As Virginia Senator Tim Kaine accepted the National Education Service Award at this year’s National Legislative Summit, he described education as “the great lifter and the great leveler.” These words speak to the heart of the open door mission of America’s community colleges, serving the 12 million Americans who fill our classrooms each year. The theme of “Diversity, Equity and…
Continue readingAlthough the perception of America’s colleges as tranquil oases of learning may have always been little more than a fanciful image, a harsh reality faces every community college president today. We are confronted with a challenge framed by a simple question: How do we keep our campuses safe? Whether the weapons wielded by potential attackers are high powered rifles or…
Continue readingThis is April, the month in which we celebrate Earth Day. CCBC faculty and staff have long been enthusiasts for—and advocates of—caring for the earth and the environment. In 2008, we took a strong first step towards solidifying college-wide enthusiasm for sustainability when I signed, on the college’s behalf, the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. Through this agreement, we…
Continue readingIt has been my honor each year to host the President’s Distinguished African-American Lecture Series in February as one of several significant events designed to honor the contributions of African-American citizens. In March, we strive to do the same to celebrate Women’s History Month by hosting events that celebrate the achievements of distinguished women. This year, however, our lecture series…
Continue readingAbout a decade ago, CCBC began to make its way through a $300 million capital agenda and we have been moving full steam ahead ever since. Our campuses are 60 years old. Sixty is not such a bad age for a person, but it is a terrible age for a building! Now we are in the process of steadily renovating,…
Continue readingThe weather predictions were gloomy, but the rain clouds held back their tears for our 2018 Commencement ceremony. There was no way the overcast skies could dull the shine on the faces of our graduates, their family and friends as they gathered to celebrate the awarding of well-earned degrees. Held on the grounds of CCBC Essex, the ceremony was scheduled…
Continue readingFifty years ago, the United States sent its first manned aircraft to orbit the moon, Boeing introduced the first 747 jumbo jet, and I began my career as a community college professional. While my entry into the community college sector may not have had a national or regional rippling effect, for me it was a significant event. It was a…
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