Blue Ridge Community College issued the following announcement on Jan. 27.
Blue Ridge Community College President, Dr. Laura Leatherwood, has been named the 2022 President of the Year by the State Board of Community Colleges for North Carolina. Leatherwood was selected from among 58 community colleges in the North Carolina system.
“There are so many collaborative partnerships within Henderson and Transylvania counties that make an impact in the lives of our students, our college and our community,” said Dr. Leatherwood. “I very much consider this honor a recognition of the hard work and support of many individuals. Without the support and hard work of our County leaders, economic development and workforce partners, our donors, and our faculty and staff here at Blue Ridge, this recognition would not have been possible.”
Dr. Leatherwood came to Blue Ridge Community College in 2017 with extensive experience in workforce education and workforce development in western North Carolina. Her career includes leadership roles at Haywood Community College where she served as Vice President of Student and Workforce Development prior to serving as Vice President of Student Services.
As president of Blue Ridge, Leatherwood has created a collaborative workforce development relationship with community and economic partners. She believes strategic partnerships with area schools, economic development organizations and businesses are essential for building a pipeline of skilled professionals. Her accomplishments include partnering to recruit seven companies to Henderson County, spearheading campus construction projects and adding nine new healthcare offerings while launching three associate degree pathways in Human Services. Since she arrived, BRCC has added significant new technology across all operational and academic departments. Additionally, enrollment numbers have steadily increased year over year since her arrival with the highest student count in the history of the College experienced in Fall of 2021.
“I can think of no one more deserving than Dr. Leatherwood for this recognition,” said Chip Gould, Chairman of the Blue Ridge Community College Board of Trustees. “Under her leadership, Blue Ridge has defied enrollment trends, worked steadfastly to cultivate a qualified and highly trained workforce, and has remained a trusted partner to our workforce and economic development leaders. We are fortunate to have her here in our community.”
Original source can be found here.
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