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| One of the most memorable events at NRCC during
my time here was when several college employees were asked to perform
at the annual Christmas dinner. There was a great variety of acts
and the two deans (Dr. Warren and Dr. Lewis) were not about to be
left out. Dr. Lewis decided that he and I would do a country music
song— him on the piano and me singing. Dr. Warren was the master
of ceremonies. It was fun night, but the rehearsals were the most
fun of all! AMY J. H. HALL Administrative Staff Specialist Employment at NRCC: 1991-present |
| When I came to NRCC in 1991, it didn’t take
long to get acquainted with the employees here. The familial environment
at the college is something I have learned to treasure. One of the
first people with whom I became well acquainted was Mr. Larry Tibbetts,
Dean of Business Services. Mr. Tibbetts was a kind-hearted man with
a very dry sense of humor. Perhaps he is best known for his appetite;
he simply LOVED food. I remember the occasions when he would take
time to drive to Blacksburg to pick up a Mike’s burger, or when
he visited with family in Maine and returned with lobster and Walnettos
candy. But my fondest memory of him centers around a time that my
husband and I were planning a vacation. I mentioned in passing the
destination we had in mind. Mr. Tibbetts casually walked into his
office and I could hear him rummaging around in the drawers of his
desk or file cabinet. A few minutes later, he “loaned”
me several brochures on Bed and Breakfast establishments and restaurants
all along the route of our trip. AMY J. H. HALL Administrative Staff Specialist Employment at NRCC: 1991-present |
| I have been a part of the NRCC family for almost
15 years now and have many wonderful memories and treasured moments.
I think I could write a book when it comes to unusual telephone calls
and the funny things that people can come up with. My job here is
the best thing that ever happened to me. I enjoy my work and the people
I work with and work for. BONNIE HALL Information Center Operator Employment at NRCC: 1987-present |
| The people at NRCC have been an extended family,
and that is special. I have several fond memories, but the most special
one was the love, support, and encouragement that came during the
birth of my daughter, Rachel. One of my proudest moments has been the achievement of the ELC’s accreditation by the National Association of the Early Childhood Education and the state licensing. ANNE SIMMERMAN Director of Early Learning Center Employment at NRCC: 1992-present |
| t was the end of a long SACS committee meeting
at the end of a long day toward the end of a long semester. An English
professor from southern Mississippi, who was relatively new to the
area, listened sleepily as Dr. Barnes, arriving late, described his
tedious day entertaining out-of-state dignitaries. With her head propped on her hand, elbow on the table, she intoned sympathetically in her soft southern accent, drawing out the syllables. “And this was all-ll out of your la-a-rg-e-e-ss.” Obviously flustered and turning a deep purple, the president retorted in alarm. “I, I know it’s big.” His eyes darted around the room for support. “But I’m not accustomed to having attention drawn to it!” ELAINE LONG SCOTT Professor of English Employment at NRCC: 1988 - present |
| Something that has continued to amaze me during
my time at New River Community College is the generosity shown to
our students and the institution as a whole. Figures reported in this
history show the growth of the NRCC Educational Foundation, but they
don’t capture the stories behind it: the professor who came
to me with funds for new eyeglasses for a student in one of her classes,
while insisting that she not be identified as the donor...the widow
who had to pause and dab away tears before going on to say she had
decided to honor the memory of her husband with a scholarship donation...the
family members who surprised their mother by endowing a scholarship
in her honor...the donor who noticed a scholarship student was driving
a dilapidated vehicle and promptly bought him a much nicer used car...and
so many similar instances of selflessness. A routine part of my job
is to write “thank you” cards and letters, but I never
feel completely up to the task. How can you properly thank people
for their generosity? Perhaps you can’t; maybe the success of
students is thanks enough. MARK ROWH Director of Institutional Advancement Employment at NRCC: 1989-present |
| Even though I had taught at a Missouri high school
for 30 years and at a community college for 20 years (as an adjunct instructor), I was extremely nervous as I began teaching full time at New River Community College. I was afraid that the college teachers would look down on this poor little high school teacher. I was also not too sure of what to expect from the “strange” Virginians. The only ones I had seen had been in Civil War movies. The first person I talked to was Dr. Charlie White. It did not take long to discover that hidden behind that mountain drawl was a caring and very bright person. As I met more Virginians, I became more relaxed. It was nice to discover that these Virginians were good ole hillbillies like me. My stay here has been great! LEE ROY ROGERS Instructor of Mathematics Employment at NRCC: 1992-present |
| As I approach retirement, I look back on the many
wonderful years I have spent teaching at New River Community College.
