History
LFCC is located in an historic, cultural area of Virginia. The College was named for Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron who, in 1747, established his residence, Greenway Court, at nearby White Post. For 34 years, Lord Fairfax managed his vast property of more than five million acres that extended from Virginia’s Northern Neck to Fort Duquesne, now Pittsburgh. Born at Leeds Castle in 1693, Lord Fairfax graduated from Oxford College and first came to America in 1735 to inspect his inheritance from his grandfather, Lord Culpeper. The Fairfax landholdings included thousands of acres in the Shenandoah Valley encompassing the present counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah and Warren, as well as a substantial portion of West Virginia.
Lord Fairfax was a respected force in the formation of the new America. He befriended many, including George Washington, his surveyor. He supported General Braddock and was known and respected by “King” Carter, William Byrd and Governors Gooch, Dinwiddie and Dunmore. Lord Fairfax died at age 88 in 1781 at Greenway Court and was buried at Christ Church in Winchester. Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) pays homage to his respected name and legacy.
LFCC opened its doors in September 1970 to 577 students. Two years later in June 1972, the College held its first Commencement ceremony at which 92 students received degrees. The College received accreditation from the Southern Association of Community and Junior Colleges on Dec. 18, 1972. The first College president, William H. McCoy, facilitated the opening of the College and remained in this position until 1987. Marilyn C. Beck became the second president of LFCC in 1988 and served until 2003. John J. “Ski” Sygielski became the College’s third president in August 2003 and served until June 2008. Cheryl Thompson-Stacy became the College’s fourth president in January 2009 and served until January 2018. Kimberly Blosser became the College’s fifth president in February 2018. She oversees the administration of the educational needs of more than 9,500 unduplicated credit students and more than 12,150 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
The College
Founded in 1970, LFCC is a comprehensive, multi-campus public institution of higher education. Through its four locations - the Fauquier and Middletown Campuses and the Luray-Page County and Vint Hill Centers - the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the City of Winchester.
LFCC offers more than 65 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines, in addition to providing access to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs offered on site and online by a four-year institution. LFCC also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. LFCC serves more than 9,500 unduplicated credit students and more than 12,150 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
LFCC promotes equal opportunity in educational programs and activities, admission and employment without regard to race, color, sex or age (except where sex or age is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, veteran status, qualified persons with disabilities or other non-merit factors.
The College is governed by policies set by the State Board for Community Colleges with support and guidance from the LFCC Board. Financed primarily with state funds, the College supplements funding with contributions from the participating localities and tuition fees. As the vision statement, mission and goals reflect, LFCC is committed to excellence in all its programs and services while maintaining flexibility, accessibility and responsiveness. Helping each student achieve his or her future goals is the focus of the College.
Mission of Lord Fairfax Community College
LFCC provides a positive, caring and dynamic learning environment that inspires student success, values diversity and promotes community vitality.
Vision
LFCC enriches communities as we provide exemplary educational opportunities based on our core values.
Values
LFCC embraces the following core values:
Learning
We foster an environment that ignites and sustains a passion for lifelong learning.
High Performance
We are focused, responsive, collaborative and accountable.
Integrity
We exemplify honesty, character and respect for our communities.
Positive Spirit
We value creativity, enthusiasm and a “can-do” attitude.
Diversity
We honor the uniqueness of individuals and communities.
Goals
The College’s strategic plan may be found under the planning heading on the planning and institutional effectiveness Web site: https://www.lfcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/15-LFCC-054-2015-2021-Strategic-Plan-11x17.pdf.
Accreditation
LFCC operates as part of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and is governed by the State Board for Community Colleges. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) approves the associate degree curricula of the College for Virginia. Lord Fairfax Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Contact SACSCOC at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Lord Fairfax Community College. LFCC is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for various federal funding programs. Nursing programs are approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Locations and Facilities
LFCC’s four locations-the Fauquier and Middletown Campuses and the Luray-Page County Center and the Vint Hill Site-offer a full range of associate degree and certificate programs, as well as continuing education, workforce training, dual enrollment and community services. The College is committed to serving the lifelong learning needs of the community through both credit and noncredit educational opportunities.
Fauquier Campus
In December 1988, Fauquier County Executive Bob G. Sowder donated 2.5 acres of property to establish a community college campus. The renovated barn on this property became the Fauquier Campus of LFCC, which was later expanded when the General Assembly appropriated $7.2 million in 1996 to construct the current 60,000 square foot classroom and administrative building.
