NRCC History Book

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available there and to discuss legislation to support the career coach program. Chancellor DuBois returned to the campus in May 2008 as part of the Chancellor’s Listening Tour. Conclusion The college experienced record enrollments, severe budget cuts, and rapidly advancing technology during the first decade of the 2000s. As enrollment increased and budgets decreased, the college continued to meet the educational needs of NRCC’s students and the community by providing resources and innovative programs. Some challenges were met by an increased outreach by the college’s foundation, whose assets doubled during this decade. The number of endowed scholarships increased every year even during challenging economic times. NRCC was successful in securing many grants, bonds, and outside funding, including the largest grant in the college’s history, a Title III grant of $1.7 million. New leadership at both the VCCS and NRCC brought innovative ideas and strategies to ensure college growth and success. The first strategic plan with the goals of (1) increasing the number

of Virginians who earn a postsecondary credential and (2) meeting Virginia’s higher education and workforce training needs was introduced. With advances in technology came major changes to both college programs and buildings. Adding programs such as the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program and interpreting/sign language to NRCC’s offerings increased enrollment and met employment demands of the community and Commonwealth. Moving from independent and distance learning to distance education using the learning management system Blackboard in 2002 changed the way courses were delivered and made it possible for more students to have access to an education. College renovations and the college’s mall site opening in 2007 provided even greater access to students, especially those in Montgomery County and surrounding areas. The years 2000 to 2009 were filled with significant challenges which were met by the dedicated faculty, staff, and students who worked and attended the college during this time. The NRCC family continued to grow strong in its service and commitment to the citizens of the New River Valley and surrounding regions.

Chapter 1