Faculty Profile

Meet Michael Beamer
Co-Program Head & Assistant Professor | ESL 
Reynolds Community College | School of Humanities & Social Sciences 

Michael Beamer doesn't just dream about travel. He travels. He has travelled and lived all around the US, the UK, and Japan before settling here in Mechanicsville and teaching ESL at Reynolds.

Michael came to Reynolds in January 2021 at the height of the pandemic. He had taught online in grad school, but the spring semester would be his first fully online experience.

But, like any world traveler, Michael is flexible, and he adapted quickly and easily to his changing scenario. He's ready for the fall semester, and he and his family are looking forward to more adventures in the Richmond area as life moves in the direction of normal.

You are a native of Bethlehem, PA. What was it like growing up there?

Growing up in Bethlehem was pretty cool. Definitely not as bad as Billy Joel made the area out to be ("Allentown" is about the general area, as there were no steel mills in Allentown--only in Bethlehem😊). My family was in the suburbs and it actually was a pretty idyllic life looking back on it (and comparing it to other places I've lived). By the time Bethlehem Steel shut down, a lot of other industries had moved into the area so the economy was fine. Also, there's a great 10-day music festival in the area that's been going on since 1984.

How did you get from Bethlehem to JMU where you earned your BA in English? 

My oldest brother went to Bridgewater and the middle brother went to William and Mary. I got used to coming to Virginia and I liked JMU (it was also the quickest application of all the schools I applied to--no essay!). I did get into University of Richmond as well, but it was a bit expensive. I didn't want to go to Penn State as it seemed like half my high school went there. Only one other student from my class went to JMU and I don't remember even seeing her once. I guess I wanted to leave the nest as much as possible.

Please tell us a little about your background and travels.

When I was younger, my family would take vacations to different places like Assateague and Chincoteague Islands, Maine, Canada, South Carolina, etc. So I started to enjoy traveling and learning about new places, food and people from a young age (although I was not the most adventurous eater until I got to college). Also, when I was very young, my oldest brother got me interested in The Beatles, which in turn got me interested in England. I can still do several British accents fairly well. Anyway, when I was at JMU I was accepted to the Semester Abroad program and went to London, which turned out to be one of those life transforming experiences. I absolutely loved my time there and it was then that the international travel bug had bit me. After graduation, I dreamed of living and teaching in Japan (see below), but I had to put it off for various reasons. However, in 1997 I left for Japan to teach in an English conversation school for two years. At the end of that time, I wasn't sure of what I was going to do, but the reactions from my students at my going away party overwhelmed me, and I realized I must have done something right, so I decided to go to grad school for teaching ESL. I was accepted to three grad schools, but I chose University of Hawaii because it was (is) the best program, it gave me the best financial deal, and I got to go study in Hawaii (Duh! What would you choose?). I was there for almost three years, but I had a dream to teach in higher ed in Japan, so I was able to get a job at Nihon University (which at the time had about five people from UH) in Shizuoka. On a good day, you could see Mt. Fuji from the school. They limited international faculty to three-year contracts, so after that I went to a small two-year college in Yokohama. I was there for four years and during that time I met my yet-to-become wife and we had a long-distance relationship between Osaka and Yokohama. I had got a job in Osaka and had planned to move there when I saw an ad for a job as Director of the Intensive English Program in at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. I probably wouldn't have looked much further, but my parents had actually gone there and met there, so I knew about it. I asked my then fiancé if she thought it was OK if I applied to a job in the US. She said yes, but later told me she thought I wouldn't get it! After I did get the job, we had to get married very quickly as a spouse visa is much easier to get than a fiancé visa. While at Juniata, my wife took ESL classes in my program (but not my classes as the other students might have wondered how she really got her A, hehe) and eventually earned her BS in Educational Studies (in between, our son was born!). She had agreed to move to the US and support me to further my career. After her graduation, she had received a job offer in California, so I wanted to support her. Luckily, I was able to find the job at USC after we arrived in CA. While we were able to save money (even with the outrageous rent), but we both eventually realized we are east coast people. So when I saw the ad for the job at Reynolds I applied right away. We have since bought a house in Mechanicsville, have two young puppies, Cody is now seven and starting second grade!

You have lived in Japan, in the US in Hawaii, California, Pennsylvania, and Virginia and in the UK. What is your favorite place to live and why?

So far, Hawaii has been my favorite place to live, even though I was living on a Graduate Assistant's pay. It is very cosmopolitan, which I really enjoy. The people are very friendly, the food is great, and the natural features are incredible. There's actually a lot you can do there that doesn't cost a lot (as long as you're willing to live in a smaller place than you would be able to get for the same price as in Richmond). It's not perfect, by a long shot, but it was a great place to live. I would absolutely love to retire there as it would fit my wife like a glove with all the Asian food and culture.

You’ve been working in ESL for about 25 years. What got you interested in ESL?

When I was an undergrad at JMU, I had applied to join the Peace Corps and went to an informational meeting. I wasn't accepted because I didn't have a teaching degree/experience and the recruiter told me they had English teachers coming out their ears. He told me I should study ESL and look into getting experience in the field. I took a class to finish my last three credits at JMU in an ESL teaching methodology course and got interested in it. I was hired by Eastern Mennonite College (in the same town as JMU) to teach two ESL classes. Almost all the students were Japanese and that got me interested in teaching in Japan. I wonder if I could get into the Peace Corps today?!