I have been truly “blessed” to be a part of this wonderful
institution and to work with such a caring, loving group of people. Students have given me so much joy. In the AST department, we have many students who have lost their jobs and have come to NRCC to learn new skills so that they can be employed again in a better job. On one occasion, a student, with tears in her eyes, told me that she thought she would have her job forever until she retired. Many of them are scared to death the first day of classes and lack self-confidence. It is so gratifying to see them graduate—so proud, so confident—with many of their family members present. I am very proud and happy for them, and it gives me much pleasure to think that I played a small part in helping them along the way to this moment. Dr. Ed Barnes hired me, and I will forever be thankful to him for having the confidence in me to hire me full-time, after my being away from teaching for ten years, and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the “NRCC family.” The administrators, staff, and teaching faculty are the most dedicated, loyal workers that I have had the opportunity to work with. New River Community College will always hold a “special” place in my heart. I truly believe in the community college system and the opportunities it gives for students of all ages to learn and prepare themselves for the “working world.” I have loved my career. When I leave, I will leave with loving memories of this college and the wonderful people who make it the great institution that it is. BECKY RIDPATH Associate Professor of Administrative Support Technology Employment at NRCC: 1974-present |
| An unforgettable event took place while I was
working with the Trade Readjustment Act (TRA) Program helping a student
who was laid off from her place of employment. She came to me to talk
about taking CNA classes at NRCC. She needed a job that paid well,
but she did not want to be in school for two years. As we began to
look in the catalog, I informed her that she could go to school for
a year and get her Practical Nursing Certificate and make more money
than she would taking CNA classes. She said that she had to think
about it, and she would get back with me. After a few days went by,
she came back to my office and said that since TRA was going to pay
for her to go to school, she had decided to enroll in the LPN Program.
She is now a Licensed Practical Nurse at Radford Pediatrics in Radford,
VA. Every time I take my son for his check-up, she tells everyone
how thankful she was that I talked her into becoming a nurse. I told
her that “All things are possible through those who believe.”
It feels good to know that I was able to help one person fulfill her
dream. ELAINE POWELL Administrative Assistant, Financial Aid Office Employment at NRCC: 1996-present |
| I have said many times that NRCC is the nicest
place I have ever worked. I say that by comparing it to the four-year
colleges and universities in which I taught for twenty-one years before
coming here. I think what one faculty member shared with me sums it
up: “there’s a lot of love here.” The collegiality
among NRCC’s faculty, staff, and administration is most unusual,
and does indeed create a fine working atmosphere. DAVID POTEET Professor of History Employment at NRCC: 1989-2003 |
| I have enjoyed my years of working in the Admissions
Office; and, as tough it has been sometimes, planning graduation ceremonies
which were nice and dignified has been very satisfying. Even though
some of my job responsibilities have remained the same through the
years, working with different people and their different personalities
has always kept the job interesting. If I had to select the one thing
that I have enjoyed most, it would be the opportunity to follow students
from their initial enrollment to the completion of their programs.
I have taken great pleasure in watching some who have come in very
unsure of themselves go on to do really well and then graduate. SARA M. OLSEN Registrar, Admissions Office Employment at NRVTS/NRCC: 1969 - present |
My fondest memory at NRCC has been seeing the joy on the faces of older students as they graduated after coming to college following being laid off. They came frightened, with little or no self-confidence, sometimes angry at having to go to school when they felt that they “should be working.” After seeing that they could be successful, self-esteem rose, and many of them are now my colleagues in Human Services. That is rewarding.