On Oct. 22, 1999, the College community celebrated the dedication of the new campus building, located on U.S. Route 29, just south of Warrenton. The Wolk Hall classroom and administrative building is named for Paul and Sheila Wolk, whose generosity to LFCC has made quality educational opportunities available to many students on both campuses.
In addition to the classroom and laboratory spaces on the Fauquier Campus, the Loeb Center is a dramatic space where students share activities, meals and study time. Students also utilize the resources available in the Bob G. Sowder Library and through the Student Services Office, where they can receive academic and career counseling, financial aid assistance and other services to assist them in achieving their educational goals.
Middletown Campus
LFCC’s Middletown Campus is on a 120-acre tract in the northern Shenandoah Valley approximately 10 miles south of Winchester, Va. Nestled among the Blue Ridge, Massanutten and Allegheny Mountains, with Interstate highways 66 and 81 and U.S. Route 11 adjacent, the campus is easily accessible. The recently renovated original College building includes classrooms, computer laboratories, administrative and faculty offices, a business office, and the Fredy and Klara Kumuli Lounge.
In 1985, LFCC built a technology center on the Middletown Campus, adding a Special Events Center, computer labs, classrooms and faculty offices. During the 1993 Commencement ceremony, the building was officially named the Alson H. Smith Jr. Technology Center. In 1994, the Learning Resources Center construction was completed and the facility was dedicated in April 1995 in honor of benefactor Paul Wolk of Fauquier County. Outside facilities include a regulation 400-meter Olympic-size track, fitness trail and soccer field.
In 2005, groundbreaking commenced on the Science and Health Professions Building. The 46,870 gross-square-foot, two-story building provides additional classroom space for the science and health professions courses offered at the College, providing state-of-the-art laboratories for scientific and health study.
In July 2010, the Corron Community Development Center opened. The 30,000 gross-square-foot building is a multi-purpose facility that supports workforce solutions, continuing education, small business development, College advancement and community events. This building also houses the Old Dominion Teletechnet program’s distance learning opportunities. The two-story facility includes classrooms, office space and a 500-seat multi-purpose room.
In January 2014, the beautiful Student Union opened. The 32,000 square-foot building provides new amenities for students. The Student Union provides a larger bookstore; fitness center; two exercise studios; food service and café; recreational lounge; two classrooms; a quiet study room; and offices for physical education faculty and Student Life and Engagement staff.
Luray-Page County Center
The Luray-Page County Center opened on Jan. 9, 2006. This space has two lecture classrooms, a distance learning classroom, a computer lab and administrative offices. The building supplies and labor necessary for the construction of the Luray-Page County Center, along with the Center’s first year operation expenses, were generously provided by Page County and the Town of Luray, making this truly a facility built by the community. The Center’s excellent core faculty group teaches a variety of both day and evening credit classes needed for both associate degree and certificate programs, while state-of-the-art equipment allows students to take advantage of resources available at all LFCC locations. The College provides noncredit training opportunities to enhance job skills and works with local businesses, placing student interns as part of the Scholars at Work Program. LFCC provides courses and programs at the Center to bring together quality career opportunities to its students and graduates.
Located in Luray just minutes from U.S. Route 340, U.S. Route 211 and the Hawksbill Greenway, the Luray-Page County Center serves Page County, eastern Rappahannock County, southern Shenandoah County and southern Warren County.
Vint Hill Site
The most recent LFCC location, Vint Hill, opened February 2015 in eastern Fauquier County. This space offers three lecture classrooms and two computer labs. Vint Hill’s class schedule is specifically geared towards those students in need of a more flexible learning environment. Classes are offered in the afternoon and evening hours and classes can be both standard lecture, with a faculty member onsite, or distanced to our other locations. The building is located on property that was previously used by both the Army and National Security Agency for training purposes. Vint Hill is conveniently located off of Route 29 and serves the needs of a rapidly growing area.
Programs
LFCC is a comprehensive institution of higher education offering programs of instruction generally extending not more than two years beyond high school level.
