NRCC History Book

6 Another tragedy occurring much closer to home in the first decade was the Virginia Tech (VT) school shooting on April 16, 2007. The nation was deeply affected and mourned the loss of the 32 students and faculty who died in the massacre. Because of the proximity and collegial relationship between VT and New River Community College (NRCC), some of the victims were family members, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, or fellow students. The entire NRCC family was heartbroken; and on that day, we joined the nation in saying, “Today, we are all Hokies.” On April 12, 2013, a shooting occurred at the Christiansburg site. During the shooting incident, a student with a gun entered the site and wounded two women (one a part-time employee). The shooter was apprehended within five minutes by an off-duty security guard and two police officers. The history of NRCC must acknowledge these events which changed us forever. First, and most importantly, we commemorate the individuals who were lost; and next we recognize the impact of these tragedies on higher education during the early 2000s. Changes in student demographics were noted at the beginning of the first decade as the number of international students studying

in the U.S. declined. Innovative programs and courses in information security, cybersecurity, and disaster response emerged on college campuses. The mental health of students came to the forefront; safe spaces where students, faculty, and staff could discuss their feelings and concerns with others gained importance. The next two chapters of NRCC’s history record the amazing work of professionals who make up the college family. The record is not complete, as it would be an impossible task to mention every event or person who has contributed to the success of our students, faculty, and staff. Since the inception of New River Vocational Technical School in 1959, which became New River Community College in 1969, the mission has been the same: “We give everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened.” NRCC is indeed a special place because of its leadership, board members, faculty, staff, students, and the community it serves. Thank you, Dr. Huber and Dr. Rowh, for entrusting me to compile this institution’s history from 2000 to 2019. Debbie Bond NRCC Graduate Employment at NRCC: Full-time 1978-2023 Part-time 2023-present

Preface