|
| The 1990s became a decade of maturity for the
college. It seemed as if we had aged beyond belief, both in terms
of the aging of academic programs and services and in terms of the
aging of staff. The ‘90s ushered in many retirements as many
of the original faculty and staff of New River’s elected to
move into their next phase of life. It was also a decade of budget cuts and diminishing support for higher education. Funding of higher education seemed not to be the major priority of the three governors of the 1990s. We tightened our belts, but we still continued to grow, especially with many TRA students who had lost their jobs because of plant closings, etc. Assessment of programs and services became fully established in the ‘90s. Additionally, for the first time in its history, planning took on a meaningful life. Not only were planning workshops held, but planning was utilized as a tool and not as a document to be placed on administrative shelves around campus and gather dust. J. DOYLE LYONS Associate Professor, Assistant to the President Employment at NRCC: 1972-2003 |
| My fondest and most rewarding memories of NRCC
are of its students. A recent student comes to mind and to me, this
student epitomizes what New River Community College is all about...teaching! This student was enrolled in my fall semester Mathematics 03 class and at that time was a good student, not necessarily one who stood out from the others. However, the next semester she enrolled in my Mathematics 04 Mediated Learning class. It was during this class that I really got to know her and what a hard-working, focused student she was. She completed the Mathematics 04 early and asked if she could enroll in the Mathematics 163 Mediated Learning class then. Her goal was to complete Mathematics 163 that semester and then transfer to a four-year college. Not only did she complete the Mathematics 163, but she earned an “A” in the course. Her enthusiasm and work ethic were unbounded. She asked me to write a letter of recommendation for a scholarship to the four-year college. I was happy to do this, and, as I researched her academic record here at NRCC, I was surprised to learn that she had previously been a student here when she was “just out of high school”. Her grades were so bad that I could not believe that this was the same student!. She told me that since that time and prior to re-enrolling at NRCC she had served in the military, had gotten married, and had gone through a divorce. This re-focusing after a first “go at it” is so typical of many of our students. She received a full scholarship to the four-year college. During her spring break this year she came by to visit. She told me that she had made the Dean’s List her first semester there and was told by the dean that she could invite a faculty member to the dinner given in honor of Dean’s List students. She asked the dean if the faculty member had to be from that school...if she could invite her community college math teacher. What an honor to think that a student who had “moved on” wanted to invite a community college teacher to such an important occasion for her. To me, this action says it all—community college faculty truly do play an important role in the lives of their students. BRENDA LYONS Instructor of Mathematics Employment at NRCC: 1978-2002 |
| Some of my favorite moments at NRCC have come during
times that I have been reading student papers. Some of their comments
live on. For example, one student wrote, “The inevitable will
eventually happen sooner or later.” At another time, I had asked
students to make a list of things they could do to help the environment.
One student said—thinking, I hope, of spray propellant cans—”Don’t
use pressurized arousal products.” (He meant “aerosol.”)
MADELEINE LOVE Instructor of Biology Employment at NRCC: 1987-present |
| A very special feature of NRCC is its administration.
Ed Barnes’ very presence was a unifying force, and that quality
has been perpetuated by the current administrative staff. It is an
incredibly supportive staff, one that is always responsive but not
one that micromanages. I especially appreciate the fact that they
are very visible, approachable, and complimentary. Where else would
the college president walk into a class and lead 78 students in singing
Happy Birthday to their teacher, as Jack Lewis did in my class? Nowhere
else. My most rewarding moments have come at times such as when the second-year nursing students have returned saying things like, “Thank you for killing me last year.” And I’ll always smile when I remember one student saying, “Mrs. Linzey, I never knew that I could do what you made me do.” That’s what teaching is all about. Juanita Linzey |
| My experience at New River Community College was
wonderful. I returned to school as a result of a federal mandate that
individuals working in the mental health profession have a bachelor’s
degree. I was really nervous about returning and was actually feeling
a little bitter about being forced to do so. I wasn’t sure I
could make it, and I kept wondering how I could balance the needs
of my children, my job, and my classes. Just as I expected, it was
tough; however, I found that I got a lot of support from all of my
teachers at NRCC. After New River, I then went on to Radford University
where I received my bachelor’s degree in the year 2000. Even
though it took me awhile to finish my degree, I am so glad I did because
of the confidence I have gained. I would encourage other parents,
even those who are middle-aged or older, to take advantage of the
programs at NRCC. SUSAN LINDSEY Special Instructor for New River Community Services Student at NRCC: 1993-1998 |
| I feel very lucky to work here at NRCC! I know
we have absolutely the finest students in the world! Their attitude,
enthusiasm to learn, and personalities are wonderful. One time we
had a fight in the lounge during lunch hour, and the ENTIRE lounge
jumped in to stop the two combatants and clean up the mess. Not a
word was said to encourage the fight, and no instructions on cleaning
up were needed. It just happened automatically. Nobody really said
a word after it occurred either. It was as if they just wanted everything
to go along peacefully and as good-natured forever. I was stunned,
and I remain impressed with that one, defining moment. BEN KRAMER Activities Counselor Employment at NRCC: 1993-present |
| A few years ago a student came into the Writing
Center, wild-eyed and agitated. She hadn’t been using computers
long, and now her professor wanted research from a particular web
site. Could I help her find it? I asked for the page’s URL.
