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two-year institutions being recognized. During the summer of 2010, English Professors Megan Doney and Dr. Samuel Olorounto were selected to participate in the Virginia Council for International Education-Virginia Community College System (VaCIE-VCCS) International Exchange program with two professors from Sunyani Polytechnic (now known as Sunyani Technical University) in Sunyani, Ghana. In 2011 Jay Wright, associate professor of accounting, was awarded the

Also, in 2014 Dr. Charles Steger, retiring Virginia Tech president, worked with NRCC’s public relations department and a professional film company to produce a television commercial to bring recognition to the college. In the commercial, Dr. Steger commended the value of NRCC and its students. In 2016, NRCC’s automotive program received the master level accreditation from the National

W orking at New River Community College has been such a wonderful experience. It often doesn’t seem like “work.” My colleagues and supervisors are incredibly supportive and have let me explore and create within the scope of my responsibilities. I appreciate so much that our leadership allows us flexibility and supports innovation. My absolute favorite thing about NRCC is the focus on, love for, and care of students! There are so many wonderful pro grams to help students connect and access resources (from basic necessities, to social engagement, to transfer, to career and life beyond our doors). I have really appreciated the “up ramping” of student activities and the increased emphasis on “students.” Examples of activities include Friday pie day, summer freshman orientations, donuts with the deans, and pizza with the president. MARGARET SPROULE Career Coach – Radford High School Employment at NRCC: Full-time 2014-present

Automotive Technicians Education Foundation

(NATEF). This is the highest level of achievement

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). Dr. Louise Billaud, professor of music, was chosen

recognized by NATEF.

Also in 2016, Yvetta Gueste, regional program specialist, received the 2016 Support Staff Award from the Virginia

as one of 12 recipients of the SCHEV 2014 Outstanding Faculty Award. She was the only recipient selected from the VCCS and the first recipient in the history of NRCC. She earned a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree from Boston University and was honored by the National Association for Music Education with the award for Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation. She later earned several other awards including the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 for demonstrating leadership, excellence, and longevity within her profession.

Association for Adult and Continuing Education (VAACE) for her work with NRCC’s Office of Transitional Programs. In addition, Angie Covey received the 2017 Regional Leadership Award from the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. In 2019 PTK advisor Ellen Oliver received a first place “Paragon Award for New Advisors,” and PTK advisor Brian Clark received first place for “Distinguished Chapter Advisor.” In 2019 Dr. Cynthia Wynne, professor of biology, was recognized for her travels to Manaus, Brazil, with the

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