NRCC History Book

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W hen I first set foot on New River Community College’s (NRCC) campus in 1987 as an 18-year-old recent high school graduate, I was filled with both excitement and fear. The overwhelming question that loomed in my mind was, “Am I even smart enough to go to college?” While most of my high school friends ventured off to Virginia Tech, Radford University, or the University of Virginia, the idea of attending a university utterly terrified me. NRCC, however, seemed like a place of hope—a place where I could begin my higher education journey without the intimidation of a large university. Despite my initial fears, I thrived at NRCC. The supportive faculty and small class sizes provided the personalized attention I needed to excel. My professors not only imparted knowledge but also instilled in me the confidence to believe in myself. Their encouragement was instrumental in my decision to transfer to Virginia Tech after completing my studies at NRCC. Transferring to Virginia Tech was a significant milestone in my academic career. The rigorous academic environment challenged me to push my boundaries and broaden my horizons. After successfully completing my graduate studies at Virginia Tech, I found myself at a crossroads, contemplating the next step in my career. It was during the summer of 1993 that I encountered Debbie Bond, a chance meeting that would change the course of my life. She asked me, “Would you be interested in teaching some adjunct computer classes at NRCC?” The idea of teaching at NRCC was both thrilling and intimidating. Could I, a former student, now stand at the front of the classroom and teach others? The opportunity to give back to the institution that had given me so much was an honor I couldn’t pass up. Thus, my journey as an adjunct instructor at NRCC began, marking the start of a deeply fulfilling career in education. Over the years, my role at NRCC expanded far beyond the classroom. I took on various responsibilities, from working in workforce development to leading the NRCC Educational Foundation. Each role provided unique challenges and rewards, allowing me to contribute to NRCC’s mission. The sense of community at NRCC, both internal and external, has been a constant source of inspiration for me. The collective effort to support our students, whether through stocking a food pantry, purchasing glasses for a welding student, or providing full tuition through the ACCE program for every high school graduate in the New River Valley, has been nothing short of remarkable. As I reflect on my 32 years at NRCC, I am filled with gratitude and pride. The countless moments of joy, the shared successes, and the unwavering commitment to our students have made this journey an incredible ride. It has been an honor to be a small part of NRCC’s successes, and I am confident that the institution will continue to thrive and inspire future generations of students. ANGIE COVEY Executive Director, NRCC Educational Foundation Part-time 1993-1999 and Full-time 1999-2025

information technology, or the health care field who were within nine months of completing a “pathways” program with a credential leading to employment received up to $1,800 each for licensure testing, special uniforms needed for employment, and other pre-employment requirements. In 2018 several grants were awarded to specific academic programs. The Gene Haas Foundation awarded $10,000 to

provide scholarships to machine technology students. A total of $20,000 was given to the electronics program to purchase equipment--$15,000 from VPT, Inc., in Blacksburg, and $5,000 from Mr. Dan Sable, president of VPT, Inc. Also, the NRV Health Foundation contributed an endowment of $500,000 to be used for nursing scholarships. The NRV Health Foundation added $30,000 so scholarships could begin immediately in

Chapter 2