ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ President Finishes First Year with “Forward Momentum”
The 2025–2026 academic year reflected a period of purposeful progress for Your ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½. Guided by my commitment to listen, learn and connect, three strategic themes emerged that now guide our work: creating a sustainable future, aligning academic and workforce programs with high demand fields, and designing our college to meet the needs of current and future learners. Together, these themes provide a clear framework for decision-making and investment that will shape the next iteration of ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½â€™s strategic plan, developed collaboratively with our college community and stakeholders.
Forward momentum defined my first year as President. The college advanced with intention, aligning strategy with purpose and translating vision into action. Enrollment increased in both Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, and ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ served 1,800 students across academic and workforce programs. Our college realized a 3.2% increase in annual full time equivalent (FTE) enrollment over the previous academic year, signaling continued growth. ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ proudly awarded 232 degrees, certificates, and career studies credentials. Our May Commencement Ceremony welcomed more than 1,000 attendees and featured an inspiring address from Jeannette Edwards, CEO of Eastern Shore Rural Health System, Inc. and a proud ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ alumna. The college also made meaningful progress on key goals within the Virginia Community College System Strategic Plan, particularly in credential attainment, adult learner enrollment, and FastForward program completion.
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ prioritized revenue diversification through more than $4 million in grant submissions since July 2025. Additionally, we secured significant external investments, including a competitive $788,700 GO Virginia Per Capita Grant to expand unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) initiatives. New and emerging programs in engineering, healthcare, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing directly respond to regional workforce needs. We continue to expand strategic partnerships with colleges, universities, and industry leaders, reinforcing ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½â€™s role as a talent pipeline and economic driver for our region.
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½â€™s Career Services Center exceeded its five-year service goals, supporting hundreds of students through career guidance, internships, and job placement. We advanced our use of technology and artificial intelligence across teaching, learning, and operations, enhancing student engagement and strengthening institutional readiness for the future. We also continue to engage students in clubs and activities, including Fall club soccer led by championship-winning Coach Chase Baxa.
Throughout all this work, we remain focused on removing barriers, fostering a culture of care, and ensuring that every student is supported from enrollment to graduation and beyond. Our continued emphasis on organizational excellence and accountability strengthened compliance, enhanced institutional effectiveness practices, and expanded investments in data infrastructure.
Collectively, these achievements reflect a year of shared effort and forward progress. This success belongs to our faculty and staff who lead with excellence, our students who trust us with their aspirations, and our donors, businesses and community partners who invest in our college’s future. With a solid foundation and forward momentum, ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ is positioned to move confidently into its next chapter, expanding opportunity, strengthening regional impact, and fulfilling its mission for the communities we serve.
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ President, Dr. Daryl Minus
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ President Dr. Daryl Minus (L) enters his second year in the role, leading the college with Forward Momentum into the Fall Semester. Hayleigh Bradbury is shown (R) assisting student Lakisha Warner James in Career Services, a huge component of ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½â€™s always-expanding services.