Employee Profile

Back Roads. Engine Lights. 10,000 Steps. Consider yourself lucky to meet Tonia Haney.

How many people do you know who are brave enough to crisscross the country on back roads? 

How many people do you know who have driven to, and through, every state in the lower 48? 

To be sure, anyone with the moxie to take annual back road car trips must know quite a bit about cars and car repairs.

If you meet one such adventurous soul in your lifetime, you would be lucky.

So consider yourself lucky. In March you will have the opportunity to meet just such a character in Reynolds new Automotive Program Head and Instructor, Tonia Haney. 

First a little background. Tonia grew up in a small town in the mid-west. “I actually did grow up in a garage,” Tonia said, “my grandfather owned and operated the only repair shop in the small town where I grew up. I got in to it [fixing cars] because I just liked hanging out with grandpa.”

But, cars and car repairs were not Tonia’s first choice of career. She started out studying Chemical Engineering. A bout with Calculus II made her realize she did, indeed, enjoy the challenges of diagnosing and fixing cars, so she changed her major and graduated with a degree in Automotive Technology.

Straight out of college Tonia went to work for General Motors in Detroit. A few years later, GM sent her to work in Portland. She worked for GM in Portland for the next four years, but when the company “recalled” her to Detroit, Tonia said no. She liked Portland and decided to stay. Portland became her home and for the next six years she ran a mobile repair business, then for the next eleven years she served as Automotive Program Head and Instructor for an established Toyota T-TEN program in a community college.

It was through a monthly conference call with Toyota that Tonia heard about Reynolds joining the T-TEN program, and that the college was looking for someone to get the ball rolling. A visit to the Reynolds website, an application, and an interview later, and Tonia was packing her bags for Virginia. “The job itself is awesome,” said Tonia, “but what attracted me most to Reynolds was that I could build the program from the ground up.” Life’s challenges are clearly what excite Tonia the most.

At Reynolds, as the Program Head, Tonia’s job involves building the course curriculum, recruiting the “right” students – ones looking for a real career in automotive technology, and building relationships with the local Toyota dealers. On the Instructor side, her job is all hands on. “It’s easy to get your 10,000 steps done in a day when you’re instructing. The days are very full, and very busy.” Her plan is to recruit 16 students for the first cohort. 16 students in hands on training? Sounds like more than 10,000 steps and 10,000 turns of a wrench.

Tonia emphasizes that automotive technology these days is much more than rotating tires and oil changes. Although students will learn those basic repair skills, their studies and practice will take them well into the realm of complex technology and computers. “Consider this,” Tonia says, “The check engine light on your car has been around since the 1970s. Back then, the light meant one of five things was going wrong. Today that same check engine light could mean one of 400 things is going wrong.”

Tonia is looking to the future. Not just to her move to Richmond where she says, “I’m looking forward to meeting the awesome people of Richmond and at Reynolds,” but to the future of automotive technology. Automobiles will only get more complex along with the challenges they will represent for those diagnosing and solving their problems. It’s like Chemical Engineering under the hood . . . just the kind of challenge that revs Tonia’s engine.

Tonia’s move to Virginia will be in two stages. In March she will come to campus for the first time and will stay for several weeks. She will complete her move in late June. She didn’t say so, but it’s easy to imagine her driving the backroads all the way from Portland to Richmond.

Reynolds is lucky to have found and hired this adventurous individual. Take the time to meet and greet her when you can.

Here is Tonia with some of her students in the "classroom" in Portland.

The Kitchens at Reynolds

A Pathway to The Kitchens 

Good things are cooking at The Kitchens these days. One of the best is a recruitment program to introduce high school students to culinary arts. Stacie Davis, Academic Dean, School of Business and Industrial Trades, and Chef Duane Brown recently sat down for a Q and A about the Reynolds Culinary Pathway program. 

Q:  Please tell us about the program and how it got started. 

