NRCC First 100 Days

If there’s one word that I heard to describe the campus more than any other, it was “family.” Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners always used it. It was clear that for many people NRCC isn’t just a college, it is a place where people feel a real sense of belonging. It’s a place where relationships matter, where people look out for each other, and where people, both inside and outside the institution, are united by a shared mission to help others succeed. Students told me stories of personal connections with faculty and staff overriding their fears. They told me of instructors who saw something in them that they had never seen in themselves. They told me of advisors who called them on the phone just to “check in.” That is the kind of care that changes lives, and they are echoed in the words of community partners who spoke of faculty and staff serving on local boards and programs that respond directly to community needs. At the same time, I heard from students who are struggling, especially among those who attend part-time, those who have unmet needs outside the classroom, those who are not sure where their education is taking them, and those who struggle to see the path forward beyond their coursework. From these conversations, a picture emerged of an institution that has worked hard to surround their students with the care and support they need to succeed but that still has gaps in that support to fill. Among faculty and staff, that same spirit of care runs deep. People are justly proud of the college’s history and of their role in shaping it. At the same time, however, I heard honest feedback and reflections from their experiences. They spoke of opportunities for stronger onboarding and mentorship, the importance of recognition for their contributions, and the need for better channels of communication. Our culture is strong, but we need to be intentional about continuing to strengthen it for the future. And just as importantly, we must ensure that our legacy of care continues to extend outward into the communities we serve. Where Are We Going? As we move forward, we need to start by honoring what has made New River great: our legacy of care. We want to be intentional in creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere while at the same time finding new ways to support faculty, staff, students, and the community in a time of change. As part of this process, we will explore the following questions, and others, together: How do we ensure that every student feels welcomed, supported, and engaged at all stages of their time at NRCC? Are there any existing student needs that are unfilled? How can we bring some of our most innovative interventions to scale? How do we create more meaningful opportunities for connection, especially for a student body that is spending less and less time on campus? How do we invest in our faculty and staff in ways that reflect the value that they bring? How do we ensure that our legacy of care extends to the broader community through deeper partnerships, responsive programming, and a shared sense of purpose? What Will We Do Now?

While we take the time to hold these important conversations and build a shared path forward, the conversations identified some actions that merit action now. Based on what I heard, several key efforts are already underway or are beginning soon: We are beginning a focused review of the student experience, charting an intentional plan to ensure that more students engage with the college early in their journey and that our support extends beyond graduation. We are taking steps to strengthen shared governance, including the reconstitution of the Staff Assembly to ensure more voices have a place in shaping policies and procedures. We are making communication a priority, creating more regular opportunities for conversation with the President’s Office so that ideas and concerns can be acted upon more quickly.

VCCS Philanthropy Luncheon VCCS Philanthropy Luncheon