Student Services
The College is committed to enhancing the educational experience of each student through a variety of services and activities. Student Services facilitates personal growth and development and educational success through services such as:
- Academic advising
- Career services
- Disability services
- Financial aid (federal and state)
- Scholarships
- Student activities /clubs sports
- Student Learning Services
- Student organizations
- Student Support Services
- Tutoring
- Transfer planning
- Veterans’ educational benefits
Occupational-Technical Education
LFCC offers multiple degrees and certificates in a variety of subject areas that prepare students to meet the increasing demand for technicians, semi-professional workers, skilled craftsmen and artisans, supervisors and managers for employment in business, industry and government. Students who complete one of the programs are prepared to enter the workplace or pursue additional education. The subject areas for the programs include:
- Administration of Justice
- Business
- Cybersecurity
- Early Childhood Development
- Engineering, Construction and Industry
- Health Information Management
- Health Professions
- Information Systems Technology
- Paralegal
College Transfer-University Parallel Education
The college transfer-university parallel program focuses on college freshmen and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional programs.
After completing the first two years at LFCC, students are able to transfer to a four-year college or university and enter a bachelor’s degree program. To ease the transfer process, students are urged to work with an LFCC advisor and maintain contact with four-year college representatives before selecting courses. Admission and graduation requirements vary widely and sometimes change over time. LFCC offers the following four degrees and six specializations that lead to an associate of arts and sciences degree and one degree and four specializations that lead to an associate of science degree:
- Business Administration
- Education
- General Studies
- Administrative Justice Specialization
- Human Services
- Recreation and Outdoor Leadership
- Liberal Arts
- Communication Specialization
- Fine Arts Specialization
- Science
- Agriculture Specialization
- Computer Science Specialization
- Engineering Specialization
- Forensic Science Specialization
- Health Professions Specialization
Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education
Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education at Lord Fairfax Community College (Workforce Solutions) serves the individuals and businesses throughout the community with high quality, relevant course offerings. Workforce Solutions offers high-quality instruction and hands-on skills that transfer directly into the workplace. This unit offers instructional year-round programs convenient for individuals or employers at multiple locations, or even on-site for an organization.
Workforce Solutions provides open enrollment and online courses to help individuals quickly develop critical, high-demand job skills and earn recognized industry credentials. Over half the programs offered through Workforce Solutions result in certifications and licensure that lead to direct employment. Programs are offered in many categories of training that include Business & Professional Development, Computer & Technology, Healthcare & Wellness, and Industry, Manufacturing & Construction Trades.
Workforce Solutions also offers Contract Training Programs for employers, “fast track” Career Training Boot Camps and Career Changer Programs, Kids College Youth Camps, Online Learning, Personal Enrichment and Career Coaching & Job Placement Services (for eligible candidates). Depending on eligibility requirements met, Workforce Solutions can offer several funding options including Financial Aid towards Workforce Credentials, Grant Funding or Private Funding options. To learn more call 540-868-7021 or visit LFCCWorkforce.com.
LFCC Educational Foundation Inc.
The Lord Fairfax Community College Educational Foundation Inc. is an independent, not-for-profit entity dedicated to assisting the College in meeting its current and future needs. Its purpose is to generate support and resources for the College beyond those provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Incorporated in 1978, the Foundation is committed to raising funds for academic programs, facility upgrades, equipment, student scholarships and professional development for employees. Private contributions ensure that the College is able to keep its promise and pledge of providing increasing academic excellence and expanding business and industry services.
The Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c) (3) organization. All gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. For income tax purposes, the federal identification number for the Foundation is 51-0247624. Its fiscal year is January 1 through December 1.
Mission of the Foundation
The mission of the Lord Fairfax Community College Educational Foundation Inc. is to support the College in providing a challenging and enriching learning-centered environment for all students, employees and community members that prepares them to succeed in the 21st century. The Foundation accomplishes its mission by:
- Cultivating dynamic partnerships with individuals, businesses, organizations and communities,
- Securing funds to support the educational opportunities, programs, facilities and services offered by the College,
- Enhancing community awareness of the College and the Foundation, and
- Providing prudent fiscal management of funds and resources contributed to the Foundation.
The Foundation embraces the following core values as it conducts its operations, makes its decisions, and plans for its future:
- The Foundation is student centered. It focuses its efforts on enhancing their LFCC learning experience.
- The Foundation is donor oriented. It recognizes that its donors are vital to the Foundation and to the College. It respects them and it will be loyal to them.
- The Foundation is team driven. It will work together in its Foundation, in its College and in its community. Teamwork works.
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