How have you seen the study of ESL change over 25 years?

That's an interesting question. There's been a (good) shift in using more and more advancing/emerging technology in and out of the classroom. Some people (students and teachers) are reluctant to use it, which is a shame, in my opinion, because they could expand either their learning opportunities for students or their teaching repertoires for the instructors. Of course, as with any field, weeding through so many websites/programs to find the gems can be daunting, so I understand some of the reluctance. Also, institutions must be willing to support instructors in terms of using technology, both in terms of hardware/software and training. 

What was the most challenging aspect of teaching ESL online during the pandemic? What did you find most rewarding?

I was a full-time administrator in California, so I wasn't teaching there. My first online teaching experience during the pandemic (I had taught online during grad school) was in Spring 2021 for Reynolds. I think the most difficult thing was I had several lower-level classes and I think many of those students didn't have as much exposure to technology previously, so that limited what I could do in the classes as far as fully utilizing the available technology. I admire them greatly for working their jobs, raising kids, and taking classes (often at the same time) to learn English. I also felt disjointed from them as they were "boxes" on my computer. I hope they come by my office and say hello (a few have).  The most rewarding thing is basically the same as F2F classes--seeing your students achieve their goals, realizing they can do something they thought they couldn't, and seeing those "light bulb" moments. 

You, your wife Megumi, and your seven year old son were looking forward to exploring Richmond when you moved here. In spite of covid restrictions, have you been able to discover some interesting spots around Richmond?

We've seen some of Richmond, but we'll be happy to see more. We did enjoy going to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm in CA, so we got passes for King's Dominion (which is owned by the same company as Knott's Berry Farm). We're looking forward to getting our son involved in some organized activities like sports so we can meet more people through that. Of course, my wife has found the Asian supermarkets and just found one with what she considers the best kimchi she's had in a while, so that makes her happy. I have been golfing a couple times. I still play horribly, but I enjoy it. Cody has made a lot of new friends in our new neighborhood and we're sure he'll make more when he starts school in person.

Student Profile

 We find our way when we least expect it . . .

Looking for deaf man with two senior Dachshunds. Hi all, A couple of months ago I met a deaf man at Barker Field. He looked to be about 50-60. He was there with 2 senior long-haired Dachshunds (they were 18 years old). We were able to communicate a little bit by drawing in the dirt, but you can imagine it was frustrating to not be able to talk about anything. I've always loved the idea of learning ASL, and meeting this man was just the thing I needed, during these pandemic days, to do it. I'm 60 now, but I've enrolled in Reynolds Community College to get a certificate in ASL. I start next week with 2 classes and hope to be done in a couple of years. If any of you know this man, please thank him for me. He was the person I needed to meet at that moment, at that place, to turn my 60s into a new exiting time. Take care, Susan

This post was found by Cory Walter, Administrative Support in Dr. Pando’s office. The post was on Cory's Neighborhood site. 

Cory was so moved by the message that she took her own time to track down the poster to share her story with Reynolds faculty and staff. 

The “Susan” who posted on Cory's Neighborhood site is Susan Sabo, and she is now a few weeks into her studies at Reynolds.

Susan Sabo wanted to know more about the deaf man she met. In turn, we want to know more about her. Get to know Susan in this blog profile . . . . 

Susan, where did you grow up and what was it like?

I grew up in Los Angeles and lived there most of my life. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I started my career without college, as a secretary and receptionist. I've been an editor, writer, publisher, and now a photographer. I’m also a lifelong dog person and was a single mom at age 20. My body says I’m 60, but my brain says I’m 19, so I’m going with that. I dress like a 15 year old boy. I may age, but I will never grow up :) 

What brought you to Reynolds?

I was looking for a comprehensive ASL course, not just an app or a couple of basic lessons. I really want to learn not just the language but also the culture. This is something to which I’ve never been exposed, so I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can. 

What got you interested in learning ASL?

Learning ASL is different from learning, say Spanish or Russian. If you remove sound, hearing, from a language it really becomes a different world. It’s like suddenly noticing a door that has been there the whole time, but never opened. 

What spurred me to actually sign up was a chance meeting with a man at a local dog park. Although the park was crowded, he was sitting by himself at one end, and had two senior Dachshunds with him. I walked over and immediately tried to start communicating. We drew in the dirt with a stick and through body language, facial expressions, and some writing, were able to trade a little bit of information about our dogs. After he left, I couldn’t get him out of my mind and I kept thinking about how much I just really wanted to be able to talk to him about his dogs. I learned they were 18 years old, but I didn’t even get their names. And I’m huge on the dog’s names. (I keep a running list of all the dogs we meet at the park.) 

That meeting led me to download a few apps, which I found were really superficial. I did a quick search online, and that’s how I found Reynolds. I was thrilled to find they have a program for learning ASL, so I enrolled right away, just in time for the fall semester. 

What are your goals after finishing the program?