She didn’t know. I asked for the name of the page, or some key
words in the text. She didn’t know. With some exasperation,
I asked her what she did know about the page. “Well,”
she said, “I know it has a picture of a tree on it. I was kind
of hoping we could just look through the pages until we came to it.” JANET HANKS Director of Academic Assistance Employment at NRCC: 1998-present |
| I began working at New River Community College
in March of 1998. I taught a Microsoft Word class at night for five
weeks and it was a wonderful experience. The following academic year,
I was asked to teach classes as an adjunct instructor. Some classes
were for the AST department and some for the IST department. I was
also asked to teach a student development course designed to help
people prepare for their job search. That year, I had a woman in my
IST 100 class who had been in my STD 106 class the previous semester.
She had been laid off from a factory job. She was a middle-aged woman
of color who came from a long line of factory workers, and it had
been years since she sat in a desk in a classroom with the goal of
earning a degree. To say the least, she was terrified—especially
of the computer class. During the first week of class, she sat quietly
petrified in the back of the classroom. One day, while I was walking
around helping students with an assignment, I put my hand on her shoulder
and asked how she was doing. She looked up at me with tears in her
eyes and said, “I don’t think I can do this.” I
looked down and saw her trembling hands on the keyboard and gingerly
touching the mouse. I just put both hands on both her shoulders, looked
her in the eye and said, “Yes, Ramona, you can. We’ll
do what it takes to make this work for you, I promise.” She
was doubtful, but we went to work. Two years later, I sat with tears in my eyes as she received Phi Theta Kappa honors as a graduate of New River Community College--with a degree in Information Systems Technology. LORETTA F. HALL NRCC Recruiting Officer/Tech Prep Coordinator Employment at NRCC: 1998-present |
| Many of my students are amazed to learn that I
am basically a very quiet, shy person. Chuck Dean loves to share a
story about my first class with him. Mr. Dean was calling roll the
first day of class, and had asked us to inform him if he mispronounced
our name or if we preferred to be called by another name. When he
came to my name at the end of his roster, he called Theron Wurzburger.
I very meekly replied that I liked to be called Ray. Mr. Dean did
not hear what I said, but instead of asking me to repeat myself he
asked me if I could spell it. In a very loud voice, I stated R-A-Y. I still enjoy telling about two other situations that occurred after I had become an instructor at NRCC. I was lamenting to one of my classes that I had caught two students cheating on a computer assignment. One of my students asked me if I had ever cheated in school, which of course I replied no. Nancy Waters, a wonderful “older” student, who was normally very polite, responded that certainly I had never cheated on a computer assignment because they did not have computers when I was in school. She really knew how to make me feel old. Accounting is a very difficult course for most students, but eventually most students will grasp the concepts if they persevere. One day I was giving my students a pep talk and explained to them that eventually the “light would come on.” One young lady, who was seated in the front row, looked up at me very pitifully and asked “But what if your light doesn’t burn very brightly anyway?” I still get a laugh out of this story, even though it occurred several years ago. T. RAY WURZBURGER Assistant Professor of Accounting Employment at NRCC: 1987-present |
| Occasionally, students ask me why I am teaching
at NRCC since I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). My response
is usually that I love what I do and that there are so many things
much more important than money. I have worked at several places over
the years, some wonderful and others not so wonderful, but NRCC is
by far the best place I have ever been employed. I am proud to say
that I have held several roles (student, classified staff, and faculty)
here and look forward to continuing as a faculty member until my retirement. T. RAY WURZBURGER Assistant Professor of Accounting Employment at NRCC: 1987-present |
| The best thing about my NRCC experience was working
with Jeananne Dixon and students who were successful because they
accessed the LEAP program and its services. This proved to them that
