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