A lot of my work has been volunteer work; I’ve worked with MHA and a lot of dog shelters and rescues. In the past few years I’ve narrowed my photography down to dogs and volunteer work, and I don’t know yet how I’m going to merge those interests with ASL, but I’m eager to find a way. 

You are a photographer. How does ASL relate to photography?

I honestly can’t say, I’ve just started to ask those questions. I’ve found some amazing deaf photographers through google searches, and I’m really anxious to learn more and maybe meet some of those photographers. I’d love to know their process and how differently they may work from a hearing photographer. I imagine some of the differences, and advantages, are profound. 

Employee Profile

Meet Andrea Niedhammer

Director of Facilities Management and Planning

Where did you grow up and what was it like?

I grew up in Connecticut  on Long Island sound. I remember going to the beach with my family on the weekends. I think that is where my love of swimming and the beach started. It was a small New England town where you knew all your neighbors. We moved to upstate New York when I was in High School but consider Conn my home town.

Tell us a little about yourself. What were you doing before coming to Reynolds?

Before Reynolds I was working at Magellan Health as the Director of Facilities. I worked out of the Glen Allen office but traveled to many different locations to build out new spaces or renovate older ones. I was lucky to go to Sacramento CA, Scottsdale AZ, Salt Lake City UT, Newport RI, Orlando FL, and a couple places in NY. I love to travel and got to see some beautiful sites in some of these locations. 

How did you get involved in Facilities Management?

I graduated with a Degree in Architecture in NY and a recession was going on so I was able to get a job with a bank in Manhattan working in facilities division. I loved the fast pace of getting spaces designed and built and then renovating the old space. There was always plenty going on with banks growing or merging. Upgrading technologies made the working environment also change. Over the years I have enjoyed watching the evolving of the office as people knew it. So many changes in how we work, where we work, furniture that is ergonomically built, offices that are more informal, more collaborative spaces and less offices and personal space. Also rooms being used for multi purposes not just one thing. I look forward to seeing the office evolve into the future as our business needs change.

What do you like to do outside of work? Hobbies, interests, passions?

I love to read, and work in my garden, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my two year old grandson.

If you won $100 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money?

Probably give a good amount to some charities I support. Then I would do somethings around my house maybe add a pool. I would help my son and daughter buy a house, new cars for everyone and take my whole family on a wonderful vacation.

Student Debt Forgiven

Reynolds Forgives Nearly $400,000 of Student Debt

On Tuesday, August 9, Reynolds Community College announced that nearly 500 students with outstanding balances incurred since the spring 2020 term because of the Covid-19 pandemic have had their debt cleared. As part of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) signed into federal law in response to the pandemic, the college has recently discharged nearly $400,000 of student debt.

Students who were enrolled on or after March 13, 2020, were eligible for the debt cancellation. Financial holds on student accounts for unpaid balances to Reynolds, with the exception of fines related to a laptop loaner program, were extinguished.

“Erasing student balances because of the devastating impact of Covid-19 is more than a gesture,” said Dr. Terricita Sass, Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Success at Reynolds. “Reynolds is committed to removing as many barriers as possible and we know that the financial challenges faced by many of our students is one that can derail their education and future. We hope that this act will enable students to move forward in pursuit of their dreams.”

Faculty Profile

 Words to Live By

One year ago in June Nakia Austin gave a very short, very direct, very memorable message to the graduates participating in Reynolds 2020 Virtual Commencement ceremony. She spoke passionately about the graduates having GUTS, the Great Urge to Succeed. (watch Nakia's graduation speech)

At that time, most of us didn’t know, Nakia was demonstrating her own GUTS. At that time she was in the throes of pursuing her own success: Her Doctorate.

Now, one year later, Nakia has graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Doctorate of Health Science (DHSc) in Health Care Education. Her applied research topic was Clinical Simulation in Respiratory Care, in which faculty are educated to incorporate low, medium, and high fidelity simulators into a Respiratory Care curriculum, preparing students for clinical rotations.

Nakia is a woman with words to live by. There is the GUTS acronym. But, as an individual she also lives by, and shares the following quote with her students:

Effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment. – Carol S. Dweck

Nakia has been with Reynolds full-time for 20 years. Many colleagues know her, and possibly know her personally. But there are new faces at Reynolds, and for those who don’t know Nakia, it’s time to meet her and catch the wind of her spirit and drive. Here is her Employee Profile.

Did you grow up in the Richmond area? If so, what was your experience?

Yes. Richmond is home for me. I attended Richmond Public Schools through the 7^th grade. I then transitioned to All Saints and St. Gertrude’s Catholic Schools. The transition was definitely a culture shock, but I quickly adjusted to my new learning environment. During the summer of my sophomore year, I made one last school change, which resulted in me graduating from Hermitage High School in Henrico, VA. My movement through different school systems gave me an opportunity to experience people from all walks of life.

Growing up in the Richmond area has been enjoyable. I have enjoyed what Richmond has to offer from the entertainment venues, parks, museums, restaurants, and the personal and professional relationships.  

How did you get interested in studying Science and Respiratory Therapy?

