Letter from the President

Welcome to Laurel Ridge Community College! Whether your goal is to transfer to a four-year college or university, pursue education to begin or advance your career, or simply take courses for self-enrichment, we are here to help. Throughout your college experience, you will encounter dedicated faculty and an entire community ready to help you meet your goals.

Students tell us they find their courses exciting and engaging, and I am confident you will too. Our commitment to your success begins with top notch, caring faculty who are experts in their fields and dedicated to teaching. Laurel Ridge courses will help you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to prepare for the future. Ninety-seven percent of our students are highly satisfied with their experience at Laurel Ridge. In addition, Laurel Ridge has been designated a “Great College to Work For” by The Chronicle of Higher Education. Both student and employee satisfaction contribute to students’ ability to succeed.

With over seventy academic programs to select from, you have a wide range of options - some that you may never have considered. Transfer articulation agreements are available for a smooth transition to many four-year colleges and universities. In addition, professional development and short-term training courses taught by industry professionals can help you improve your skills to advance in the workplace.

Courses are available in traditional and summer semesters during the day as well as convenient evening, weekend, and shortened sessions from five-week to fourteen-week formats. Many courses, even full degree programs, are available online or in a hybrid format. Online courses allow students to attend a course anytime and from any place where they have Internet access. Both online and hybrid classes help you develop technological skills that will be critical to your success in the 21^st century global business community.

Regardless of which courses you take, and when, you will have excellent student support services, including financial aid and scholarship assistance, academic advising, career planning, tutoring services, instructional technology support, mental health and personal needs assistance, etc. Through peer learning and student activities, you will have an opportunity to enrich your personal development beyond the classroom.

I was the first in my family to attend college, and community college was where I found my focus. At the community college, faculty were dedicated to helping students succeed and staff were welcoming and supportive. I have seen first-hand the impact community colleges make in students’ lives, within families, and within our communities.

Congratulations on choosing Laurel Ridge, where it is our mission to provide a positive, caring, and dynamic learning environment that inspires student success, values diversity and promotes community vitality. You are now surrounded by a supportive community who care about your education, who share your aspirations, and who envision your dreams as their own. We look forward to helping you reach your goals every step of the way.