Dear Virginia Western community,
It is a privilege to become part of this remarkable College and community, and I am excited to serve as your new president. From my very first visit to campus, I have felt deeply welcomed.
I stepped into this role on July 1, 2025 with deep respect for the 24 years of visionary leadership provided by Dr. Robert Sandel, and with a commitment to stewarding the College’s next chapter with care, collaboration, and purpose.
My approach over this first year will be simple yet purposeful: Listen, Link, and Lead. I believe effective leadership starts with listening to those who care deeply about this College and the community it serves.
Over the coming year, the ideas you share and the connections we build will shape a bold vision for the College’s future.
I look forward to creating a future for Virginia Western rooted in student success, community impact, and opportunity for everyone in this region.
With appreciation,
Laura Treanor, Ed.D.
President
Virginia Western Community College
Highlights
This page will evolve as Dr. Treanor’s first year unfolds. Check in frequently to follow Dr. Treanor as she listens, links, and leads:
Month #3: Settling In and Setting the VIBE
- Settled deeper into the life and rhythm of Virginia Western, meeting with colleagues, donors, and regional partners to listen to insights and gain a clearer picture of the opportunities ahead
- Gained a greater understanding of Virginia Western’s strengths, challenges and exciting opportunities ahead in the Local Advisory Board and Educational Foundation board meetings
- Connected with students in meaningful and memorable ways — from cheering together at the Salem Red Sox game to learning about student life at the Warm Welcome and participating in a networking session featuring an inspiring alum speaker
- Met with College, VCCS, and partners college leadership to strengthen academic pathways through dual enrollment, transfer opportunities, and partnerships with four-year university partners
- Elevated Virginia Western’s visibility and regional impact through media interviews, participation in the Mayor’s Summit, and collaborative meetings with partners in neighboring localities
- Began laying the groundwork for two major initiatives: (1) a new leadership development program to empower and support campus leaders, and (2) the creation of VIBE teams — cross-campus groups launching in spring to co-create Virginia Western’s future
- Further developed the VIBE (Visionary Innovation and Bold Engagement) framework to focus on four key strategic areas:
- Teaching and Learning Innovation
- Future-Ready Workforce Development
- Operational Innovation
- Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
Month #2: Deepening Connections On and Off Campus
- Participated in 34 internal meetings to deepen my understanding and collaboration with faculty, staff, and students
- Joined the Agricultural Technology Advisory Committee meeting, made possible by an NSF grant, to learn more about the innovative ways Virginia Western creates programs with the future workforce in mind
- Meaningfully connected with faculty and staff, including breakfast, picnic, and dinner, during a packed in-service week
- Continued building relationships through numerous campus strolls–capturing selfies with students, faculty, and staff
- Delivered a welcome video message to students on their first day
- Traveled to Craig County, Botetourt County, Roanoke County, and the City of Salem to meet the school superintendent and reinforce our commitment to educating our community’s next generation (Franklin County and Roanoke City are on the books for September)
- Strengthened partnerships during six meetings with community leaders
- Represented the College through two momentous community events: The Roanoke Higher Education Center’s 25th anniversary celebration and The Excel Center’s grand opening, where I was able to meet and engage with the Governor
- Participated in several VCCS meetings and gatherings to strengthen my connections with my fellow Community College Presidents, the system office team, and the Chancellor
- Laid the groundwork for VIBE, which stands for Visionary Innovation and Bold Engagement, which is a framework designed to inspire how we lead, collaborate and imagine what’s possible for Virginia Western
Month #1: Prioritizing Internal Listening
- Participated in 44 meetings and engagements
- Met one-on-one with executive team members and deans to understand their priorities
- Popped into 12 team meetings across campus to learn how internal teams support students and the region
- Participated in a Q&A interview with a current student – her first as Virginia Western’s president
- Began building relationships with the Educational Foundation, Local Advisory Board, and community partners
- Formally signed a new articulation agreement with Roanoke College
- Traveled to Richmond to represent Virginia Western at the State Board meeting
- Met with VCCS leadership, including the Chancellor, system office VPs, and other community college presidents
Stay Connected
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