Laurel Ridge Community College: A Comprehensive Overview

Laurel Ridge Community College, formerly known as Lord Fairfax Community College, stands as a public community college serving the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont regions of Virginia. With multiple campuses and learning centers, Laurel Ridge offers a diverse range of academic programs and workforce development opportunities.

Historical Context and Name Change

Founded in 1970, the institution initially bore the name Lord Fairfax Community College. However, in July 2021, the Virginia State Board of Community Colleges initiated a change of names for local institutions that were named after individuals who had a history of owning slaves or advocating for racist policies, such as school segregation. Consequently, the board approved the change from Lord Fairfax Community College to Laurel Ridge Community College. This renaming reflects a commitment to inclusivity and a more equitable representation of the college's values.

Leadership and Evolution

The college has been guided by a succession of presidents, each contributing to its growth and development. William McCoy served as the first president from 1970 to 1989, laying the foundation for the institution. Marilyn Beck then led the college from 1990 to 2002, followed by John Sygielski from 2003 to May 2008. Cheryl Thompson-Stacy then served as the fourth president in January 2009 and served until January 2018. Kimberly Blosser became the College’s fifth president in February 2018.

Campus Locations and Expansion

Laurel Ridge Community College operates across four locations: the Fauquier and Middletown Campuses, the Luray-Page County Center, and the Vint Hill Site.

Middletown Campus: This original campus has expanded significantly over the years. Notable additions include Cornerstone Hall and the Alson H. Smith Jr. Technology Center, which was officially named during the 1993 Commencement ceremony. In 1994, the Learning Resources Center construction was completed, and the facility was dedicated in April 1995 in honor of benefactor Paul Wolk of Fauquier County. In 2005, groundbreaking commenced on the Science and Health Professions Building. In July 2010, the Corron Community Development Center opened. In January 2014, the Student Union opened.

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Fauquier Campus: A second campus was established in Fauquier County in 1988. In December 1988, Fauquier County Executive Bob G. Sowder donated 2.5 acres of property to establish a community college campus. Route 29, just south of Warrenton. In addition to the classroom and laboratory spaces on the Fauquier Campus, the Loeb Center is a dramatic space where students share activities, meals, and study time. Students also utilize the resources available in the Bob G.
Luray-Page County Center: Laurel Ridge extended its presence to Luray in 2006, initially offering classes in a space on Hawksbill Street that included a computer lab and classrooms. Ground was broken on a new Luray-Page County Center in 2019, and Jenkins Hall was completed in 2021. The Luray-Page County Center opened on Jan. 9, 2006, in a former Wrangler jeans factory. In 2020, the Center relocated to a new 13,000-square-foot building, named the Russell A. and Rodney A. Jenkins Hall, on land donated by the Jenkins family to the Laurel Ridge Community College Foundation.
Vint Hill Site: The most recent addition, the Vint Hill location, opened in February 2015 in eastern Fauquier County. This site provides a flexible learning environment with afternoon and evening classes, utilizing both traditional lectures and distanced learning options. The building is located on property that was previously used by both the Army and National Security Agency for training purposes.

Academic Programs and Workforce Solutions

Laurel Ridge Community College offers a comprehensive range of over 65 associate degree and certificate programs across diverse disciplines. These programs cater to students seeking to enter the workforce directly or transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. The college also facilitates access to degree programs offered on-site and online by four-year institutions.

Laurel Ridge, Community College Workforce Solutions represents your local, reliable, and trusted partner for quality and relevant workforce training programs that meet the needs of employers and individuals in our community. Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions offers high-quality instruction and hands-on skills that transfer directly into the workplace. Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions provides hands-on, in-person, and online courses to help individuals quickly develop critical, high-demand job skills and earn recognized industry credentials. Over half the programs offered through Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions result in certifications and licensure that lead to direct employment. Depending on eligibility and programs, Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions can offer several funding options including financial assistance, grant funding, scholarships, or private funding and payment options.

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Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution, committed to providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities without discrimination. The college's policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, age, veteran status, national origin, or other non-merit factors. This commitment extends to all aspects of recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, and training.

Governance and Funding

The College is governed by policies set by the State Board for Community Colleges with support and guidance from the Laurel Ridge Community College Board. Financed primarily with state funds, the College supplements funding with contributions from the participating localities and tuition fees.

Accreditation and Affiliations

Laurel Ridge is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Department of Education for various federal funding programs. As a member of the Virginia Community College System, Laurel Ridge adheres to the VCCS policy as mandated in the VCCS Policy Manual.

Student Services and Activities

The College is committed to enhancing the educational experience of each student through a variety of services and activities.

The Laurel Ridge Community College Foundation

is an independent, not-for-profit entity dedicated to assisting the College in meeting its current and future needs. Incorporated in 1978, the Foundation is committed to raising funds for academic programs, facility upgrades, equipment, student scholarships, and professional development for employees. The Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c) (3) organization. All gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. For income tax purposes, the federal identification number for the Foundation is 51-0247624. is to support the College in providing a challenging and enriching learning-centered environment for all students, employees, and community members that prepares them to succeed in the 21st century. The Foundation is student-centered. The Foundation is donor oriented. It recognizes that its donors are vital to the Foundation and the College. The Foundation is team driven. It will work together in its Foundation, in its College, and its community.

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