My niche has always been math and science. After graduating from high school, my goal was to become a Physical Therapist. I attended Old Dominion University to complete a BS in Exercise Science before applying to PT school. To gain experience in the field, I volunteered one summer at a Sports Medicine Clinic. I worked with great people throughout the summer but realized the Physical Therapy profession was not a good fit. Not wanting to change my major, I spoke with my advisor, who was previously a Respiratory Therapist in the Richmond area. I graduated from ODU and immediately enrolled in the Respiratory Therapy program at Reynolds Community College.

What motivated you to become a professor? At St. Gertrude’s Catholic School, my 9^th grade science teacher provided me with feedback on a presentation. She stated, “you would be a great teacher.”

As a 9^th grader, being a teacher meant working with students in K-12. Therefore, I had no interest in teaching especially after being exposed to some unruly classmates. In moving forward, I became a clinical instructor for students in the Respiratory Therapy program. Soon after, I was approached with applying for a full-time faculty position. I guess others saw the potential in me that I didn’t see in myself over the years.

How long have you been with Reynolds? Full-time for 20 years.

What is your greatest challenge, and greatest reward in teaching? My greatest challenge in teaching is motivating students to push through obstacles. The greatest reward in teaching is seeing students grow in their knowledge, hands-on skills, and attitude from the beginning to the end of a course.

Administration

Dr. Terricita Sass of Reynolds Community College Chosen for National Presidential Fellowship for Community College Leaders

40 Aspiring Community College Presidents Will Participate in 2021-2022 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship to Advance Student Success

Richmond, VA, (August 5, 2021) – The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program today announced that Dr. Terricita Sass, Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Services at Reynolds Community College, is one of 40 leaders selected for the 2021-22 class of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, a highly selective leadership program preparing the next generation of community college presidents to transform institutions to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success.  

The Rising Presidents Fellows will embark on the 10-month fellowship beginning in November 2021. Delivered in collaboration with the Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative, the fellows will be mentored by esteemed current and former community college presidents who have achieved exceptional outcomes for students throughout their careers, and will learn strategies to improve student outcomes in and after college, lead internal change, and create strong external partnerships with K-12 schools, four-year colleges, employers, and other partners. 

“To become institutions that truly advance social mobility and talent development, community colleges must have presidents with a clear vision for equitable student success,” said Monica Clark, director of leadership initiatives at the College Excellence Program. “We have selected these fellows because they share that commitment and are well-positioned to become transformational leaders.” 

“We are honored and thrilled by the selection of Dr. Terricita Sass for the 2021-22 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship,” said Dr. Paula Pando, President of Reynolds. “Since first stepping foot on campus, Dr. Sass has been a transformative leader at Reynolds. She brings keen insights and an equity lens to her work leading our enrollment management and student services teams.”

The Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship responds to the growing need for a new generation of leaders well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future. Nationally, nearly 80 percent of sitting presidents plan to retire in the next decade. While the traditional pathway to the presidency has often excluded women and people of color, the incoming class of Aspen Rising Presidents Fellows is composed of 68 percent women and 70 percent people of color, and represents institutions of varying sizes and locations.

Together, the 2021-22 fellows are leaders at colleges that collectively serve more than 400,000 students. As well, 67 Rising Presidents Fellowship alumni have become presidents of community colleges that collectively serve an additional 953,000 students nationwide.

Administration

Reynolds Appoints New Deans

Jeffrey Allen Appointed Dean of Students

Reynolds Community College Reynolds recently announced the appointment of Jeffrey Allen, Ed.D. as its new Dean of Students. 

Dr. Allen previously served as Dean of Student Retention and Success at Vance-Granville Community College in Henderson, North Carolina. While there he also served as Dean of Enrollment and Outreach, and Director of Leadership and Professional Development. 

Dr. Allen earned his Doctor of Education – Adult and Community College Education, in May 2020 from North Carolina State University. 

During his interview process with Reynolds’ faculty and staff, Dr. Allen clearly stated his focus in directly communicating with students: “I think one of the things that we can do as an institution is communicate effectively, letting students know we are here . . . and that we care. I want to be accessible to students and work with them as much as possible.” 

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Allen to Reynolds,” said Dr. Terricita Sass, Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Success at Reynolds. “He brings nearly a decade of community college experience supporting students in various leadership roles including teaching. His demonstrative collaborative efforts across divisional lines, proven commitment to equitable outcomes for students, and data-informed strategies, position him well at this time in the college’s history.” 

Dr. Allen will assume his role at Reynolds on August 10.

* * *

Stacie Davis Appointed Dean of the School of Business and Industrial Trades (SBIT)

Reynolds Community College is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Ms. Stacie Davis as Dean of the School of Business and Industrial Trades. Ms. Davis joined the college on July 25.

Ms. Davis’s impressive career began in the private sector with positions in sports marketing, construction management, and human resources before finding her passion in education.  She has dedicated her years in education to CTE and developing industry-driven programs in our region’s high schools.  

Ms. Davis was born and raised in Henrico County where she is deeply involved in community outreach.  Ms. Davis will complete her dissertation defense and earn her Ed.D. from Regent University in the coming months.  

“I’m confident she will be a wonderful asset to the Reynolds team,” commented Dr. Lori Dwyer, Reynolds Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, “and I am excited for each of you to meet her.”