A:  Stacie Davis: After learning about the Culinary program here at Reynolds and the needs of the industry, I worked with our Culinary faculty to determine the desires of the program - growth, outreach, community engagement, and meeting industry needs. These desires aligned with Reynolds’ Strategic Plan and were the foundation to build the new Reynolds student experience through the Culinary Pathway. This pathway starts with our high school Dual Enrollment students and will end with Reynolds Completers that are ready to fill industry gaps immediately! I knew the perfect person for the position was Chef Duane Brown, so I reached out to him on LinkedIn and the rest is history. He has engaged five different high school culinary classes in just a month and has helped us to initiated dual enrollment agreements with county vocational centers.

Q:  How does it work: do the students visit The Kitchens for a tour? 

A: Chef Duane Brown: An admission counselor and I visit culinary and baking programs at their location, we provide an overview of Reynolds, The Kitchens, and culinary careers beyond the kitchen and we wrap up with a demo and tasting.  The culinary students learn about emulsifiers and how to make aioli, the baking students learn how to make retail bakery items using basic ingredients and recipes 

Q: Is this a partnership with other outside groups? 

A: SD: No, we’re going to local high schools with culinary programs with the initial focus on programs that currently offer Reynolds Dual Enrollment classes and those that may be interested in starting DE with us.

Q:  What Reynolds staff are involved with the program? 

A: DB: Admissions and Adjunct Culinary Instructor

Q: What are their roles? 

A: DB: Admissions talks about degree options, financial aid and the application process. I talk about my career journey, emerging career opportunities and the importance of getting a formal education to be a competitive candidate for higher paying food jobs.

Q: What schools are you visiting?

A: DB: Chesterfield Technical Center and Hermitage ACE Center. We have met with five high school culinary/baking classes in both Chesterfield and Henrico counties. We will continue to work with these high schools and others in our local area.

Q: How is it working out? Will you continue?

A: DB: The students respond very well and ask questions about how to choose a college and how to compare college options. 

A: SD: It's working out phenomenally! Not only will we continue, but we have the blueprint to reach potential Reynolds students, increase enrollment through these students using a clear and seamless pathway to create Reynolds completers with industry experience that are ready for the industry immediately, even before graduation! We are excited about the difference we can make in the culinary industry, Richmond community, and the lives of our students.

Student Services

Reynolds Community College offers 24/7 mental telehealth for students!

Reynolds Community College is excited to offer TimelyCare - a new telehealth program for students. The service will provide access to 24/7 mental virtual health care from anywhere in the United States, with no cost to visit!

Whether a student is anxious or overwhelmed, they will be able to talk to a licensed provider from a smartphone or any web-enabled device. Licensed providers are available to offer mental health support via phone or secure video visits. Here are the FAQs you as faculty and staff can share with students:

Q. How can students access TimelyCare?

Students can go to timelycare.com/vccs to register with their name and school email address. Students can then have visits from any web-enabled device – smartphone, laptop, or desktop. TimelyCare is available from anywhere in the United States.

Q. Who can use TimelyCare?

Any student at Reynolds Community College

Q. What services are available?

Three services are available:

• TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand access to a mental health professional to talk about anything at anytime,
  
  
• Scheduled Counseling: scheduled options to speak to a licensed counselor,
   
• Group Sessions: Weekly Guided Meditation and Yoga Group Sessions, plus specialized discussions throughout the year.

Q. How much does a visit cost?

Zip, zero, zilch! TimelyCare services are free to all Reynolds Community College students!

TimelyCare is for Reynolds students. It's Free. Please share this news so your students can get the help they need when they need it.

Employee Profile

Jessica Buchanan
Assistant Director of Marketing

Where did you grow up and 
what was it like?

I grew up in Stafford County, along the Potomac River, which at the time was very rural. On weekends I would play in the woods with my best friends Nutmeg the Great Dane, Bapbo the Basset Hound, Mickey the Chocolate Lab and Tucker the Orange Tabby Cat. My forest adventures would have made a grand children's book. 

If you didn't grow up in Richmond, what brought you to the area? And, what brought you to Reynolds? 