they were bright people who learned differently, and once learning
this, they could do well academically. One of the most unforgettable persons I met at NRCC was a student who was in his sixties when he took the strategies class that I taught. He met with me weekly and realized through specific strategies that he could learn to read. He shared his life story with me as we presented a workshop for GED teachers. It made a tremendous impact on everyone in the session. Another fond memory that I have is of helping a student with cerebral palsy, who was older than the typical student, work toward a degree at the college. It made a significant difference in his life during those years. The major changes I witnessed while I was at NRCC were the changes in developmental math and English utilizing computer programs in place of some one-on-one tutoring. Students with learning disabilities often struggled due to lack of knowledge of basic concepts. LOUISE WADE Retired Faculty Employment at NRCC: 1989-1998 |
| In the years that I have been at NRCC, I have seen
a lot of changes with each new president. I feel each one has helped
us stay up-to-date with technology. It makes me very proud to work
here when I hear students talk about the wonderful treatment they
get here from faculty and staff. I hope we never get too far away
from day to day human contact with the students. MONICA CARDEN Fiscal Technician Employment at NRCC: 1980-present |
| The best thing about my NRCC experience was the
ability to gain skills to start a new career while also being in a
fun, yet professional atmosphere. Each of my instructors had his or
her own special way of teaching so that students would understand.
Very one-on-one! My fondest memory was being part of the Tutoring
Connection. I felt part of the NRCC family by being able to share
my knowledge with other people who needed help. It was never a chore
but pure excitement, and it was something that I looked forward to
and took pride in. My most unforgettable event was the March of Dimes Walk-a-thon, sponsored by PBL. I co-chaired this event in 1998 and was thrilled at the turnout. The excitement came with knowing that children who needed help would get it. Who says hard work never pays off? The major change that I witnessed was the age of the students (post-baby boom). The results of the NAFTA trade agreement hit Southwest Virginia pretty hard, leaving lots of near-retirement aged people with no choice but to seek another career for their final working days. I noticed change in some instructors in the way they taught in order to cater to those who had been out of school for many years. Very thoughtful! On a final note, I was a shy person until I met Dr. Bruce Brown. TRAVIS BURCHAM Federal Express Driver, Phoenix, AZ NRCC Student: January 1997-May 2000 |
| My experience at New River has given me so many
good memories of working with students, faculty, and staff. NRCC is truly, as our sign says, “where good endings begin.” I knew it would be different from any place I had ever worked when the president (Ed Barnes) hugged when when I accepted the offer of employment—and when the dean (Doug Warren) told me, “No one is going to be checking up on you; we know you’ll be here” after I had remarked that no one seemed to be checking on my arrivals and departures. It’s hard to imagine a better place to work. I always knew I was sent here for a purpose. One experience that occurred during the early 90’s altered my perspective toward evaluations. After 21 years in the Navy and then five years of employment in a chemical company, I came to NRCC with a lot of experience with evaluations—and with an attitude that evaluations were, for the most part, useless. I confess that I felt uneasy when Dr. Helen Harvey, my division chair, asked me to come to her office to discuss a student evaluation that she was reviewing. She wouldn’t reveal on the telephone whether the evaluation was positive or negative. When I walked into her office, her expression still showed no indication of what type of meeting we would have. Then she handed me the piece of paper on which one of my students had written, “Mr. Brumagin makes me want to learn.” What greater compliment could any teacher receive? JIM BRUMAGIN Retired, Associate Professor of Instrumentation Technology Employment at NRCC (Full-time and adjunct): 1983-present |
| My experience at NRCC as Professor of Psychology
and president of the Faculty Assembly has been a powerful and meaningful
experience of sharing and teaching some incredible students whose
potential in particular circumstances has exhibited genius qualities,