Ms. Davis describes herself as, “An educational leader with GRIT [Guts Resilience Initiative Tenacity] and commitment to wellness and awareness in educators while empowering all students.”

Ms. Davis started at the college on July 25

The Kitchens

Bank of America Grants $100,000 to The Kitchens at Reynolds to Help Bolster Social and Economic Mobility in Richmond’s East End

RICHMOND, Va. (July 27, 2021) – Bank of America today announced a $100,000 grant made to The Kitchens at Reynolds, located at 25th and Nine Mile Road in Richmond’s East End. The grant will allow the college to provide job training in culinary arts and connects the community with the full array of academic and workforce programs offered by the college. The investment focuses on changing outcomes for residents in one of the most needed areas of the city.  

(Photo left: Victor Branch with middle-school students and teens from the Boys and Girls Club of Richmond attending the Culinary Arts & Entrepreneurship Camp at The Kitchens.)

“The Kitchens at Reynolds is about so much more than a new facility, as impressive as it is,” said Victor Branch, President of Bank of America Richmond. “We’re impassioned about helping Reynolds lower the barriers to workforce training and higher education that have hampered East End neighborhoods too long. The training and education this grant will help Reynolds provide are foundational to jobs that pay well and help families not just get by, but plan and save for the future.”

A more equitable region is a shared goal of Reynolds and Bank of America, with both investing resources and partnering with individuals and organizations in the East End to advance this work. The investment in The Kitchens at Reynolds comes at a crucial time as the city seeks to fill a massive shortage of workers in its prolific restaurant industry that is working to rebound from losses caused by last year’s massive shutdown of restaurants and catering businesses. 

(Photo left: Victor Branch with a student at The Kitchens.) 

“At the time we began construction of The Kitchens in 2017, no one could have predicted the pandemic, but even then we knew it was critical that the college do more to serve the eastern corridor of the City of Richmond and Henrico County,” said Dr. Paula Pando, President of Reynolds Community College. “Bank of America is bolstering our ability to provide advising, financial aid, enrollment and retention support that will help individuals start and complete our programs.”

The Kitchens at Reynolds is home to the college’s culinary arts, hospitality and entrepreneurship programs, and is a new neighborhood access point to the more than 100 academic and workforce offerings at the college. The grant from Bank of America comes from the company’s $1.25 billion commitment made last year to address racial equality and opportunities highlighted by the impact of the pandemic.  

“The timing of this grant is especially impactful. Communities of color and families with low incomes have shouldered a disproportionate burden of personal and economic loss brought on by the pandemic. We have an opportunity to help change that. Our recovery will only be successful if it represents the entirety of our region,” noted Dr. Pando. 

The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation raised $10 million to open the facility in July 2020. While a hybrid of in-person and virtual culinary instruction proceeded, the level of community engagement The Kitchens was designed to accommodate was hampered by the pandemic. 

“I’m happy to say we’re now back on campus and eager to serve our East End neighbors and the local industries ready to hire our graduates. Bank of America’s outstanding support means we can help more individuals reskill and upskill in order to do the same,” said Dr. Pando.

Reynolds 

Serving more than 14,000 students annually, Reynolds Community College is the youngest of 23 community colleges in Virginia. Reynolds operates four campuses serving residents in the City of Richmond and the counties of Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan, and Louisa. In addition, Reynolds partners with John Tyler Community College in the Community College Workforce Alliance, which annually provides non-credit workforce training to more than 5,000 individuals.

Bank of America 

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

##

Media Contact info:
Reynolds Community College
Joe Schilling
jschilling@reynolds.edu
804-971-3047

Bank of America
Andy Aldridge
andrew.aldridge@bofa.com
704-280-4417

Alliance Group
Geoffrey Zindren
geoff@alliancegroupltd.com
812-841-6921

Student Profile

Four Out of  Four

Reynolds is batting 1000 with the Brown family. Four out of four of the Brown children have attended, or will soon attend Reynolds. There's Aaron, Sarah, Rachel, and Laura.

The Brown family lives in Goochland. Mom, Helen Brown, home schooled all four children through K-12, except for Laura who chose to finish her high school years at Goochland High School. All four Brown children were swimmers. This comes as no surprise since their mom serves as a swim coach for the Goochland YMCA.

The first to attend Reynolds was the Brown's son, Aaron. He applied and received a scholarship to Reynolds and started his education at the college before transferring to Ferrum College, and then on to Baker College online. Aaron will graduate in the fall of 2021.

Pictured here in order of their
attendance at Reynolds: 

top, Aaron Brown, 
second down, Sarah Brown;
third down, Rachel Brown; 
bottom, Laura Brown.

Next came Sarah who attended Reynolds for two years before being accepted into the much sought after Bon Secours Nursing program. While at Reynolds, Sarah was in the Honors program and a member of PTK.

Rachel followed Sarah to Reynolds, and in her mom's words, "did very well" at the college. 

But, when Rachel started at Reynolds, unlike her sister Sarah, she didn't know what she wanted to do. She had always loved watching crime programs, but it never occurred to anyone in the family, even Rachel, that her interest would extend beyond the television. 

"It came out of the blue," said Helen Brown. Rachel had gotten bitten by the science bug while at Reynolds, and after her May 2021 graduation she immediately transferred to VCU and began studying Forensic Science in the summer session. 

