Month 2 – Deepening Connections On and Off Campus
Letter to Faculty & Staff
Dear Colleagues,
These past few weeks have been filled with listening, learning, and deepening my understanding of Virginia Western. I continue to be energized by the dedication, talent, and potential I see across this institution and the momentum we’re building together.
Highlights and Themes
Over the past month, my focus deepened around collaboration and the framework I introduced at my inaugural address to the campus. At that time, I invited you to “Catch the Virginia Western VIBE.”
VIBE stands for Visionary Innovation and Bold Engagement and it’s more than an acronym; it’s a framework designed to inspire how we lead, collaborate, and imagine what’s possible for Virginia Western.
Rooted in collaboration, creativity and strategic foresight, VIBE will be intentionally designed to unite activation teams from across departments and divisions. Our goal will be to empower faculty, staff, students, and members of our community to co-create the future of Virginia Western. Further details will be shared soon!
I truly enjoyed participating in the many wonderful activities during in-service week and appreciated the opportunity to continue to connect with faculty and staff in meaningful ways.
While much of my focus has been on internal priorities these first two months, I’ve also been intentional about connecting with our broader community. To keep you informed and engaged, I invite you to follow along with my first year: virginiawestern.edu/president
Looking Ahead
I encourage each of you to start catching the VIBE, not just as a framework, but as a mindset. Every role on this campus is vital to our success. Together, let’s begin thinking more creatively, more boldly, and more collaboratively. Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. Your voice matters in shaping the path ahead.
As we continue this journey, I challenge you to bring your ideas to the table, especially the unconventional ones. Ask bold questions. Look at things through different lenses. Let’s build something bold and meaningful together!
With continued appreciation,
President Treanor
Highlights
- 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
