Dr. Laura J. Treanor, College President, shared this letter in the annual issue of Impact magazine. For more updates about Dr. Treanor’s work this year to build connections and foster collaboration, visit virginiawestern.edu/president for ongoing updates.
Since July 1 when I joined Virginia Western as president, my days and heart have been full of learning and gratitude. Countless members of our campus community have shown me what a privilege it is to step into a place where people care deeply about those around them and exhibit that care in tangible acts of hospitality and service.
Our beautiful campus and facilities have provided a perfect backdrop to so many indelible moments already: from walking among the Arboretum’s beautiful blooms, to taking selfies with students on an incredibly joyful first day of fall semester, to sharing time in thoughtful conversations with staff, faculty, board members and community partners.
At our opening session for faculty and staff, I asked everyone in what ways their work aligns with and advances our mission, which is to provide quality educational opportunities that empower students for success and strengthen communities. The excitement and volume of the conversations that ensued after I asked that question was heartwarming. We are indeed a mission-driven campus!
Rapid change is all around us, and we need steady hands and clear minds to adapt to technological development, workforce demands and economic fluctuations. Virginia Western has a track record of spurring innovation and developing community partnerships to establish our role as a trusted partner with business, industry and higher education in the Roanoke region and beyond, and we need to take that to the next level to benefit our students.
We need to foster an environment where creativity sparks workable, innovative ideas. When we encourage our employees to think differently, we ultimately serve our students better. This is one reason I am so thankful for the College’s Innovation Grants. With these, Virginia Western has been able to empower staff and faculty to focus on projects designed to propel our students’ academic learning and career preparedness. By targeting investment in innovation, we will not only adapt to change but lead the way.
Supporting our faculty, staff and students translates to investing in the Roanoke region’s economic and civic well-being. As president, I have the great pleasure of helping to shape this synergy and watching it unfold. Virginia Western spurs our community’s development, and I invite you to join us in forming a bold, future-focused vision that truly serves the best interests of our students and the region.
Sincerely,
Dr. Laura J. Treanor
President, Virginia Western Community College