I am one of those people who keeps leaving Richmond and coming back. This is my third time living in the area. As for coming to Reynolds, it was just a great opportunity. 

What were you doing before coming to Reynolds?

I worked for VCU Residential Life and Housing for seven years as their marketing person. There I discovered if you need people to do something, get their moms to tell them to do it. 

Tell us about your work here at the college.

I am the Assistant Director of Marketing, so anything dealing with branding, marketing, social media, signage, design might fall within my realm. 

Were you always interested in design and marketing?

I was always an art kid, but not everyone appreciated my art. My little sister used to yell at me for ruining her coloring books when I would add on to the pictures and color outside of the lines. 

What is your favorite activity outside of work?

I love spending time with my dog Diablo Linus Bond. He came with the name Diablo, but he could not be more of an angel. However, he believes that snuggling is a full-contact sport.

What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show?

My favorite movie is The Birdcage. I watch this movie with my moms and brother every year, and we dance around to, "We are family. I've got all my sisters with me," which plays in the movie's last scene. 

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

Besides the adult things like paying off the house, car and school loans, I would take a trip to Montana. I know it sounds weird, but I met a professional photographer once that worked for National Geographic, and he said that Montana was the most beautiful place he had ever been. Ever since then, I have been so intrigued, and I really want to go.

Culinary Medicine at The Kitchens

You are what you eat.

Imagine how different healthcare would be if your doctor pulled out a grocery list instead of a prescription pad. Or, if your doctor began your annual checkup with a discussion of food and its influence on your health and wellbeing rather than a blood pressure cuff.

This healthcare vision is coming into focus through an innovative collaboration between VCU’s Culinary Medicine program and The Kitchens at Reynolds. 

At the heart of the program is Assistant Professor at VCU Stony Point Women’s Health, Dr. Deborah Koehn.

Dr. Koehn (pictured left) pioneered the program three years ago in makeshift kitchen facilities at VCU. Her goal was to improve physician nutrition competency. “Many diseases, Dr. Koehn says, “can actually be prevented through lifestyle changes; however, nutrition education in medical school is minimal and our young providers are graduating with very little education to deal with the onslaught of this rising pandemic of chronic disease.”  

“However, just knowing about nutrition is not the same thing as learning to talk about food with your patients,” Koehn continues, “so the goal from the beginning was to develop an interdisciplinary program where we have the three components of good health at the table:  the physician, the dietician, and the chef. The physician may understand the chronic disease, but the dietician can help more with the counseling techniques and behavior modifications as well as guide the nutrition goals, and the chef can help to make the food delicious.”

The partnership is a perfect match for both VCU and Reynolds. During the four week class, Tuesdays are “Journal Club” where students review literature related to the topic of the week; Thursdays are for shopping where the students visit a different grocery store each week and discuss pricing, food content, and options. Fridays, when Reynolds culinary students are away from The Kitchens, the VCU students take over the ovens, the stove tops, and the counters, and learn about food preparation. 

“For some students, the class is the first time they learn to hold knife and cut a vegetable for others,” says Koehn. “This is an extension of a culinary journey they have already begun.  By practicing the basic cooking skills in the kitchen, they can better help guide their patients as to how to prepare foods, how to modify recipes in the hopes that we can change health one life at a time.”

“I'm delighted to have been chosen to assist with the class,” says Reynolds Culinary Arts student and Culinary Medicine intern, Anya Glessman. The program is also a perfect match for her: “I'm learning about culinary nutrition and assisting with a topic of my interest.” Chef Jesse Miller was aware that she wanted to pursue a career in this field, so when conversations began about bringing the Culinary Medicine program to The Kitchens, he reached out to her with the opportunity to assist.

Leading the Friday sessions at The Kitchens is Chef Jayson Leek, Chef at The Front Porch Café. “At the beginning of the class, says Anya Glessman, “Chef Leek gives a lecture on the class focus and does a demo on a task like how to chop garlic, cut an onion, or how to use different kinds of equipment like a food processor or a spice grinder. The students who are taking the class all seem very passionate to learn about the culinary side of dietetics and nutrition.”

