NRCC History Book

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I nterview with Ron Chaffin by Debbie Bond. It was a privilege for me to discuss the college’s history with Ron Chaffin, who was a full-time administrator at NRCC for 36 years (1974-2010). Ron served as dean of business, technologies, and workforce development from 2000 to 2004. In the summer of 2004, he was named vice president for workforce development and remained in this position until he retired in January 2010. As dean, Ron successfully led the division through technological changes in the early 2000s. Ron stated, “I feel like our generation has seen more changes than any other.” A few notable changes included (1) in the drafting program, drafting tables were replaced with computers and AutoCAD software; (2) in machine technology, manual machines were replaced with computer numerical control (CNC) machines; (3) in automotive, code readers and scan tools used to read a vehicle’s diagnostic system were updated; and (4) in instrumentation, solar and wind technologies were included with the installation of solar grids and windmills on campus. In addition, frequent changes occurred in computer science and information technology with spe cialized programs and courses in internet publishing, computer technician, database programming, graphic design, and help desk support. In 2004 a Center for Workforce Development was created, and Ron was named vice president of workforce development. Through Ron’s leadership, New River was the first community college in Virginia to have a Prometric testing site included in the center. Other significant accomplishments in workforce included (1) the establishment of a welding training program for Volvo employees, (2) service on a statewide team to develop the first articulation agreement with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to enable high school career and technical students to take up to 12 credits at the community college; (3) state recognition of workforce development employees Debra Lineweaver, Sharon Ruiz, and Peggy Dunn who received the VCCS Workforce Development Services Chancellor’s Instructor/Trainer Awards in 2006; (4) the formation of an Executive Leadership Institute to train emerging executives in the New River Valley; (5) the establishment of workforce development space at the Christiansburg site; and (6) in 2009 the creation of five “fast track” certificate programs in welding; electrical technology; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; CNC; and computer applications. Ron summarized his service to New River as follows: “I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have worked at NRCC. I enjoyed working here as much as anything I’ve ever done. I enjoyed the faculty and the students. Students would come back to me and tell me how much they enjoyed their classes and their instruc tors. My entire family has attended a community college. I am a community college graduate from the very first graduating class at Wytheville Community College in 1964. My wife graduated from NRCC with an accounting degree and transferred to Radford University (RU) for her bachelor’s in accounting. My son took college-transfer classes at New River and then attended RU. My daughter graduated from NRCC with an accounting degree. My grandson took welding classes at New River, and my granddaughter has taken transfer courses at New River. Even my mother attended the college, taking computer classes. My son-in law received his degree from NRCC and transferred to RU. He now owns an insurance business in Dublin .” Throughout the interview, Ron’s love of New River was evident. His 36 years of dedication to the college positively impacted the faculty, staff, and students he served. RON CHAFFIN

Vice President for Workforce Development Employment at NRCC: Full-time 1974-2010

Chapter 1