The last of the Brown children is Laura. Laura will begin her studies at Reynolds this fall. "Laura is artsy. She likes to write, she draws," says Helen Brown. 

Like her sister Rachel before her, Laura isn't sure what she wants to do. Maybe her degree will be focused in liberal arts, maybe English. Her educational journey is just beginning . . . her special bug has yet to find and bite her.

Welcome to Reynolds, Laura! All the best to you in the coming year.

Leadership Virginia

How do we lead Virginia?

From Leesburg to Danville, from Chesapeake to Norton, Virginia spans 42,775 square miles, about the same footprint as the island of Cuba. 

Life in Richmond is as different from life in Winchester, as it is from life in Bristol, or Lynchburg, or Arlington. Yet we live within the same lines. So, the question becomes: How do we begin to understand and appreciate the challenges and strengths of our entire Commonwealth?

One Richmond-based nonprofit is literally “leading” the way. As its mission, Lead Virginia, is dedicated to bringing together leaders from Virginia’s far-flung regions to talk, explore, understand, exchange insights and perspectives on how to shepherd our rapidly growing and changing home. 

Lead Virginia organizes their program into “classes” that essentially run parallel to the academic year, from September to June. Each class has approximately 40 participants. During the session, meetings are held over a three day weekend in each of the five designated regions of the Commonwealth: Hampton Roads, New River Valley, Southern Virginia, Northern Virginia, and Southwest Virginia. 

On Friday, June 25 Reynold hosted a panel discussion, Education and Workforce in the Richmond Region, as part of the final graduation weekend for the Lead Virginia Class of 2020. Reynolds President Paula Pando (on right in photo), a graduate of Lead Virginia’s 2019 Class, served as the panel’s moderator. On the panel were (from right to left after Dr. Pando) Eva Colen, Manager, Office of Children and Families and Senior Policy Advisor, Office of Mayor Levar Stoney; Dr. Tyren Frazier, Chesterfield Education Foundation; and Tamekia LeGrand, VCU Vice President for Strategy, Enrollment Management, and Student Success. 

To learn more about Lead Virginia and their upcoming events, visit: leadvirginia.org. 

Advancement

 Reynolds Advancement Team Recognized Internationally

Reynolds Advancement Team has been awarded a 2021 Circle of Excellence Award by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). The team is being recognized in the category "Events on a Shoestring" for its event "A Sneak Peek of the Kitchens at Reynolds."

 

This award category was for offices with limited staff, resources, and time. Entrants were asked to demonstrate creative ways of executing an event designed for a special occasion or purpose, using minimal resources - particularly budget. 

In the entry submission, Reynolds Special Events Manager Ariel Cole described tackling the challenges that made the gathering especially unique. “A grand opening celebration was changed multiple times due to COVID-19.  A large community celebration continues to be delayed, but Reynolds had to find a way to thank key supporters in a timely and safe way.

Reynolds held a series of small in-person tours of the building in September 2020.  Key community leaders, donors, and local officials were invited to visit the building during two staggered event timeframes. After a self-guided tour and socially-distanced remarks in the courtyard from the college president, lead investor, city mayor, and other officials, attendees reported being impressed with the completed facility, excited to see their investment in action, and eager to discuss opportunities to stay involved.”

Congratulations to the Advancement Team for their hard work staging this community event and for receiving this prestigious recognition for Reynolds. Job well done, recognition much deserved.

The Kitchens

 DAVE QUISENBERRY

Culinary Arts Instructor

Reynolds Community College

The Kitchens at Reynolds

Interview by Zippia Career Site

Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?

Dave Quisenberry: Yes! I think the whole planet, as well as the hospitality industry, will have a lasting impact. As the industry struggles to cope and redefine itself, we are forced to embrace some fundamental principals. The reliance on building partnerships and networking is now more important than ever before. This will help those in the labor pool match skill sets with the need in industry.

COVID-19 has also been disruptive in the traditional foodservice model. No longer can we assume that viable business models are "dine-in" consumer-based primarily. As we practice more and more social distancing, we need to incorporate food outlets such as "to-go" and home meal replacement in existing models. These options will require specific operational guidelines and technical support to achieve success safely and efficiently. These trends have already started being addressed in educational content to better prepare graduates upon entry into the job market.

Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?

Dave Quisenberry: While COVID-19 has most of the industry being restricted, one way or another, some sectors have been less affected. Healthcare and Corporate entities have maintained consistent; however, diminished labor needs. Graduates will be forced to consider options such as relocation and redirection of career pathways in the post-pandemic environment. That said, we have seen an unfortunate acceleration of business failures due to the economic impact of COVID-19. The post-pandemic environment will undoubtedly provide opportunities to fill voids in local markets as well as emerging markets, such as home meal replacement, etc. The need for trained professionals will have a much greater demand for emphasis on an understanding of total operational knowledge.

How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?

Dave Quisenberry: As we deal with the impact of COVID-19 in our industry, we are being forced to rely on technology to communicate with each other, as well as our potential customers. Business models that have seen some success in maintaining market share have relied on new and existing web platforms to bring products and services to the market. The demand for knowledge in web design and virtual marketing will increasingly be a strong asset in any candidate's skill set.

