An overachiever becomes the first in their family to graduate from college. A nervous introvert transforms into a confident extrovert. A person who grew up in poverty utilizes the resources around them to change the entire trajectory of their family.
For the last 60 years, these moments, both extraordinary and ordinary, have unfolded at Virginia Western Community College.
Graduates of the school have gone on to become medical doctors, pharmacists, military officers, researchers and therapists, among other occupations. Notable alumni include Radio DJ Barry Michaels, Law Professor Carol Swain and Virginia House of Delegates member Eric Phillips.
A Virginia Western education has never been confined solely to classrooms — the moments and experiences that happen outside of them matter just as much.
While the campus has changed drastically over the years, the core mission has remained the same: to provide quality educational opportunities that empower students for success and strengthen communities.
As the school’s Vice President of Student Affairs, Bernadette Battle wears many hats. In addition to leading all nonacademic student life programs, the senior executive officer also reports directly to the president.
“Fighting for the underdog is something I take tremendous pride in. So often, people are judged by their appearance or how much money they make,” she previously told The Roanoke Tribune. “That shouldn’t be the case. But in reality, it happens every single day.”
She added, “Some of the greatest success stories that I’ve ever encountered have come from individuals that wouldn’t necessarily pass an initial surface-level test. You should never count someone out because of your preconceived notions.”
When Samantha Miller was a student at Western in the 1970s, she says she never envisioned what her school would ultimately become.
“At that time, the country was deep into the Counterculture Era, a period where millions of young people rejected authority, consumerism and traditional social norms,” she said. “After I left Virginia Western, my daughter and grandson followed in my steps. I currently have a great-granddaughter studying to be a nurse.”
Coinciding with Western celebrating 60 years was the inauguration of its fifth president, Dr. Laura J. Treanor.
“Each of us is entrusted with something that can create possibility for someone else,” Treanor said during her formal ceremony at the Jefferson Center on Sept. 25. “And I have come to believe that leadership, at its very best, is the stewardship of that opportunity.”
Founded in 1960, VWCC has grown to serve nearly 8,500 students annually while offering dozens of programs categorized into associate degrees, certificates, and career studies certificates.
Additional information can be found at www.virginiawestern.edu.
