91影视 reminds prospective students that college may be more affordable than they think. During a recent interview on The Valley Today, Director of Financial Aid Buddy Wilson shared that students pursuing degrees, workforce credentials and career training programs have access to a variety of financial aid opportunities, including federal grants, state assistance, G3 funding, FastForward support and scholarships. He encouraged anyone considering college, whether they are a recent high school graduate or an adult returning to school, to explore their options and connect with the college’s financial aid team for personalized guidance.

One of the key messages from the conversation was that cost should not prevent students from taking the first step. 91影视 offers financial aid assistance throughout the application process and helps students identify funding sources they may not realize are available. Programs such as G3, help eligible students prepare for high-demand careers, while FastForward funding supports short-term training programs that lead to new job opportunities, in some cases in just a matter of months. The college also awards millions of dollars annually in grants, scholarships and work-study support, thus creating pathways for students to achieve their educational and career goals.

For those thinking about enrolling, 91影视 offers information sessions, campus visits, open houses and other events designed to answer questions and connect students with resources before classes begin. College leaders emphasized that it is never too late to explore financial aid options and encouraged prospective students to learn more, complete the FAFSA and discover how 91影视 can help them gain skills, earn credentials and move forward with confidence.

Learn more about getting started at 91影视: 

• laurelridge.edu/getstarted

Financial Aid Information:

• laurelridge.edu/financial-aid

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FEA Faculty & Dean Win Awards at Annual Recognition Celebration

Future Educators Academy (FEA) faculty received the Collaboration Award at 91影视鈥檚 annual Faculty Awards and Recognition Ceremony in May.

Additionally, Dr. Nicole Munday, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, received the 2026 Distinguished Administrator Award! She was nominated by multiple faculty and staff members who had these things to share about her:

鈥淪he operates with transparency and a can-do attitude, helping navigate challenging situations or to brainstorm solutions in a collaborative and transparent way; she also embodies a wealth of integrity; Nicole weighs decisions in a measured way, and she always shares her rationale and considers feedback as a working piece of her deliberations; Nicole鈥檚 leadership is a steadying influence that helps those working under her maintain their composure and follow by example; she provides insightful suggestions for how to improve processes while still protecting faculty鈥檚 time and main focus on teaching; she truly relies on her faculty鈥檚 knowledge and expertise, and she is often a voice speaking up on college committees and workgroups to consider the faculty鈥檚 point of view鈥�.

Dr. Munday, we are so proud of what you do for us and the college every day!

New Student Orientation

On May 19, the FEA welcomed incoming students and their families to New Student Orientation. Hosted by returning FEA seniors, the event marked the beginning of these students’ journey toward simultaneously earning both an Associate of Science Degree in Education and a high school diploma.

The evening introduced students and families to the academic expectations of college coursework, FEA policies and procedures, practicum requirements, student support services, and program logistics. Current FEA seniors, Skyla and Derek, shared their experiences and offered words of encouragement to the incoming class.

Parents and students then participated in separate sessions. Parents met with FEA Director Lori Killough, who offered encouragement and practical guidance on supporting their students as they transition into the responsibilities and expectations of college while still in high school. New and returning FEA students took part in team-building activities led by FEA Professor Jennifer Strickler.

The evening concluded with optional campus tours, and students and families left excited to begin classes on Aug. 17.

FEA Students and Professor Join the 20th Anniversary Celebration for the Luray-Page County Center

On June 11, FEA seniors and Page County residents, Emilee and Sophia, along with FEA professor Jennifer Strickler, a Page County resident, participated in and were recognized at the 20^th anniversary celebration. 

As We Begin a New Academic Year, 91影视 Has a Lot to Offer 

There are many opportunities for students to get involved in campus happenings.  Be sure to check out the Student Life website for a calendar of events and more details! 

Also, don鈥檛 forget to explore all the support and resources that are here for you as a student. 