New sessions of the program are coming to The Kitchens this spring, and Chef Leek and Anya Glessman will again be there to assist Dr. Koehn and her students as they work toward changing health one life at a time.

Watch this short video taken during a class session. 

 

The first mention of the phrase "you are what you eat" came from the 1826 work Physiologie du Gout, ou Medetations de Gastronomie Transcendante, in which French author Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote: “Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are.”

 

Reflection

A Reflection

By Hong Wu
Director of Library, Information Services, and Academic Support

Lunar New Year is celebrated by one sixth of the world’s population! This year, it will fall on February 1st, starting a year of the Tiger. The celebration will last for 15 days until Lantern Festival.

Lunar New Year always brings back fond memories from my childhood in China.

When I was a child, food was scarce and Lunar New Year meant food. It would be a disgrace or bad luck not to have enough food at the beginning of a year so every household started to save and prepare months ahead. Chicken and fish were rubbed with spices and air-dried for months. Craving for nuts or candies? Wait for the Lunar New Year! 

New Year meant I would see Dad. Dad was always dispatched to work away from home, but he would be home for the New Year. The sight of him wobbling home on a bike loaded with local treats was one of the happiest moments of my childhood!

New Year meant gifts. Visitors would show up unannounced with gifts at our doorstep and Mom would insist they stay for a meal. This would go on for days. We children always enjoyed the feasts with exuberance while Mom cooked all day in the kitchen. Most of the gifts would be re-gifted and we didn’t have the slightest notion of keeping them to ourselves. Giving was a matter of life. 

New Year meant “pocket money.” Children would bow to elders who would in return hand over “red envelopes” with money. If the amount was substantial, it would very likely be “confiscated” by parents to be “repurposed.” 

Today, New Year still means food, gifts, pocket money, reunion etc. and they are in abundant supply, but the memory of my childhood New Year is the best and sweetest of all. It was a memory of hope, resilience, bonding, giving, and being thankful. They are bricks for the human fortress!

I can’t wait to celebrate Lunar New Year!

Student Services

Reynolds and VCCS Partner with TimelyMD to Offer Students 24/7 Mental Health Care 

RICHMOND, Va. (January 21, 2022) – As part of ongoing efforts to prioritize the health and well-being of Virginia Community College System (VCCS) students, Reynolds students now have free and immediate access to mental health support through TimelyMD, the leading telehealth company specializing in higher education.  

TimelyMD developed its proprietary TimelyCare technology to offer students a 24/7 extension of campus health and counseling center resources that is as easy and convenient as making a video or phone call. Through the TimelyCare app on their phone or other device, VCCS students can now select from a wide-ranging menu of virtual care options from licensed physicians and counselors in all 50 states – at no cost to them and without the hassle of traditional insurance – including: 

   ● On-demand mental health support (TalkNow) 

   ● Appointment-based mental health counseling (Scheduled Counseling)  

Additionally, faculty and staff have access to support that empowers them to help students achieve a sense of well-being, live healthier lifestyles, and improve their mental health.  

TimelyCare allows students to see the profiles, faces, and specialty care details of a diverse range of licensed physicians and counselors available to them. They can choose to meet with a specific provider or select the first available. Typical consultations begin within 5-10 minutes – less than the amount of time it takes to walk across campus.  

TimelyCare’s ease of use, convenience, and immediacy make it easier than ever for Reynolds students to get the help they need, when they need it. In fact, 60 percent of all students who have sought mental health support from TimelyMD said they would have done nothing if the service were not available to them.  

“Launching TimelyCare at Reynolds is an important next step in our efforts to strengthen wraparound support services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students. We know that our students face a wide variety of mental health challenges, and we want to help remove those challenges so that they can complete their academic goals,” said Dr. Jeffrey Allen, Dean of Students at Reynolds. 

