President’s Message

Welcome to Blue Ridge Community College. I am delighted that you have chosen Blue Ridge to pursue your associate degree, career/technical certificate, transfer preparation, or attainment of college readiness skills. You have made a smart investment in your future.

Once you are here, you will see how Blue Ridge elevates your educational experience and prepares you for 21st-century success in the workforce or at four-year colleges and universities. Our talented faculty develop and teach challenging programs that offer real-life practice, meet the needs of local employers, and lead to well-paying careers. With accessible campuses in Henderson and Transylvania Counties, and online courses, our smaller class sizes and customized training opportunities provide you with a more supportive, engaging learning environment that encourages critical thinking and problem solving.

While you’re a student at Blue Ridge, be sure to take advantage of the comprehensive array of support services that are available to you, including free tutoring and study-skill support at the Student Success Center. Also, a great “first stop” would be meeting with one of your counselors, who can answer questions about which classes or degree programs are best suited for your long-term career goals. Your counselor can help you navigate through the admission and financial aid application processes.

As the president of your community college, I believe every dream matters. I encourage you to explore our catalog and website to learn more about how Blue Ridge can help you pursue your dreams and reach your summit. You might be interested to learn that last year, Blue Ridge students received close to $500,000 in scholarships and financial aid assistance.

I wish you all the best as you embark upon this next step in your education, career, or personal enrichment. Our faculty and staff members are dedicated to elevating your experience. Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you on your journey.

Laura B. Leatherwood, Ed.D.

President