superior intelligence, and extremely adaptive potential. NRCC is a
great place to work and assist in stimulating future leaders, community
servants, and scholars. Some of my experiences in teaching and research were developed by the good fortune of having taught previously in graduate and doctoral institutions where the love of learning and scholarship shaped much of my learning and provided a plethora of opportunity for both growth and sharing in published articles and books and numerous speaking engagements at various colleges and universities. A notable fact about my ancestry has involved the recognition that I am the actual grandson of an American slave. He remembered the life and experiences of slavery in the United States which imprinted powerful memories that were seared upon his blossoming youthful years. Memories shared by my father about his father’s life in early America have strengthened my resolve to share the importance of justice, freedom, and respect for all people without consideration of their origin, station, or claim in life. VERNIE L. BOLDEN Professor of Psychology Employment at NRCC: 1992-present |
| Having taught at NRCC for close to twenty years
(part-time and full-time), I can vouch that the change has been significant
in the way material is presented in writing classes. I can remember
the days when preparing for a class meant making sure my notes were
in order and an occasional use of the overhead. Today, I walk into
a fully electronic classroom with computers at every station. At my
disposal are an elmo, a computer, a VCR. I have the means to present
the topic in a variety of ways. I can converse with students via the
computer; I can take students to web sites that add to the topic in
question. Through PowerPoints, the material can be made visual and
more informative. The greatest challenge, I find, is trying to keep
up with the technology and its use. However, I do feel it has given
an added dimension to teaching. BONNA S. BEAMER Instructor of English Employment at NRCC (adjunct and fulltime): 1977-present |
| Humor was such a significant part of the culture
of the college during my tenure that it is difficult to select a single
incident. However, there was one incident which everyone present seemed
to enjoy. During the self-study phase of the reaffirmation process,
the steering committee had gathered in the conference room adjacent
to my office. I was engaged in a discussion with a community leader
about acquiring some resources for the college and was successful
in my endeavor. Following my own meeting, I rushed to the steering
committee meeting, beaming about my success and, with some degree
of enthusiasm, sharing it with the steering committee. Frances Heller,
an English teacher and a Mississippian, in her beautiful southern
drawl proclaimed that my success was due to my largess (she pronounced
the word in two drawn-out syllables). Astounded, I blurted out, “large
what,” and there was an eruption of laughter. My own brother
had suggested that two ax handles were necessary to measure my backside. ED BARNES Retired President of NRCC Employment at NRCC: 1972-1984; 1991-1999 |
| The campus of New River Community College is certainly
reflective of the natural beauty bestowed on the state of Virginia
by our Creator. Our campus shares in this blessing of beauty through
the changing of the seasons. Springtime is heralded by the delicate
pink or white blooms of the Dogwood trees while the summer offers
flowers, lush green Mountain Laurels and leafy majestic oaks populated
by scampering squirrels. Not to be outdone, Autumn’s blaze of
glory adorns our campus with rich hues of gold and orange while scarlet
Cardinals sing their songs for our pleasure. Winter brings us snowy
silhouettes cast beneath a frosty full moon hanging expectantly over
the campus. It has been said that Virginia is God’s country
and the campus of New River Community College is without a doubt a
jewel in her crown. KAREN D. COVEY Instructor of Speech Employment at NRCC: 1991-present |
| I find it so hard to believe that I have been
at NRCC for twenty-eight years. I still feel that I’m one of
the new employees. NRCC is truly the best place I’ve ever worked.
Yes, we have had our ups and downs, but overall I feel blessed to
be here. It is a special place because of the people—the students,
the faculty and staff, and the administration. One person especially
has had an impact on my life here—Ed Barnes. He hired me, encouraged
me, supported me, even threatened me—all in a loving way. I
always knew his major concern was for me to meet my full potential.
