June 22 – Massanutten Regional Library (Harrisonburg); 3:30-5:30pm

June 25 – ���Ĺ��� Outpost (Waynesboro Innovation Hub); 3:30-5:30pm

July 7 – North River Library (Bridgewater); 3:30-5:30pm

July 9 – Augusta Co. Library (Fishersville); 10am-1pm

July 9 – Broadway Library; 3:30-5:30pm

July 15 – Elkton Community Center; 3:30-5:30pm

July 16 – Staunton Library; 3:30-5:30pm

July 23 – Churchville Library; 3:30-5:30pm

For more information, contact us at info@brcc.edu or (540) 453-0264.

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������ Leader Named Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow, Participating in Fellowship Preparing Next Generation of Presidents to Improve Student Outcomes

Last week, the Aspen Institute (Aspen) announced that Dr. Dave Urso, Vice President of Academic Affairs at ������ is one of 40 outstanding leaders from across the country for the 2026-27 . Chosen from a competitive pool of more than 125 applicants, these 40 executive and senior community college leaders were chosen for their potential to enact major reforms that deliver much stronger results for students.

“I expect that the Fellowship will help Dr. Urso further develop his transformational instincts while simultaneously helping him learn the most effective approaches to community college leadership,” said ���Ĺ��� President Dr. John Downey. “He is an innovative leader that is passionate, persuasive, and full of ideas.”

Over 15 years, Aspen’s research on high-performing community colleges has consistently shown that high and improving levels of student success are much more likely when an exceptional president is leading the community college. For that reason, Aspen has been working for a decade to help prepare a new generation of transformational community college leaders through this program.

Over the coming year, these fellows will:

• Deeply examine data on available jobs in their community and student outcomes at their colleges
• Learn about transformational models from 15 years of Aspen Prize research into colleges with high and improving levels of student success through the Aspen Prize process
• Receive coaching and feedback from accomplished college leaders, including sitting and retired presidents who have led transformational reforms
• Devise a concept for major reform strategy at their institution, receiving critical feedback from peers and experts along the way

“Our research shows that excellent colleges share a common trait: they are led by presidents who focus on a few transformative initiatives that extend beyond enrollment and even completion numbers, centering instead on whether graduates are prepared for transfer and bachelor’s attainment and success in the workforce or further education,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “I cannot wait to begin working with this impressive set of leaders.”  

Rising Presidents Fellows are chosen based on their commitment to improving student success and advancing economic mobility, their readiness to lead major student-success reforms, and the likelihood that they will assume a college presidency within five years of completing the program. The selected fellows come from 20 states and a wide range of institutions—from small rural colleges to large urban campuses—bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the fellowship. They join a vibrant network of over 500 peers—including over 215 sitting presidents—who are leading colleges that help more students finish college, transfer to four-year institutions, and secure good jobs.

The Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of the Burton Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, College Futures Foundation, Mellon Foundation, and the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at NC State University.

For bios and photos of all 40 leaders, visit the .��

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Though he was born in Mozambique, and has lived in a handful of places, David and his family consider Harrisonburg their home. Learning English by watching YouTube and listening to music, David also developed an interest in taking apart electronics and trying to put them back together at an early age. That hobby eventually turned into a job in the ������ Computer Repair Shop, and now, an Associate of Science degree in Computer Science from Blue Ridge. David will transfer to Radford University this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity.

“Some of us are parents. Some of us are still the children in our families. Some are transferring to new schools, and for others this may be the final step in our academic journey,” he said. “But no matter what our paths, we all carry different stories, struggles, and experiences that brought us to this moment.”

David recognized not only his own challenges along the way, but also those of his classmates. “The challenges we faced whether in our personal lives, our families, or even late nights with homework, those are the bricks that build who we become. So do not stop building,” he encouraged. “Maybe graduating today feels like finishing a house. But don’t stop there. Go build another one.”

