NRCC recognized as top community college
"...I believe this distinction reflects the daily work of our outstanding faculty and staff as well as the support of our partners across the New River Valley,” said NRCC President Robert Brandon. “It affirms that our focus on excellence ... is making a real difference for our students.”
New River Community College (NRCC) was announced this week to be one of 200 institutions across the country that are eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges.
The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates, NRVCC said in a release Oct. 28.
“New River Community College is honored to be recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the nation's leading community colleges. I believe this distinction reflects the daily work of our outstanding faculty and staff as well as the support of our partners across the New River Valley,” said NRCC President Robert Brandon. “It affirms that our focus on excellence in teaching and learning, comprehensive student support, and clear pathways to success is making a real difference for our students.”
These 200 colleges represent the diversity of the community college sector. They are located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across the country and serve anywhere from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Some of these colleges focus primarily on workforce programs, while others focus on transfer and bachelor’s attainment or a combination of the two.
“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students — completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”
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“Community colleges educate nearly six million students, yet community college student outcomes fall short in both the rate at which students graduate and the percentage of students who achieve success after graduation,” NRCC said. “The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates community colleges that demonstrate that achieving stronger outcomes is possible, providing a roadmap of effective practices and strategies for other colleges to follow.”