I respected him for his position, but I felt he was more like a brother
to me. Because technology has changed so much, our past reflects much change. Our faculty have embraced changing technology to keep NRCC on the cutting edge. In addition, each president has played a major role in our evolution, beginning with Dr. Sullins, who set the tone. He was the ideal person to get us started. Our future will also see many changes. Many of our present employees will be leaving and will take part of the institution’s “maturity” with them. We will also see change because of continuing developments in technology. In our division, while we continue to see a need for hands-on instruction, we will also be moving toward a computer-oriented environment. Already this has been very evident in electricity and electronics, drafting, forensic and police science, accounting, and secretarial science. We will also continue to be very community conscious college through our involvement with local organizations such as school boards and economic development committees. Working at NRCC has been a good ride, and I still look forward to coming to work each day. As long as we have that “fire in the belly” that Ed Barnes and Jack Lewis have referred to, we’ll be fine. RON CHAFFIN Chair of the Divsion of Business, Technologies, and Workforce Development Employment at NRCC: 1974-present |
| The instructional divisions will continue to function
as the heart and soul of this institution with a central mission on
teaching and learning. With that focus, the divisions will, as they
have continuously done, work to meet curriculum needs as determined
by the population we serve. Our faculty will rely more and more on
the use of technology to enhance the teaching/learning process and
to accommodate the different learning styles of students. Our enrollment
will continue to grow in all curricular areas. I expect the university
transfer courses to show the greatest increases, at least in the immediate
future. However, many technology areas, such as IST, nursing, etc.,
will certainly show rapid increases in student enrollment. We have highly trained, dedicated, excellent faculty supported by talented and dedicated staff members and administrators. With this combination, NRCC will continue to be a highly positive influence on the lives of the people in the New River Valley and beyond. In short, to paraphrase our mission statement, NRCC will continue to “provide the best possible teaching and learning environment to meet the needs of the people we serve.” CHARLIE WHITE Dean of Instruction and Student Services Employment at NRCC: 1971-present |
| As a student I really enjoyed attending classes
at NRCC. The faculty and staff always made me feel that I belonged,
and they were here for us. Now as a employee at NRCC, I am treated
the same. Working at NRCC has taught me that the students are why
we are here. JONATHON SURRATT Webmaster Employment at NRCC: 2001-present |
| When I was growing up, there was no such thing
as “college.” It was never spoken of. Needless to say,
college was not a part of my dreams for the future. I was 27 when
I came to New River Community College. The events that led me here
are as much a part of my destiny as my future has now become. I came
to take a computer class, and what I found was a dream to become more.
Because one teacher during that first semester believed in me, I learned
to believe in myself. Since that first semester, I have been a part
of the Student Government Association, Phi Beta Lambda, IAAP, and
Phi Theta Kappa, and I have participated in fund-raising for the Women’s
Resource Center, March of Dimes, Red Cross, September 11th memorials,
and many other activities—while also maintaining a 3.7 GPA.
When I graduate, I will be one of two in my family to have finished
the seventh grade—and the only one to attend college, let alone
graduate! The opportunity to come to NRCC has changed my life, but
it will not stop with me. Now I know that my three daughters will
also go to college. NRCC will always be a very special place for me.
The faculty and staff have made it special with their caring, loving
support during my journey of discovery. Most of all, I have made friends
that will go on forever in my heart long after this time has passed
and become history. LISA SPRAKER 2001 - 2001 SGA President Student: 1999-2002 |
| The quote I like most is “Kattathu kai mann
allavu; Kallathathu Olakallavu”. This is a quote from Tamil,
my mother tongue. What it means is “What we have learned is
only handful, what we have not learned is as big as the world”.
The English translation has lost some power of the quotation, but
it motivates me to learn more and acquire new knowledge, and I try
to instill this same motivation in my students. RUKMINI SRIRANGANATHAN Associate Professor of Information Technology Employment at NRCC: 1999-present |
| Bill Dawson was a man who was the very soul of
kindness: generous, warm-hearted, friendly, insightful, a true gentleman.
On the other hand, Bill had a streak of imp in him. From time to time,
a faculty member would suddenly realize that the grade book, that
had been on the office desk a few minutes before, was missing. Frantically,
the faculty member left his or her office to search other possible
places where the missing grade book might be, then returned to the
office, and was amazed to find that the grade book was back on the
office desk. Well, I wonder who pulled the fast switch? It could not be proven, but we wondered why Bill Dawson was walking around after that with a grin on his face. David Poteet |
| Change can be overwhelming. The terrible tragedies
of September 11 are widely said to have changed America—and
perhaps the world—forever. Certainly these and other momentous
events have the capacity to cause drastic change on a large scale.
But on a more fundamental basis, change is usually a gradual process.