Shenandoah Valley native Katie Frazier, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry for the Commonwealth of Virginia, was the keynote speaker. After pointing out how the industry affects so many aspects of daily life she asked, “But what if we went just a little deeper and thought about the other lessons you can learn from a farmer, and how they might help you in your quest to impact this region and Virginia as you take your next steps out into the world?” She went on the share five life lessons she’s learned from a career working with farmers – Patience, Collaboration, Resilience, Be Careful, and to Find Your Vocation.

“This world needs farmers and it needs public servants. But it also needs prepared minds, hearts for service, and ready hands to do good, valuable work,” she said. “And that is the bright future each of you have ahead of you, thanks to your time and experiences here.”

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Bringing experts from the automotive repair industry into the classroom has been a focus for instructors in the Automotive Repair program at ���Ĺ���. “We are grateful to have people in the community come in and talk with students so that they are prepared when they enter the work force,” Jeff Wiseman, Automotive Analysis & Repair Department Chair, explained. “Mike and I are doing our best to make sure the students who leave our program are prepared for the ‘real world’ so they have a better chance at success.”

Local shop foreman, Marcus Yeago, recently visited to demonstrate how to isolate the hybrid system from a 2024 Toyota Sienna hybrid van. Yeago works for McDonough Toyota in Staunton. Starting with an emphasis on safety, he brought common safety tools and equipment used to service hybrid and electric vehicles (EV). Marcus discussed common problems he has personally seen in the automotive industry and how important it is to be a professional in this field. 

“I learned a lot about how to safely disable the high-voltage system on a hybrid vehicle.  Having Marcus come in with a newer Toyota hybrid was very helpful in my understanding of how a hybrid works and how to stay safe while working on them,” said student Noah Mumbert.

Another guest lecturer this spring was Matt Donato from Standard Motor Products. Matt is an automotive educator who travels the country training professional automotive technicians and automotive instructors. Matt specifically wanted to demonstrate to ���Ĺ��� students an in-depth look into how to use a Pico oscilloscope. This highly-advanced tool is used to create real time graphs of electrical signals to help automotive technicians diagnosis today’s complex electrical systems.

For auto student Liam Chester, Matt’s lecture was a hit! “This was probably one of my favorite class periods for the semester. We had used the scopes a lot up to this point, but it was really neat to see someone who is super fluent in the way they operate,” he said. “You could tell throughout the presentation that he not only knew what he was talking about, but was very passionate about teaching the information.”

Classmate Edward Kirby agreed and added, “The demonstrations added a depth of knowledge and value to the class. Many things get lost in translation or become boring when reading but actually seeing it being done makes it much more interesting.”

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One of the many students who now regularly join Rasheed in the Rec Center is engineering student Izaak Mazur. Calling Rasheed, “a very down-to-earth professor with wicked dad jokes,” Izaak said they usually end up talking about food and what’s going on in their lives.

 “I think the fitness center is a wonderful space on campus and I try to go as often as I can.  I thought if more students experienced it even one time, that they would keep coming back,” Rasheed explained. And it turns out he was right; often the students who take him up on his offer end up becoming regulars at the Rec Center.

Many dedicated professors like Rasheed are finding creative ways to meet students where they are, offering extra support and adding value to the ������ experience.

English professor Pamyla Yates has begun holding early morning Student Engagement hours in a computer lab – and via Zoom – for students to practice keyboarding. “Over the years, a continual survey of my English language learning students showed that only 10-15% of the students had proficient keyboarding skills. In addition, many of our native English speakers have very spotty keyboarding skills as some schools make tech foundations optional,” Yates explained.

She said that efficient keyboarding skills can help students complete assignments in half or a third of the time, and also reduces errors. Being an English professor, she added “Students can also ask me any questions regarding English” during the help session.

An earlier riser who took full advantage of the keyboarding assistance is Sumaya Lak. Sumaya joined Yates most mornings by Zoom so she could get her children ready for school before she started her own day at ���Ĺ���. “I appreciate her,” Sumaya said about Yates. She said that the practice has helped improve her typing speed and accuracy, but also has helped with pronunciation. Seeing a word on the screen, then hearing and saying it, and also typing it, reinforced learning on multiple levels.