A Few Odds and Ends to Note for Back to School 

• Attendance: We are required by the school systems to track and report attendance daily, and they take this seriously. Please email fea@laurelridge.edu with any attendance alterations (absences, early dismissals, late arrivals), no later than 8:00 a.m. the day of occurrence. For early dismissals/late arrivals, students will need to check in (or out) with the FEA Office (The Lodge, Rm. 325) before going elsewhere.  
  • Practicum Days:听If students are absent/leaving early/arriving late, please email听your听91影视听practicum instructor听(Professor Johnson or Professor Strickler),听your cooperating teacher at the elementary school, and听include听fea@laurelridge.edu听to notify them of听any changes听no later than 8:00 a.m.听that morning.听
• Cell Phones:听鈥淣o Cell Phone Use鈥澨齩n campus.听Should emergencies arise, parents听should听contact the FEA office at (540) 868-7235.听
• Snacks:听FEA听provides听a听snack听at no cost to FEA students,听but听it听may not always be what students want. We听also听have vending machines听in Cornerstone Hall;听however, students would need to听purchase听these items themselves.听Students may also want to听bring听a drink in听their FEA tumblers or fill听them听at the water filter stations听around听campus.听
• Transportation: Waiver forms听must be听submitted听and approved if听a听student is not听using the public school听system听transportation听(even if only occasionally).听Please contact the FEA office if you need a form.听
• If a student is struggling,听please reach out to Mrs. Killough sooner rather听than later, via email听at听lkillough@laurelridge.edu or phone听(540) 868-7235听so that we can connect you with the right resources.听

Important Dates for FEA

• Aug. 17 鈥� First Day for FEA Students 
• Aug. 24 鈥� Fall Semester Officially Begins 
• Sept. 7 鈥� Labor Day Holiday 
• Sept. 25 鈥� First Day of Practicums 
• Oct. 13 鈥� Field Trip to Belle Grove (Juniors) 
• Nov. 2 鈥� Virtual Day for FEA 
• Nov. 25-27: Thanksgiving Holiday/Closed 
• Dec. 14-Jan.15 鈥� Students Continue in Practicums on the Days their School is in Session 
• Jan. 19 鈥� FEA Spring 2027 Semester Begins 

Choosing a college path can feel overwhelming, but here at 91影视, we make that process personal and approachable. On this episode of 鈥淭he Valley Today,鈥� outreach specialist and career coach Thomas Monk shares how his role is centered on helping prospective students of all ages navigate everything from applications and financial aid, to career exploration and transfer opportunities.

With a simple philosophy that “half the hurdle is just getting started,” Monk serves as a trusted first point of contact, connecting students to the right resources while making what can seem like a complicated process feel easy.听

The conversation also highlights 91影视’s guaranteed transfer agreements with 37 Virginia colleges and universities, expanding workforce and tech programs, and the college’s commitment to meeting students wherever they are in their educational journey, whether that is exploring college for the first time, returning after years away, or preparing for a new career. 

Learn more about getting started at 91影视:听

• laurelridge.edu/getstarted

Schedule a visit: 

• laurelridge.edu/visit听

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A rewarding nursing career may be closer than you think. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael was joined by 91影视 Director of Marketing Guy Curtis, Dean of Health Professions Dr. Scott Vanderkooi, and Interim Director of Nursing Dr. Amanda Hodges to discuss the many pathways into nursing and other healthcare careers. 

The conversation highlighted a common misconception that becoming a nurse requires four years of education at a university. Through 91影视’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program, students can complete their education and become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam in about two years. Graduates are entering a field with strong demand and excellent employment opportunities throughout the region. 

The episode also introduced 91影视’s new weekend RN cohort, launching in spring 2027. Designed for working adults, the program combines online coursework with weekend labs, simulations, and clinical experiences, making it possible for students to continue working while pursuing their nursing degree. 

Whether you’re a CNA, LPN, EMT, paramedic, career changer, or someone exploring healthcare for the first time, 91影视 offers flexible options to help you reach your goals. The discussion also covered G3 funding, which may help eligible Virginia residents significantly reduce or eliminate tuition costs for high-demand career programs, including nursing. 

Prospective students and families are encouraged to attend an upcoming nursing information session to learn more about admission requirements, program options, funding opportunities, and career pathways. 

Learn more about 91影视 Nursing: 

• laurelridge.edu/nursing听

Schedule a visit: 

• laurelridge.edu/visit听

Explore G3 funding: 

• laurelridge.edu/G3

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91影视 is celebrating Virginia Intern Day 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at the Middletown Campus. The Valley Internship Experience Workgroup (VIEW), of which the college is a member, is hosting the networking event, complete with panel discussions and recognition of internship success stories.

