VCCA and VCCS Partnership Highlighted at 2023 Conference

The Virginia Community Colleges Association (VCCA) is the “Heartbeat of Virginia,” which was also this year’s theme at the 39th Annual Conference of the VCCA, held in September at the Omni Hotel in Richmond. VCCA President Dr. Donna Minnich (Associate Dean of LASS at NOVA) aptly chose the theme, as the association’s 176 members also serve as administrators, faculty and staff members of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). As a leading supplier of access to higher education and skilled talent throughout the Commonwealth, “the association and its members are an essential lifeline to the health and growth of a strong Virginia workforce and economy … making our VCCA members and the committed work they do the true heartbeat of Virginia,” stated Dr. Minnich.

The annual VCCA conference offers its members opportunities to build their skills through professional development and training, educational workshops, and networking events that promote valuable connections among colleagues.

Several VCCA supporters representing the VCCS were also present at this year’s conference. Interim President Dr. Van Wilson of Brightpoint Community College served as the welcome speaker, while VCCS Chancellor Dr. David Doré delivered a compelling town hall speech that praised the collaboration between VCCA and VCCS. Chancellor Doré also clearly defined the challenges that lie ahead for community colleges and the essential roles that administrators, faculty and staff will play in adapting to continue to meet system objectives. Elaborating on Chancellor Doré’s discussion points was an inaugural guest panel of nine VCCS presidents, each of whom shared their perspective on how their institutions might face ever-changing demands while continuing to successfully serve their constituents. 

The conference’s closing events included the ceremonial hand-off of the gavel, as Dr. Minnich installed the new president, Lisa Shifflett (Germanna Community College), along with the additional elected officers of the 2023–24 Executive Committee: President-Elect: Wanda Davis-Alves (Brightpoint Community College), Treasurer: Catherine Rice (Central Virginia Community College), and Member-at-Large for the Northern Region: Sherice Paige (NOVA).  

In new President Lisa Shifflett’s final remarks, she said, “The success of this year’s event sets the stage for 2024. We’re coming off great momentum and intend to build on that throughout this coming year. Planning is already under way to work with our commission leaders to begin featuring a mid-day series of virtual professional development events. This will help our members stay connected and continue building on those shared strengths and knowledge base that helps promote student success. We’re equally focused on finalizing the details for our 40th Annual VCCA conference for 2024 and look forward to publishing that information soon.”

To view more 2023 conference details, photos and this year’s award winners honored for their special contributions and service, visit www.vccaedu.org.

Submitted by: 
Karen Todd, MA-CCR, KTodd@nvcc.edu