Welcome

Elizabeth W. Payne, Ed.D. Retired, Virginia Western Community College

"My entire professional educational career, spanning 45 years, was spent in vocational education. Twenty-five of those years were spent at Virginia Western Community College, an institution I considered the epitome of what vocational education was all about. The college gave people what they needed and wanted. I was always inspired by the diversity of the students. They represented everything from high school dual enrollments, to professionals with masters and even doctorate degrees. Virginia Western is no longer 'the best kept secret in the Valley.' Dr. Sandel and the Educational Foundation have made a tremendously successful effort to cultivate the leadership of business and industry in the valley and to encourage their partnership in utilizing all Virginia Western has to offer in training their present and future employees.

"VWCC is one of the most valuable tools the region has to attract new employment opportunities and to enhance the quality of life through training and life-long learning. VWCC is truly the community's college!

"VWCC stays abreast of the trends in business and industry and is ready to supply the training needed for an educated work force. VWCC provides a stunning array of educational opportunities ranging from job training and college transfer to life-enhancing courses taken by a range of students from high school, to senior citizens, and all in-between.

"Regardless of the educational need or desire, VWCC can respond either by meeting the need on campus, or with its connections to other educational solutions and institutions."