Student Services

Reynolds Receives Laptops for Veteran Students

Sixty military veterans and spouses enrolled at Reynolds are now "connected" thanks to a donation of laptops the college recently received from Tech4Troops. 

Tech4Troops is a Richmond-based nonprofit organization that provides computers to veterans. The donation was made possible by funds from the Altria Group to the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VVSF).

The laptops donation is part of the VDVS (Virginia Department of Veterans Services) Military Education Workforce Initiative, which creates partnerships with private employers and educational institutions in Virginia. The laptops will be distributed free-of-charge on a first-come, first-served basis to student military veterans and spouses attending Reynolds who complete and submit an application form provided by VDVS.

“We are grateful to VDVS, the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation, and Altria Group for this generous donation of technology for our students who have served their nation,” said Reynolds President Dr. Paula Pando. “We know that our veterans students bear many burdens, but access to the tools needed to complete their education should not be one of them.”

For more information on the project or to obtain an application to receive a free laptop, visit their website. 

Administration Awards

Dr. Paula Pando and Dr. Terricita Sass Honored with the Dana Hamel Award

Reynolds President Dr. Paula Pando, and Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Dr. Terricita Sass were recently recognized for their contribution as members of the "Opportunity 2027" strategic plan task force.

"Dr. Sass and I, along with other colleagues in the VCCS were honored with the Dana B. Hamel Award for our work on Opportunity 2027, the new strategic plan recently approved by the State Board for Community Colleges. It is a bold plan, squarely focused on Equity."

The Dana Hamel* Award is given in recognition of an individual’s leadership in serving the mission of Virginia’s community colleges, and acknowledges their commitment to public service; to fostering access to higher education; and promoting an understanding of the role of workforce development. This award is the “highest VCCS honor bestowed on an individual or group to recognize an extraordinary accomplishment or deed that exemplifies and advances the values reflected in our mission statement.” 

Congratulations to Drs. Pando and Sass for a job not just well done, but a job excellently done.

*Dana Hamel started life as a watch maker. At 97 in 2020 as he prepared to celebrate his birthday, he looked back on his role in the founding of the VTCS (Virginia Technical College System) that evolved into what we know today as the VCCS. The secret to his long life and success? "Optimism and faith", says Hamel. Read more about this man and his life as a champion of education.

Events: Science Night

     The Evolution of Science Night

   

 This year Science Night evolved into STEMfest, a three night virtual event with a host of sessions on topics such as innovations in drug discovery, virtual reality techniques, math patterns, coding lessons and snakes of Virginia. The final session, "How did you get here?" was a panel discussion with faculty and professionals sharing their education and career experiences including their struggles and triumphs.

STEMfest was held from March 1 to 3, and had over 300 students, community members, faculty, and staff registered for the event. Session attendance ranged from 20 to over 100. Here are some comments from those who attended the virtual sessions. Presenters included faculty, staff, and other professionals from JMU, VCU, and ODU, as well as Dr. Andre Hudson from Rutgers University.

     Below are links to the sessions in case you missed the event.
      
MONDAY, MARCH 1
 
6 p.m.
The Life of a Biochemist: The quest for new antibiotics
Presented by Andre Hudson, Rochester Institute of Technology
Watch the Recording
 
6:30 p.m.
Why microbes matter. The good, the bad, and the ugly of stuff you can't even see
Presented by Bryan Tims, Hampden-Sydney College and Reynolds Community College.
Watch the recording
 
7:00 p.m.
 
Ratsnake Phylogeny and Taxonomy: What the heck is going on?
Presented by Travis Anthony, Virginia Herpetological Society
Watch the Recording
 
7:30 p.m.
Snakes of Virginia
Presented by Larry Mendoza, Virginia Herpetological Society
Watch the Recording
 
Here is a link if you want to know more about the Va Herpetological Society
https://www.facebook.com/vaherpsociety/

TUESDAY, MARCH 2
 
6 p.m.
Innovative Technology Disrupting Education, Training, Military, & Industry
Presented by Jessica Johnson
Watch the recording
 
Some additional links
www.vmasc.odu.edu
https://www.hiddeninplainsite.org/home/about-hips
https://vartisans.com/
https://vmasc-odu.github.io/Catalhoyuk_WebGL/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybPmmCWOccA
 
6:15 p.m.
AWS Cloud Computing
Presented by Dick Burruss, Professor, Reynolds Community College
Watch the Recording
 
 
6:30 p.m.
RVAir: A Community Science Initiative to Understand Richmond's Air Quality
Presented by Devin Jefferson, Community Science Catalyst
Watch the Recording
https://smv.org/learn/rvair/
djefferson@smv.org
 
7:00 p.m.
 