And positive change—the kind that improves the human condition—is
often a result of the contributions of educational institutions to
our society. . . . If not for schools, colleges, and universities,
societal change would be much less comprehensive—and much less
positive. In fact, perhaps the most important agent that brings positive
change is education. JACK. M. LEWIS NRCC President: 2000-present Excerpt from remarks made during the 2001 Founders Day at Radford University |
| I have been blessed to be a part of NRCC. When
I first started school, I had no idea all the experiences that would
forever be filed in my memory. Who knew that 15 minutes of fame could
come in so handy! It allowed me to give back to a school that had
given me so much by donating 1,500 subs for Spring Fling. Of course,
getting a hug from Ben Kramer wearing seashells and a hula skirt was
just a bonus. I cried when Ben and Student Government nominated me
for the Showcase Student of the Year award. When I say I took a part
of NRCC with me, I’m not merely being sentimental. Bonnie Hall’s
luggage flew right along with my on my flight to Hollywood where I
filmed a national Subway commercial. Karen Covey’s excellent
tips for a successful interview accompanied me along with Bonnie Hall’s
sweater on the Today Show. And without Joyce Taylor calming my nerves
before my videotape and countless paper interviews, I might never
have survived. So, I literally took NRCC with me along that adventurous
road, not only in my heart filled with well wishes! I may be remembered
as an NRCC “star,” but in my book NRCC outshone me any
day. KIMBERLY R. JOHNSTON NRCC Student: 1999-Present; Office Services Specialist in NRCC Admissions Office: 2003-Present |
| Well, speaking as a new kid on the block, I’d
have to say... but let me digress... Most of my working life I’ve
been my own boss and working fairly independently. Coming to NRCC
has been a revelation for me. The camaraderie among staff and faculty
that I’ve found, the common purpose toward education, even the
physical environment itself convinced me early on that I’d landed
in a great place. I’m sorry I didn’t find NRCC earlier
so I could have been part of the community longer. MICHAEL HAVELIN Interpreter Employment at NRCC: 1999 - present |
| As a business or finance manager at NRCC, I have
dealt with a wide range of matters. Most matters are fairly mundane;
however, some have been significant. One strange incident, in retrospect,
is laughable partly because it resulted in no one being hurt and only
minimal property damage. During the Winter of 2002, we noticed a fairly
significant increase in the college’s water bill. Tony Nicolo
suspected a water leak and began the process of locating it. He was
successful in his efforts and the leak was repaired. What Tony and
his staff did not know and could not have known was that the water
from the leak had dissolved the dirt underneath the pavement. One
afternoon, a custodian for ServiceMaster, along with a member of Tony’s
staff, parked their cars on the lot adjacent to Facilities Services
in the rear of Godbey Hall. They were surprised to return to their
vehicles and find they were partially submerged in a huge pothole
which had been caused by the water leak. Our history might have been altered if that water leak had not been discovered when it was. MARK HAMRIC Dean of Financial and Administrative Services Employment at NRCC: 1993-present |
| Godbey 160, also known affectionately as The Little
Brown Chapel, is the place where I experienced feelings of extreme
dismay and happiness. Because of the technology available in our classrooms,
I was able to watch with colleagues and students, live, the horrific
events of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, which included the complete
destruction of the World Trade Center Towers. Approximately six months
later, on Wednesday, March 6, again in The Little Brown Chapel, my
closest friends at New River and I witnessed live via Internet the
wedding ceremony of my daughter, Jessica Green, in The Little White
Chapel in Las Vegas. To be a part of these experiences in this manner
would not have been possible even a few years ago. For me they served
as a reminder that classrooms are more than mere structures—and
that technology can even help us become a part of a “community.” JUTTA D.GREEN Professor of Business Management Employment at NRCC: 1990-present |
| My first few months at New River were very memorable.
With so many smiling faces to remember, I found myself wishing for
name tags. I was continuously warned that fall registration could
be hectic. I envisioned lines forming down the hall and unpredictable
attitudes to present a challenge. Deep down I thought, “How
bad could it really be?” Well, by the end of fall registration,
I remember muttering to my husband one evening, “I know every
student at New River paid their tuition today.” But, during
all that confusion, true teamwork showed, and it continues to show
every day at NRCC. MELISSA ANDERSON Fiscal Technician Employment at NRCC: 2001-present |
| The best thing about my NRCC experience has been
discovering how truly outstanding the programs (and people) at NRCC
are. I was aware for years that NRCC had quality programs, but I was
not aware of their exceptional quality until I became a member of
the Board and chair of the Curriculum Committee. DAVID J. MOORE NRCC Board Member 1997 - present |