Dan O’Brien, ���Ĺ��� Computer Science professor and program, said that the extra keyboarding instruction has been a “huge boost for my students.” He added, “While they are familiar with using smartphones and tablets, many have never needed to use a computer keyboard. Pam has helped them with improved efficiency and accuracy when writing papers and especially with computer coding.”

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More information and registration links

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“Finding the right campus fit is vital to student success. There is nothing more reassuring to a student than feeling at home where they study,” she explained. “The opportunity to meet current 4-year students, see classrooms, and learn about campus activities and support systems is key to boosting student confidence as they prepare to transfer.”

Last month 32 ���Ĺ��� students visited the University of Virginia, as part of the university’s inaugural Transfer Visit. In addition to hosting ���Ĺ��� students, UVA invited students form PVCC and Virginia Western Community College. The first stop of the day was meeting with the Transfer Dean and hearing from a student panel about the admissions process and student life. Next up was a scavenger hunt exploring the Grounds to learn more about UVA traditions, resources, and to meet current students. The group had lunch together then broke into groups based on their academic interests to learn about school-specific admission information. The day wrapped up with a session about applying for financial aid.

Sisters Emilie and Katrina Pinkevich are first year transfer students at ������ who were part of the UVA visit. They are both considering transfer to the McIntire College of Business.

“The financial aid info session was very helpful for understanding UVA’s unique systems. I had a thoroughly positive experience and UVA is now my favorite transfer option,” said Emilie.

Katrina agreed that the visit was a success and, “I came away with a better understanding of what UVA is and their vibe. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that students get free access to all UVA sporting events!”

As the most popular transfer destination for ���Ĺ��� students, JMU is a frequent host for transfer tours. In February a group of 53 ���Ĺ��� students took the short trip to Harrisonburg to spend the day on campus. Rajan says that at JMU, “the Transfer Student Panel and lunch on campus are always highlights of the visit!

Starting at ���Ĺ��� is a great way to stay close to home, save money, and take advantage of seamless transfer options to nearly any public or private 4-year college in Virginia! Offering transfer support including customized advising, visits, and more, ���Ĺ��� students are sure to get the help they need to transfer successfully. 

For more information about transfer options, email info@brcc.edu or advising@brcc.edu.

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As a young man working in a tractor-trailer shop, Justin Hawkins watched as highly-skilled fabricators repaired frames, structural steel, and custom components. Seeing those welders take raw pieces of metal and turn them into functional finished works “sparked my passion for the trade,” Justin explained.

Deciding that he would benefit from formal training, Justin enrolled in welding classes at ���Ĺ���. He wanted to focus on pipe welding and structural steel, and hoped to “set myself apart and gain a true advantage in my trade” by taking classes. Welding instructor Wiley Perry was the perfect fit for Justin, teaching fundamental skills and emphasizing how to do them correctly. According to Justin, Wiley “had a teaching style that was clear, relatable, and confidence-building.”

As a student, Wiley said that Justin came to every class “on a mission” to become the best welder he could be. Wiley added, “His dedication and hard work really paid off for him as he earned many welding certifications in different positions. He always had a smile on his face when he lifted his welding hood!”

After finishing his welding training, Justin knew he wanted to start his own business as a welder, but didn’t want to take on the financial burden of a brick-and-motor shop. He also wanted to reduce downtime and increase the convenience of his services for his customers. With help from his wife Elizabeth, the name and logo for “WelderBeast” was born! The mobile welding business is Justin’s vision come to fruition.

“Being mobile allows me to meet clients where they are and handle a wide range of structural and fabrication needs on site,” he said.

Justin said competing with larger welding companies is a challenge but has found that his growing base of satisfied customers has led to lots of referrals as well as repeat business.

Among the most unique projects he’s tackled so far is a 1,000-pound custom corten steel electronic entry gate for a private estate in Albemarle County and work on a specialized water tower.  