STEM Transfer Panel
Presented by Elizabeth Heck, VCU STEM Transfer Coordinator
Links
Transfer advising request
Transfer Maps
STEM Transitions
VCU Transfer Center
 
Watch the recording  This session ends at the 31 minute mark
 
 
 
7:30 p.m.
Paradigm Shifts in Healthcare and Research Driven by Advances Technology
Presented by Dayanjan S Wijesinghe, Adjunct Associate Professor, VCU
Watch the recording  This session begins at 32 minutes
 
 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3
 
6 p.m.
Hanover Coyote Project
Presented by Dr. Richard Groover, Retired professor, Reynolds Community College
Watch the Recording
 
6:15 p.m.
Discovering Patterns in Nature through the eyes of a Mathematician
Presented by Kim Hasley, Mathematics Instructor, Reynolds Community College
Watch the Recording
 
 
6:30 p.m.
Summer Research Opportunities in Biology
Presented by
Corey Cleland, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology, James Madison University
Bisi Velayudhan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology, James Madison University
Join the Zoom
REU webpage
 
 
7 p.m.
HAWQS and How you can Help!
Presented by Stecey Heflin, Henricopolis Soil & Water Conservation
Watch the video
 
 
How did you get here?  STEM Professionals and their career journeys
Panel: Jenn Derkits, Otelia Vines, Doug Coleman
Watch the video
 
Other videos
 
Kyle Williams, Code Virginia
Digital Literacy and Safety for Families
 
Dr. John Ochab, Reynolds Physics Professor

Fun with Physics
 
Kitchen Science with Miss America
 
Cooking up Science with Miss America "DNA"
 
Cooking up Science with Miss America "Insane in the Membrane"

Advancement

Scholarships Help Students Stay Afloat in Choppy Waters

While the pandemic has created very choppy waters for many students, scholarship awards are helping hundreds stay afloat. “Even in normal circumstances our scholarship program is a critical lifeline,” said Marianne McGhee, director of development. “This year, we were so fortunate to have our donors continue their giving to help as many students persist as possible. Kim Cain is our scholarship manager, and she and the Financial Aid team do a brilliant job working together and bridging students’ financial gaps with scholarship dollars whenever possible.”  

The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit and receives donations from individuals, local philanthropic foundations, community groups, and businesses. With annual gifts and income generated from endowments, the Scholarship Office assisted nearly 800 students with awards ranging from a few hundred dollars to $2,000 or more in a semester, depending on need and aid eligibility. 

For students like Juliahna, receiving a scholarship is one important step on a life-changing pathway. "I’m one of the first in my family to actually graduate high school and continue to pursue my dreams through college. After Reynolds, I plan to transfer to VCU and possibly study Homeland Security. One of the biggest burdens I have faced in life is a lack of finances. I don’t think I’d be here if it were not for getting a scholarship award.”

“Reynolds employees are among the most generous and enthusiastic scholarship donors every year,” added McGhee. “Look at the success of Stepping for Scholarships, which is a recent example, but there are so many more. Reynolds is a giving institution and part of a larger giving community. It makes a huge difference. We’ve seen students literally cry with relief when they’re told they’re getting an award. Scholarship donors are truly heroes and heroines to our students.” 

Alums

 Reynolds Grad Bakes Her Way to Food Network

Reynolds grad and Richmond culinary entrepreneur Keya Wingfield will be one of eleven pastry chefs to compete in the Food Network Spring Baking Championship.

Season 7 kicks off on Sunday, February 22 at 9 pm. The bakers are competing for a $25,000 cash prize and the title of "Spring Baking Champion". Tune and cheer for Keya as she represents Reynolds on network television. Learn more.

Learn more about Keya and her the role of culinary in her life in this interview article that appeared in Richmond Magazine.

Events: Open House

 Reynolds Conducts Successful Virtual Open House

Over 100 guests attended Reynolds Virtual Open House on November 11, as our COVID-affected community wanted to learn what classes and programs Reynolds is offering and how the college will be conducting future classes.

“It is vital that we create an open communication pipeline to the community so it knows what is going on here and they know we are open for business,” notes Reynolds Director of Admissions Karen Pettis-Walden. “I’ve been involved in dozens of open houses here at Reynolds, and I’m not sure I have seen a community information event more important than the open house we just conducted.”

Holding its second virtual open house in the last seven months, Reynolds Open House planning committee designed new specific sessions to ensure potential students knew about the college’s programs and resources available.

“In the past, we might have briefly covered online learning and virtual resources available. But this year we knew we had to share with our guests all we have to offer,” says Pettis-Walden. “We wanted to be sure that potential students knew that not only do we have outstanding programs and faculty, but also we care about them and have many available free online resources to assist with their college success.”

After a welcome by Reynolds President Dr. Paula Pando and Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Success Dr. Terricita Sass, the open house guests could choose from nine group discussions that gave faculty and staff time to hit the highlights about their academic programs and to answer questions.

“The night’s second sessions focused on “the how” resources that help our students succeed,” says Pettis-Walden. “For many of our students, if they don’t have and know about the “how” resources, they’ll never get to the finish line.”

This year’s event featured a “Bonus Round” that allowed potential students to join virtual breakout rooms where they could talk one-on-one with representatives from Financial Aid, Admissions and Veteran Services.

“The Bonus Round was very successful in that it allowed one-on-one conversations,” Pettis-Walden added. “When our guests left the virtual open house, we wanted to ensure they had the opportunity to find out as much about Reynolds as if they were participating in person.” 

Employee Profiles

Here are the "Comings and Goings" 

from the November 12, 2020 Wrap Up