Message from the President

The Blue Ridge Community and Technical College continues to grow and strengthen each year. This year was no exception. We now offer over 40 associate degree and certification programs, in addition to online courses.

We have added new staff and faculty, new classrooms, and a new chemistry lab. We have articulation agreements with area four-year institutions to allow the transfer of credits between our schools. Nearly 60 school service personnel from Jefferson County Schools are enrolled and working toward a Board of Governors A.A.S. degree.

Last year, we received independent accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Since then, we have embarked on a “Name Change Initiative” to create a new name for our college, a name that reflects our mission and the area we serve. We spent several months collecting input from a task force, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and local businesses and residents. We received the necessarysupport from the West Virginia Legislature and we officially changed our name from CTC Shepherd to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.

With the region’s economy expanding so rapidly, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College’s Division of Economic and Workforce Development efforts continue to ensure that we have the most highly trained and skilled workforce available. This year, we worked with over 20 businesses to provide training customized to suit their particular needs. More than 1,200 high school students are eligible to receive college credits through our ‘EDGE’ program.

As you can see, the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College has been through many changes over the last year. Although we may be changing, we still continue to offer our students the same flexible, high quality educational opportunities. That is one thing that we will continue to provide.

Sincerely,
Peter G. Checkovich, President