Demand for teletherapy visits skyrocketed during the pandemic, and mental health remains the top concern of college and university presidents. A recent survey found the majority of college students feel even more stress and anxiety than they did a year ago as Covid-19 continues to disrupt their plans to resume everyday activities and enjoy a more “normal” academic year. “College students said the number one thing their campuses can do to support them right now is provide more virtual services focused on their health and well-being, such as telehealth and teletherapy,” said Luke Hejl, TimelyMD CEO and co-founder. “Through TimelyCare, we are proud to deliver best-in-class virtual care to help VCCS students thrive.” 

Black History Month

Student Life Black History Month Events
from Justin Ellis and Jackie Manley

February is Black History Month. “Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month” (Click here to learn more about the history of Black History Month).

The Office of Student Life in collaboration with Career Services, the Black Student Union, the Student Veterans Association, and others have created events throughout the month to celebrate Black History both in-person and virtually. We invite you to join us for as many events as possible. 

Black History Month Events

A Chat with Fredrick Douglas Feb. 2nd 11:00 am (Lipman Auditorium or Virtual)

Nathan Richardson is a Fredrick Douglas historian who presents on the life story of Frederick Douglas. “Frederick Douglass was a formerly enslaved man who became a prominent activist, author and public speaker. He became a leader in the abolitionist movement, which sought to end the practice of slavery, before and during the Civil War’ (history.com). Students Attending will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for a choice of a ticket to one of the Student Life sponsored trips and a t-shirt.

Lipman Auditorium is located on the Parham Road Campus in the Massey Library and Technology Center.

Black History Kahoot Feb. 9th 12:00 Noon (Virtual)

Students will compete in Black History trivia with a chance to win prizes. Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform that makes it easy to create, share and play learning games or trivia quizzes in minutes. Prizes include: T-shirt, Water bottle, and grand prize - choice of ticket to a Student Life Trip). 

Trip to RVA Black History Museum – Feb. 15th from 12-1:10 p.m. (Click here for tickets)

The Office of Student Life is hosting a trip to RVA Black History Museum on Tuesday, February 15th from 12:00 -1:10 p.m. Space is limited so don’t hesitate to sign up. Transportation will be provided. This trip is for students only. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Life at studentlife@reynolds.edu, jmanley@reynolds.edu and jellis@reynolds.edu

Trip to Maggie L. Walker – Feb. 16th 

The Office of Student Life is hosting a trip to visit the home of Maggie L Walker, the first African American women to charter a bank and the first African American women to serve as a bank president right in Richmond. We are offering 3 tours - 11:00 a.m. (Click here for tickets), 1:00 p.m. (Click here for tickets) and 3:00 p.m. (Click here for tickets).  This trip is for students only. Space is limited so sign up soon. Transportation will be provided. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Student Life at studentlife@reynolds.edu, jmanley@reynolds.edu or jellis@reynolds.edu. 

National Blacks In Wax Museum and Baltimore National Aquarium – Feb. 18th (Leaving from Parham Road Campus at 7:00 am)

The Office of Student Life and Black Student Union are hosting a bus trip the National Blacks In Wax Museum and Baltimore National Aquarium on Friday, February 18th. Tickets on sale now for students (Feb. 7th for faculty and staff) in all three business offices (Downtown, Parham Road, and Goochland campuses). Only current students enrolled in classes, faculty, and staff at Reynolds can purchase tickets. Tickets cost $20 for students and $30 for faculty, staff and guest. Students, faculty and staff can only purchase two tickets, one for themselves and one for a guest. Everyone must ride the bus no exceptions. Tickets will go fast, so don’t hesitate. If you have questions please contact the Office of Student Life at studentlife@reynolds.edu, jmanley@reynolds.edu or jellis@reynolds.edu. 

Entrepreneurship and Black Owned Businesses  - Feb. 22nd, 12:00 Noon (Virtual)

Join the Career Services team and hear from a panel of four successful African American entrepreneurs in the Richmond community.  They will share their career pathways to success and provide advice on creating successful employment opportunities.  

