Virginia Western nursing students selected for Earn to Learn program become ‘practice-ready’ with fewer financial stressors
Nursing shortages make headlines across Virginia and the nation. Virginia Western Community College has a new tool to address those shortages and make nursing school more accessible — the Earn to Learn Nursing Education Acceleration Program. Virginia Western’s Associate of Applied Science Nursing Program, a… Continue Reading Virginia Western nursing students selected for Earn to Learn program become ‘practice-ready’ with fewer financial stressorsRead More
Dental Hygiene students represent profession to legislators in Richmond
Virginia Western Community College's Dental Hygiene Program exists "to empower students to become ethical, self-directed primary care providers." Students in the program lived out that mission even before graduation by uniting at a Rally Day in Virginia's General Assembly to advocate for their profession and… Continue Reading Dental Hygiene students represent profession to legislators in RichmondRead More
Virginia Western student veterans return from Colorado convention knowing they can ‘make a difference’
Supporting military-connected students at Virginia Western Community College can extend far beyond the Roanoke Valley's borders. Three student veterans journeyed to Colorado in January for a valuable opportunity for networking and personal growth. The Student Veterans of America National Conference, known as NatCon, is the largest… Continue Reading Virginia Western student veterans return from Colorado convention knowing they can ‘make a difference’Read More
Digital archives preserve Virginia Western’s past
Yearbooks, newspapers and catalogs from throughout Virginia Western's nearly 60-year history have been digitized and are now available to search, view and share. As part of a collaborative project with the Library of Virginia in Richmond, the College was able to digitize the collection that… Continue Reading Digital archives preserve Virginia Western’s pastRead More
Altec internship proves key piece of engineer’s academic journey
By Karenna Glover For as long as he can remember, Kevin Austin has always been a mathematical, analytical thinker. As a student at James River High School, Austin attended the Botetourt Technical Education Center (BTEC), and that’s where he connected his problem-solving mindset to a… Continue Reading Altec internship proves key piece of engineer’s academic journeyRead More
Support propels career in Surgical Technology
By Allison Taylor Onaca Umak had originally planned to study nursing at Virginia Western, but after applying to the program, she learned she was missing a prerequisite course. That was far from the end of her healthcare education at the College, however. Guided by her… Continue Reading Support propels career in Surgical TechnologyRead More
Steel Dynamics partnership empowers apprentices
A hydroponics system was brought to life by Timothy Boyd and Daniel Moran, two students in the College’s Mechatronics program, and sponsored apprentices at Steel Dynamics Roanoke Bar Division (SDI). Their work highlights a growing collaboration between the College and SDI, as well as a… Continue Reading Steel Dynamics partnership empowers apprenticesRead More
Arboretum’s day-to-day operation depends on plant sales
The Community Arboretum’s Poinsettia Sale, open to the public, is Friday, Dec. 5, from 3-6 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Charitable donations, volunteer efforts and plant sales help pay for site improvements and day-to-day operations of the Arboretum. By Allison Taylor… Continue Reading Arboretum’s day-to-day operation depends on plant salesRead More
Virginia Western announces new Dean of Health Professions, while celebrating legacy of longtime colleague and strength of healthcare programs
Virginia Western Community College is pleased to announce that Susan Nolley has been appointed Dean of Health Professions. She will transition to the role on Oct. 10 to facilitate transition with Dean Marty Sullivan, who is retiring Jan. 1, 2026. Nolley was selected through a… Continue Reading Virginia Western announces new Dean of Health Professions, while celebrating legacy of longtime colleague and strength of healthcare programsRead More
Military Friendly Survey recognizes Virginia Western with Silver Designation
Virginia Western Community College has been recognized with a Silver Designation during assessment by the Military Friendly Survey. In the 2025-2026 survey cycle, Virginia Western received the award or rank of Friendly, with Silver Status, in the Large Community College category. The College also has… Continue Reading Military Friendly Survey recognizes Virginia Western with Silver DesignationRead More
Recent News
- Virginia Western nursing students selected for Earn to Learn program become ‘practice-ready’ with fewer financial stressors April 16, 2026
- Virginia Western’s STEM Day puts learning in K-8 students’ hands April 14, 2026
- Michelle W. Franklin, Carilion Clinic Chief Nursing Officer, named 2026 Distinguished Alum at Virginia Western Community College April 9, 2026
- State Board for Community Colleges to consider 2026-2027 Tuition and Fees at meeting on May 21, 2026 April 3, 2026
- Virginia Western’s Student Affairs team puts laser focus on student needs ‘to help them continue moving forward’ April 1, 2026

