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At Blue Ridge Community College, we transform lives through the power of learning.
Campus News keeps you informed about our latest stories, successes, and opportunities.
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A Message from Our President | |
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Every day at Blue Ridge Community College, we’re operating with the core belief that education transforms lives and communities. So, as we enter the homestretch of the fall semester and prepare to enter the holiday season, we’re giving our all to help students and soon-to-be graduates finish strong.
You’ll soon be hearing more about December’s Fall Commencement ceremony, which is shaping up to be our largest yet, granting more credentials to more graduates than ever! We’re also hard at work helping incoming students to find the right programs and courses for their goals as the Spring Semester quickly approaches.
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We are continually working to make Blue Ridge Community College a more flexible, affordable, and excellent resource for all. This successful institution is what it is because of so many of you - along with our community leaders, lawmakers, and committed industry partners - who invest in our students to be sure they gain the right opportunities and connections along their journeys. (We celebrated many of these industry partners during October’s Manufacturing Month and November’s Apprenticeship Month activities.) It truly is a team effort to build a stronger workforce and tomorrow.
I strongly encourage all who need a ‘Future Proof’ education to advance or change careers to see what Blue Ridge can offer. We serve adult students of all ages, and we’re now accepting applications for our Spring Semester through Dec. 14, with another enrollment opportunity on Jan. 4 to claim any unfilled seats. And remember we have 8-week Short Course options to save you time, along with several rewarding new programs added for this academic year. Get started at blueridge.edu/admissions today!
We look forward to seeing you in the holiday parades this weekend in downtown Hendersonville and Brevard; give us a wave!
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Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, President | |
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Financial Aid Available for Spring Enrollment!
Apply by Dec. 14.
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Understanding the challenges that student debt introduces, Blue Ridge Community College is committed to helping students reach their highest goals while saving money. To this end, the College’s Financial Aid office helps applicants to pursue valuable state and federal grants. Additionally, Blue Ridge’s Educational Foundation provides hundreds of scholarships worth approximately half a million dollars each year.
Serving Western North Carolina on campuses located in Henderson and Transylvania counties, Blue Ridge Community College offers over 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates in 30 areas of study. Many of the College’s classes have fully online options available, in addition to fast-tracked skill building programs to advance new or existing careers.
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Apprenticeships: Meeting the Demand for Skilled Trades Professionals | By: Dr. Laura Leatherwood | |
At a time when industry demand for skilled trades workers outpaces supply, Blue Ridge Community College continues to leverage and innovate apprenticeships as a valuable strategy to bring qualified professionals to these technical fields. As it stands, there are only 72 workers available for every 100 open jobs, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Fortunately, meeting these kinds of challenges head on is where community colleges shine. | |
Video: Nursing at Blue Ridge Community College | |
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In this video, Blue Ridge graduate Jessica Garcia-Lopez describes how she found a passionate career and second family through the nursing program at Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge nursing students earned a 100% pass rate on the national licensure exam last year.
“Nursing gives my life purpose. It makes me feel as though I am making a difference in the lives of others,” said Jessica Garcia-Lopez of UNC Health Pardee.
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Blue Ridge Community College Nationally Ranked a Top College for Online Degrees in Public Service for 2024 | |
Blue Ridge Community College has been ranked one of the best institutions in the country for online degrees in a public service field by STEPS (Student Training & Education in Public Service), a higher education referral agency. Only 13% of colleges and universities in the United States earned a rank for the 2023-2024 academic year. | |
Community Effort Honors Life of Fallen Deputy Ryan Hendrix and Supports Law Enforcement Cadets | |
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In honor of Ryan P. Hendrix, a Henderson County Sheriff’s Office deputy who lost his life in the line of duty in 2020, Buchanan Construction presented a $25,000 donation to Blue Ridge Community College on Oct. 17. The funds were raised through this fall’s first annual Ryan Hendrix Memorial Golf Tournament to support aspiring officers enrolled in Blue Ridge’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program.
Related Story: Sporting Clays Tournament Raises $17k for Foundation
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Student Accessibility Services Rebranded for Inclusivity | |
This fall, Blue Ridge Community College’s Disability Services office joined a growing number of institutions nationwide in adopting a more fitting name: Student Accessibility Services. The change is intended to provide a more comprehensive experience for students – empowering them to explore their options for assistance and, ultimately, better serving them according to their diverse needs. | |
Learn about Flex Labs at Blue Ridge Community College | |
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Business and Industry Leaders: In 2022, the College built a $23.4M state-of-the-art facility in Henderson County which houses 6,200 square feet of flexible industrial space called Flex Labs. Inside the Patton Building, these two adaptable labs are upfit with gas, water, air, and electrical connections required for industrial and customized training operations. Learn more below or at blueridge.edu/flex.
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A Special Message from our Educational Foundation | |
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As we enter the final month of 2023, please read this important message from Trina Stokes, executive director of the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation.
Excerpt: "Last year, transformative generosity provided $1.4 million dollars in impact for more than 1,725 students, jumpstarting futures and removing barriers through scholarships, wraparound student supports, program enhancements and dynamic opportunities that would not exist otherwise. Thank you to our community for such outstanding partnership."
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Elevate Your Career at Blue Ridge Community College | |
At Blue Ridge Community College, you’ll find a meaningful full- or part-time career that makes an impact and a community where lives are transformed through the power of learning. Learn more at blueridge.edu/careers. | |
What's Happening on Campus? | |
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Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator Launches 2024 Registration
Registration is now open through January 10 for the 2024 Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator program at Blue Ridge Community College. For the sixth consecutive year, Blue Ridge and the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce have partnered to offer the Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator: a five-month, ten-session program for business owners to innovate and improve their businesses. You'll learn from local entrepreneurs and experts in business management, leadership, planning, branding, marketing, logistics, sales, accounting, purchasing, raising capital, information technology, human resources, time management, new business development, operations and distribution.
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Blue Ridge Piano Concert Series
Following breathtaking performances by Dr. Kevin Ayesh and Dr. James Helton, the Blue Ridge Concert Series continues on March 19 with Dr. Kirill Gliadkovsky, followed by Dr. Lino Rivera on April 23. Stay tuned for more information, or visit www.blueridge.edu/events for all upcoming public events.
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Winter Wonder Glam: Hairshow and Canned Food Drive on Dec. 11
On Dec. 11, join our Cosmetology and Esthetics students from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. for a day of creativity and talent. This event is free, and guests are asked to bring five non-perishable food items to donate; these items will be distributed to area shelters this holiday season. Learn more on the event webpage.
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Visit the Lakeside Café
Operated by the Hendersonville Community Co-op, The Lakeside Café is open to the public for business in the Killian Building of the Henderson County Campus! Typical hours are M-F, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Current hours and menu information are available on the co-op website.
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Visit the Libraries of Blue Ridge Community College!
Our Libraries in Henderson and Transylvania County serve our students AND the public. Visit blueridge.edu/library for hours and upcoming events!
Mark your calendars*:
Jan. 16, 2024 | 1 p.m. - Compost and Soil: proven WNC amendments
Jan. 20, 2024 | 2 p.m. - Jeffrey Blount, author of Mr. Jimmy From Around The Way
*Henderson County Campus
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