"This Land is My Land: The Tale of Lesser Known African-American Communities" with Professor Sabrina Watson  - Feb. 24th 2:00 pm (Virtual)

Professor Watson will discuss lesser known African American communities that were developed post-Civil War and during the Great Migration, explain their historical significance, if they are still thriving communities today or if they are disappearing as many of them are.

“Glory” Movie Screening and Discussion – Feb. 24th, 4:00 pm (Virtual)

The Veterans Student Association is hosting a virtual movie screening and discussion of the movie “Glory” with instructor Scott Maddrea. Glory tells the story of Robert Gould Shaw who leads the U.S. Civil War's first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices from both his own Union Army, and the Confederates.

Student Profile

Cierra Spence: Being your Biggest Supporter!
Spotlight on G3 Scholars
by Ambria Ingram

Reynolds Community College prides itself on being the college “Where Outstanding Careers get started!” According to Cierra Spence, Reynolds is also where, students can continue their education despite hardships.

“You have to be your biggest supporter and it’s not going to be easy going back to school, but everything will work out in the end,” says Reynolds student Cierra Spence. 

Born at Virginia Medical College, Cierra was raised in low-income housing in Fairfield Court in Richmond and graduated from Reynolds with her Practical Nursing Certificate. Her degree helped her obtain jobs as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), where she has served for six years with a healthcare agency. 

Cierra loves working as a CNA and is proud of herself for earning a Practical Nursing Certificate and providing CNA delivery service care, however, she decided she wanted to further her education to advance in her career. 

Cierra recently decided to go back to school again at Reynolds to pursue her Nursing Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree to follow her dreams of becoming a registered nurse. Cierra plans to graduate with her Nursing associate degree in December 2022, and she would love to work as a registered nurse one day in either the NICU, Emergency Room, Psych Nurse Department, or the Kidney and Dialysis Specialist unit. 

“I’m very grateful for my flexible work schedule as I’m able to attend my classes while working as a CNA under her healthcare agency,” says Cierra. “I’m also grateful Reynolds is a convenient drive from my house and the Reynolds tuition rates are affordable. Reynolds feels like home and is the right place for me because Reynolds embraces different cultures and backgrounds from all people.” 

Recently, Cierra received grant money from the G3 program, a tuition assistance program that supports students financially to pursue a high in-demand career. 

“The G3 program was such a big relief for me,” says Cierra. “My family and I do not make a lot money and we get some social services. But, last year, I didn’t work because I had a baby. I really appreciate the funding for me to pay for college because I didn’t know how I was going to pay for college.”

Despite Cierra’s time management challenges of working part-time as a CNA and being a full-time student at Reynolds, she is optimistic that she can improve on those challenges over time by planning out the days and times to study her Nursing materials.

Moreover, Cierra believes that all adult learners can go back to school as well and she shares this advice with others when choosing a school: “Go for it and it’s not going to be easy. But, I do take one day at a time. I do my research before jumping into a school and I find all the resources at the college and ask questions to faculty and professors before I jump into going to a school. If you feel like it’s not the right school for you, it’s probably not. Research your college options first.”

Additionally, Cierra shares her gratitude for Reynolds Community College’s Nursing Program: 

“I’m grateful that I get to experience college. I’m grateful that I got into the Reynolds Nursing program. College is not easy, but I have been grateful that I get this opportunity because there are people who apply for the Nursing program and they do not get in. I’m grateful that I get to continue my education.”

Fun Facts about Cierra: She has two sisters and one brother on her mother’s side, and they are all very close with each other. Cierra is the oldest sibling. Both of Cierra’s parents are living. She is her mother and father’s first child. Cierra likes to go out for lunch, play some games, and loves spending time with her kids. She likes reading books, walking outside on sunny days, spending time with her family, and watching Tik Toks videos while on school breaks. 

Employee Profile

Dvora Courtland
Senior Research Analyst
Office of Institutional Effectiveness

Where did you grow up, and what was it like?