The event is free, and interns, their hosts and employers are encouraged to attend. Lunch will be provided. The registration deadline is Monday, July 27.

鈥淚nterns and their employers from our region are coming to the college to share their experiences and discuss the benefits both students and employers gain from internships,鈥� said Sonya Foor, the academic and career support coordinator at 91影视. 鈥淲e will have a panel of local employers sharing their insights, as well.

鈥淰irginia Community College System Chancellor David Dor茅, in line with the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges鈥� Accelerating Opportunity six-year strategic plan calling for significantly increasing the number of students participating in paid internships and apprenticeships, has directed community colleges to emphasize work-based learning opportunities. 91影视 Career Services is raising awareness of the value of internships and fostering increased connections between our faculty members and area employers.鈥�

Internships play a critical role in preparing students for the workforce while giving regional employers early access to emerging talent. Internship participation in the Shenandoah Valley is on the rise in industries such as healthcare, technology, education and public service.

鈥淭his is a professional development opportunity for interns, as well as a celebration of their contributions to businesses and organizations,鈥� said Mary Sullivan, project coordinator for Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership 鈥� Valley Internship Experience Workgroup (VTOP-VIEW).

VIEW is also hosting a Virginia Intern Day Tuesday, July 28, at James Madison University. 

To register for the 91影视 event, visit .

鈥嬧�婬ilary Echols writes fiction and nonfiction that inspire a love of learning, an appreciation of others, and a curiosity about the natural world. After studying English and elementary education in college, she spent a season in the classroom and eventually had the privilege of homeschooling her own children. She currently lives and writes in Virginia with her husband, kids, and a chocolate lab named Bear. She is represented by Lori Steel of SteelWorks Literary.

Toni R. Settles is an author, literacy advocate, and founder of Well Read Child, an organization dedicated to increasing access to diverse children鈥檚 books. A proud Washingtonian and mother of two, she creates stories that celebrate identity, confidence, and imagination. Through books, school book fairs, and community programs, Toni works to ensure every child can see themselves reflected in the stories they read and the dreams they pursue.

A wild thunderstorm may have disrupted the order of events at 91影视鈥檚 20th anniversary celebration for the Luray-Page County Center (LPCC) on June 11, but it wasn鈥檛 enough to put a damper on the spirits of those in attendance. Speeches by President Kim Blosser, current students, alumni and supporters were moved inside Jenkins Hall, as was the buffet line, but a stoppage of the storm and cooler temperatures lured diners back outside to the large tent erected for the occasion.

The original LPCC opened in September 2006, in the former Vanity Fair Wrangler Annex building on North Hawksbill Street in Luray. The new 13,000-square-foot center located near the Walmart on land donated to the 91影视 Educational Foundation opened five years ago. With this new site, 91影视 has been able to expand its class offerings with the presence of on-site trades and science labs.

鈥淭his week, we started our first cohort of the certified nurse assistant program,鈥� said President Kim Blosser, who noted that the center has been home to a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program since 2022.

The PTA course had been operated as an accredited satellite site for Germanna Community College鈥檚 program, but starting this fall, 91影视 will be an accredited independent operator of the program.

In the 20 years since its inception, the LPCC has served 2,875 students. President Blosser was one of several speakers to pay tribute to longtime LPCC Manager Judy Suddith.

鈥淎lmost since the very beginning, Judy Suddith has been a constant presence here,鈥� said Dr. Blosser. 鈥淪he has been an adviser, and has now taught hundreds of students. She serves as a mentor to many students.鈥�

In more recent years, Suddith has added teaching English classes to her duties.

鈥淚 told her my plan, and she was just as determined for me to succeed as I was,鈥� student Sophia Wolf, who wants to become an art teacher, said of Suddith. 鈥淪he has given me the support and drive to succeed in my education. I leave this campus knowing that she isn鈥檛 just my adviser and my teacher 鈥� she鈥檚 my very best friend.鈥�

Jessica Knight, who is the vice president of administration and executive operations at Pioneer Bank, graduated from 91影视 in 2007. She said she was the very first work-study student at the LPCC.

鈥淏efore this beautiful building existed, 91影视 was already helping me and so many others pave our path to success,鈥� said Knight, who chose the college for its affordability and proximity.