“Every job—big or small—is done with pride, precision, and a commitment to doing it right the first time.”

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For her years of service to ������ and the Shenandoah Valley, an honorary Associate Degree was granted to Mrs. Colemon in May 2021.

Service to her community and church is paramount in Mrs. Colemon’s life as she has served, and continues to serve, on numerous advisory boards and commissions. Mrs. Coleman is the recipient of several awards and recognitions, including the City of Waynesboro National Volunteer “Star of the City” Award; a Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Leadership Award in 2009; a Million Dollar Medallion Award from the NAACP; and recognition of her church mission efforts in Ghana, West Africa.

Mrs. Colemon, one of thirteen children, was born and raised in western Albemarle County by her parents, Jesse and Julia Jackson. She is a proud graduate of Jackson Price Burley High School in 1966. Mrs. Colemon continued her education at Old Dominion Business School in Business Accounting and received missionary training under Frederick K.C. Price and Bishop Earl Patterson and other religious educational institutions. She was employed by Waynesboro City Public Schools in 1993, and retired in 2020 as Facilitator for the ISAEP/GED Program.

Her family includes three sons, three daughters-in-law, one granddaughter, a foster son, and legal guardianship of a niece and two nephews. She is a world traveler and life-long learner and especially enjoys museums! A favorite quote is “People may doubt what you say, but they will always believe what you do.”

������ is happy to honor and celebrate Mrs. Joyce Colemon!

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One of the most impactful, yet simple, services offered by the SOAR Center is the Lunch2Go program. A program to help qualifying students with nutritional needs, by providing meal vouchers for use on days the student attends on-campus classes.  The $10 vouchers can be used towards food items at the bookstore or the food trucks on campus.

SOAR Coordinator Donna Clem, explained. “The SOAR center has the pleasure of seeing Lunch2Go students on a weekly basis to provide not only food vouchers, but to develop a relationship. Life issues, challenges and academic struggles are uncovered during our conversations and together we pursue solutions.” Donna then works to help connect students to the appropriate campus or community resources. 

She added, “Since January 2024, we have over tripled the number of students participating in the Lunch2Go program through awareness of the program within the student body as well as with staff and faculty.”

Angie, a student working towards earning her certificate in advanced veterinary assisting, works 35-40 hours a week in addition to attending classes. She said she learned about the Lunch2Go program in her orientation class, “This is such a huge help because sometimes I am paycheck to paycheck. Also after school I often go straight to work and I would go all day without eating. With the lunch program I’m able to grab something before I go to work.”

David is a transfer student in computer science who also receives Lunch2Go vouchers. He said the support has helped him be a successful student because, “I don’t have to worry if I can afford to eat, so that’s one thing off my mind to focus on other things.”

Other SOAR services include:

Single Stop:

A free screening tool that assesses a student’s eligibility for federal, state and internal benefit programs and offers information about local resources. The SOAR Coordinator, Donna Clem, then follows up with students regarding their eligibility and next steps, and provide guidance to help students through the process.

TimelyCare:

A free virtual health and well-being platform for students. It offers on-demand emotional support 24/7 from a licensed mental health professional, including three scheduled counseling sessions per year. It’s also a place that students can share their feelings among peers and utilize self-care “journeys” online.

Temporary Emergency Financial Assistance:

This program is available to ���Ĺ��� students who meet defined eligibility requirements and demonstrate need through supporting documentation. 

������ Cares:

A program that provides basic personal hygiene products to students in need. 

The SOAR Center is funded by the ���Ĺ��� Educational Foundation. Foundation Director Amy Kiger explained that tuition and book assistance – in the form of student scholarships – is a significant priority for the ���Ĺ��� Educational Foundation. She added that in addition, for many years, the Foundation has also provided emergency funding to students as they deal with unexpected life challenges.  “We are grateful to have generous donors who have made this funding possible!  They understand that helping a student navigate a difficult financial situation may be the very thing that allows them to persist with their education.”

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