and scored a total of 367 out of 435 points. 聽Ben Bellino and Nick Powers are 麻豆影院 Mechatronics students.聽聽Winners are shown with Dr. Arnold Yim of the Math Department,聽a co-director of the competition.

The winning high school team from the 麻豆影院 Academy, and overall competition champion, was The Steel Peel Bananas, consisting of juniors Eli Evans, Ben Escalera and Dominic Thomas. The Steel Peel Bananas scored 421 out of 435, and their robot performed all five trials perfectly.

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