College Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Directions
Blue Ridge Community College provides exceptional educational experiences. Our comprehensive programs, leading to certificates, associate degrees, workforce credentials, and continuing education, develop the talents and skills learners need to shape a high-quality workforce for the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.
BRCC is the catalyst for opportunity and success in our region, empowering all learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
● Excellence in our work
● Caring about one another and engaging in our community at BRCC
● Understanding the challenges associated with pursuing higher education
● Collaborating with community and business leaders
● Creating an inclusive and empowering environment
● Promoting lifelong learning
● Fostering ethical behaviors
Objective 1: Developing Virginia's Talent
Strategic Direction: BRCC will ensure that the credentials we are offering align with local employer needs.
Recommended Course of Action:
- BRCC will comprehensively review the credentials we are offering; add, edit, or discontinue credentials to ensure optimal alignment with local employer needs.
- BRCC will work with community partners to develop new programs, apprenticeship and internship training opportunities to meet regional needs.
- BRCC will continue to monitor and utilize available funding sources to intentionally develop training and credentials.
- BRCC will incorporate training on AI and its proper use in research and the workplace to empower students to see AI as an advanced workplace skill.
- BRCC will equip learners with career ready technical and communication skills needed for business and industry.
Objective 2: Reaching More Virginians
Strategic Direction: BRCC will attract and engage people from the community whose lives and career aspirations could be improved with a course, credential, or degree from BRCC
Recommended Course of Action:
- BRCC will offer accelerated career pathways and flexible course offerings to attract a broad population of learners.
- BRCC will design programs, training, and credentials that ethically integrate AI and interpersonal skills that are relevant to business and industry to attract more Virginians.
- BRCC will strategically engage with the community to reach adult learners seeking a career change.
- BRCC will be a proactive partner in supporting the goals of the VCCS 2024 - 2030 Statewide Strategic Plan, Accelerate Opportunity.
Objective 3: Delivering Education to Today’s Learners: Foster employee development for changing instructional practices
Strategic Direction: BRCC will increase engagement in professional development opportunities to advance BRCC as a cutting-edge service provider.
Recommended Course of Action:
- BRCC will train its employees in the appropriate, ethical use of AI that benefits learning and enhances industry solutions.
- BRCC will train teaching faculty in methods to accommodate a variety of course modalities and class times, convenient for the 21st century student.
- BRCC will provide comprehensive professional development opportunities for all employees.
Objective 4: Supporting Today’s Learners
Strategic Direction: BRCC will increase usage of all services to support student retention and completion.
Recommended Course of Action:
- BRCC will identify and address communication gaps to better inform students about where to go when they are experiencing challenges.
- BRCC will identify barriers to student success, both academic and non-academic, and tailor services accordingly.