My family moved to Goochland when I was very young. My parents were hired to caretake/manage a working cattle farm, as my dad's family had been in farming for generations and my mom was a veterinarian. I grew up there in the old farmhouse, helped with farm chores, and attended the county schools. 

What brought you to Reynolds?

I took my first college class at Reynolds when I was still in high school, before attending VCU. I also completed the ASL program at Reynolds and transferred those credits back to VCU to fulfill my 'foreign' language requirement.  (Note: That was a looong time ago, and I'm very out of practice!)

What were you doing before coming to Reynolds?

I ended up worked for VCU for about 15 years in various roles, including managing a sizeable international student partnership program for the School of Business. After I earned my degree in data analytics, I spent some time doing population forecasting and analyzing member enrollment data for a couple of different state agencies. 

Tell us about your work as a Senior Research Analyst at the college.

It's been a great experience; I enjoy being back with an educational institution and working with the team and leadership to help make our data more accessible for the college.  

Were you always drawn to data and analytics?

Sort of - my first goal had been to be a psychologist/counselor, and I thought that field was going teach me the mysteries of human behavior. What I learned instead is that it is very difficult to reliably predict/understand individual behavior, but that we CAN somewhat reliably predict behaviors when you look at larger groups or population level trends. That is what led me into data and analytics. 

Also it turns out that I'm a rather shy introvert, and maybe spending all day talking to people wasn't the best career choice. I don't know why I didn't notice that earlier, maybe because I grew up talking mostly to the cows on that farm.  I'm delighted to report that I can be much more effectively helpful from behind a computer screen!

What is your favorite activity outside of work?

I enjoy creative pursuits including dance, making ceramics/pottery, and hand sewing/embroidered mending.     

What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show?

My family loves The Great Pottery Throwdown, The Great British Sewing Bee, and The Great British Bake Off. They're such good comfort shows - all very upbeat and full of friendly (!) competition. 

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

Good grief, who knows.  Maybe I'd move the family to a small farm with a workshop, some chickens, and a goat or two. Or maybe I'd break down and finally get the youngest kid a gaming computer - I hear they cost about that much.  

Recruitment

 Do you know Jessica and Steve?

Every November the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia hosts Virginia College Application Week with the goal of providing a “. . . structured opportunity and support for underresourced Virginia high schools to assist seniors in applying to at least on postsecondary institution.” 

Jessica and Steve – that is Student Outreach and Recruitment Specialists Jessica Anderson and Steve Vehorn - have come up with their own twist on this special recruitment event called the Reynolds Application Drive. This drive is perhaps the most successful tool they have in their robust bag of recruitment hardware.

From November until March 1 when the Reynolds Scholarship Application closes, Jessica and Steve’s goal is to bring the Reynolds Application Drive to every high school in the college’s service area, as well as prospective adult learners. The “Drive”, Jessica says, “includes a workshop – in person and virtually, essentially a brief presentation – one hour max, then we walk the students through the college’s application and scholarship process. They are “accepted” on the spot, which they get a kick out of, and then we all celebrate together.” 15 to 20 students generally attend each drive event.

Getting the word out about these events, as with all outreach to students, is the key to success. To reach students, Jessica and Steve rely on every means of communication short of carrier pigeon. They host virtual information sessions, open houses, and tours, in person tours when possible, text and email campaigns, social media, and flyers distributed to schools, libraries, local businesses and organizations.

Faculty and staff can help Jessica and Steve in their outreach. “If you meet a prospective student,” Jessica says, “please let them know we are here for them. We will walk students through the entire process, answer their questions, and get them the help they need to get started. We have an online form that comes directly to us, so any person interested gets our attention right away.”

Here is the link to the Recruitment online form. Please share this link with any prospective student. Who knows? The next Reynolds grad may be the person you referred to Jessica and Steve! 

Advising

Model or Mindset? 

A coordinated care approach to advising 

Recent studies have established that students are more likely to succeed when they meet with advisors.*

Revision? It's more than that.

