Blue Ridge Community College: 41% of Staunton's college-going residents chose the college last year, president says

Dr. John Downey, president of Blue Ridge Community College, told the Staunton City Council on July 23 that the college has seen steady enrollment growth in the five years since the pandemic. "According to the Higher Educational National Clearing House data, of all the Staunton residents who attended college this past year, 41% of them chose Blue Ridge Community College as their post secondary option," he said.

Downey described growth concentrated in career and technical education and highlighted program expansions aimed at local employers: "We're doubling the size of [the aviation maintenance] program this year," he said, and the college has launched a new agriculture program to support local FFA and agricultural education. He also noted expanded dual-enrollment opportunities: "Starting last year, students in the high school, juniors and seniors, can earn up to 30 credits of higher education, the whole first year of education absolutely free of charge," Downey said.

Councilors asked about enrollment trends, use of artificial intelligence in teaching, and support for adult English-language learners. Downey reported 2' to 5% annual enrollment growth over the last five years and said faculty are still adapting to rapidly changing AI tools. On adult learners, he said short noncredit workforce programs (truck driving, welding, health-care credentials) can move adults "from poverty into the middle class" in four to eight weeks, but that limited local demand and funding make sustained ESL offerings difficult.

The presentation emphasized ongoing partnerships between Blue Ridge and city staff, local schools, and businesses. Councilors thanked Downey and invited continued collaboration on dual enrollment and workforce pipelines.