Former Page County Public Schools Superintendent Donna Whitley-Smith, the vice chair of the 91影视 Educational Foundation Board, was the evening鈥檚 final speaker.

鈥淚 have been a witness of how this college has impacted lives and opened doors,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he presence of this college says something important about our community 鈥� we鈥檙e willing to commit to a better future for those who follow us.鈥�

Just shy of 3,000 Page County residents have been served by the LPCC since it first opened in 2006. The vast majority 鈥� 2,573 鈥� have taken college credits. The remainder have taken Workforce Solutions classes 鈥� 226 鈥� and Adult Education classes 鈥� 76. Our credit students have earned an average of 14 credit hours each. The 923 LPCC students who have graduated from the college have earned a combined 1,564 degrees and certificates.

The college鈥檚 most recent issue of The Laureate provides a more in-depth focus on the LPCC.

At 91影视, sometimes meaningful change begins with a simple conversation. Nearly a decade ago, a chance discussion between a college employee and a dedicated Rotarian sparked an idea鈥攐ne that has since evolved into an international outreach effort bringing dental care to those who need it.

That impact was clearly felt during a recent four-day service experience in Negril, Jamaica. In just a few days, more than 100 patients received care鈥攎any experiencing a professional dental cleaning for the very first time. For 91影视, those moments go far beyond numbers. They reflect the college鈥檚 commitment to expanding access to care while shaping compassionate, skilled professionals.

This work is powered by a strong partnership with Rotary. Through global grants, a simple shipping container was transformed into a fully equipped dental clinic鈥攏ow a welcoming, functional space serving patients year-round. It stands as a powerful example of what鈥檚 possible when organizations align around a shared purpose.

For recent graduates of 91影视鈥檚 Dental Hygiene Program, the experience is both a milestone and a beginning. Stacey Escobar, Dahye Seo, and Nataly Hernandez each put their training into action, navigating real-world challenges while building meaningful connections with patients. It鈥檚 an opportunity to step confidently into their careers while making an immediate difference.

Back in Middletown, that same philosophy guides the 91影视 dental clinic. Community members can receive free cleanings while students complete clinical hours鈥攃reating a shared experience that benefits both learning and access to care.

The Dental Hygiene Program remains intentionally small and highly focused, accepting just 18 students every two years. Looking ahead, opportunities to get involved continue to grow. From volunteering as a patient, to supporting future trips or even traveling to Jamaica, there are many ways to be part of this work. At 91影视, education reaches beyond the classroom鈥攃onnecting people, strengthening communities, and changing lives.

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The college was recognized for its community contributions during the 100th annual Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce banquet and awards ceremony May 28.

The Nonprofit Excellence Award is presented to a nonprofit chamber member that goes above and beyond in communicating its mission and tirelessly works towards goals that not only align with a common purpose, but also have a positive impact on the larger community, while also actively fostering relations with other nonprofits to promote collaboration and a collective effort to address community needs and being committed to a lasting positive community impact. The chamber was looking to recognize an organization鈥檚 outstanding leadership and the significant benefits it brings through service, mentoring and community outreach efforts.

鈥淲e are so honored to receive the Excellence Award from the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce, one of our long-term partners equally dedicated to serving all of the citizens of Luray and Page County,鈥� said 91影视 President Kim Blosser. 鈥淲e just celebrated the 20th anniversary of having a physical presence in the Luray-Page area, and that wouldn鈥檛 have been possible without all of the local support we have received. We are excited to continue to serve the residents and businesses in this area for many years to come.鈥�

The nomination for 91影视 noted that more than 1,500 degrees and certificates have been awarded to students who have attended the Luray-Page County Center (LPCC) since it opened 20 years ago. The center has served around 2,600 credit students, 230 91影视 Workforce Solutions students and 80 Adult Education students.

鈥淧age County Public Schools has a strong tradition of encouraging its high school students to take dual-enrollment courses offered through 91影视 and of supporting their teachers in earning the necessary credentials to teach those classes that deliver both high school and college credits,鈥� the nomination states. 鈥淣ot only do these DE classes save Page County residents tuition dollars when they transfer to four-year colleges and universities, they also help them save time, develop the skills to take on the rigor of college-level courses and become more impressive job applicants.

During the 2024-25 academic year, there were 146 dual-enrolled students from the county, up from 141 the previous year.