Change? Yes, but it's more than that, too.

A 360-degree turn? Yes, that's about it. 

While Reynolds "new" advising model was officially launched last October during Advising Month, its vision had been percolating in the minds of Bernadette Battle and her Advising team for almost two years. That's when "Bern" arrived on campus as Associate Dean of Advising Services.

But, to call the model "new" and a "model" doesn't adequately tell the story. "New" is true; the transition is still in "proposal" stage - yet its changes are already evident. It's a "Model" in that it's a formulation of thought, yet it's greater than just a collection of ideas. What is happening in Advising is more of a 360-degree perspective pivot, than simply another model.

It's not enough to simply offer advising. To be effective, advisors need to reach out to students, to be proactive, or as the new Advising Proposal states be "intrusive" in connecting with students. President Pando calls it, being a student's "person". This is advising in its "relational" form, as opposed to its "transactional" form. As Bern says, this is advising that starts with building a relationship. And it is a model that relies on two essential "T" elements: Teamwork and Technology.

"We're like Verizon," Bern says, "we are a  full service network of coordinated care for our students. We work as a team to reach out continuously, and creatively to keep students moving forward and on track. We keep watch so we know when they are struggling. We reach out and together we are there to help our students get to the finish line. 24/7."

"Connections and collaboration are key," says Master Advisor Coordinator, and Professor of Health and Physical Education, Dr. Robin Shepherd, "the silos are coming down. We are working together as a network. This is one of the major differences in what we are doing now. It's a culture shift."

Like every network these days, the success of advising relies heavily on technology. In addition to social media, email (less effective with students), text messages, and phone calls, advisors reach out via Navigate. Navigate has been available to the college for about four years, but its use has been akin to driving a Ferrari like a minivan. In the hands of the current advising team these programs are being driven in the ways they were intended, to connect with, and help students daily, and hourly if needed, and to reach students where they are.

Another extremely critical element of this model is moving students from their initial advisor to their faculty advisor. Since the relationship aspect is so personal, that handoff to a new "person" must be handled smoothly. Because the silos are coming down, and all areas are working together for the common goal of each student's success, this should be a seamless transition. Again, the flexibility of the model is key. If that transition isn't working, faculty and staff come together to figure out what steps to take next.

While phased implementation is in progress, this shift in mindset is already evident in the spirit of the Advisors and those who work with them. How could they resist the energy and enthusiasm of their staunchest advocate and leader, Bern Battle? Student surveys are positive, and the numbers of students seeking advising is on the rise. All good, and strong indicators of success. Stay tuned. There will be more to come about this exciting change at the college from Advising Services and our Master Advisors!

Read the Advising Proposal here. 

*EAB Blog Post, Who could benefit the most from more advising? by Kiersten Chuc and Ed Venit, April 21, 2021

Employee Profile

Stacie Davis - Academic Dean, School of Business & Industrial Trades

Where did you grow up and what was it like? 

Henrico County – exactly how it is now! Welcome to the consistency of Virginia!

What were you doing before coming to Reynolds? 

Sports marketing career before becoming a career switcher in education. I spent the last 12 years in Henrico County Public School as a CTE and business teacher, assistant principal, and coordinator for special projects like community support initiatives, wellness programs, and affinity groups for black stakeholders.

Tell us about your work here at the college. 
What is a typical day like for you? 

I’ve been here approximately four months and learned that there’s no such thing as a typical day but I enjoy supporting my faculty and staff.

What are your greatest challenges in your work? Greatest rewards? 

Challenges - Learning “the norm” in a constantly changing, and abnormal environment. Rewards – when I finally understand a process completely and creating new opportunities for programs and students.

Your energy level is incredible. What fuels you? 

Why, thank you! Life is a gift, joy is choice, and they’re both precious. There are only 24 hours in a day and everyone doesn’t get them or get the opportunity to do what I do with them. I’m honored by that and am careful to use time and people, the most scarce and valuable resources, to the best of my ability. Whatever’s wrong will be over soon and there’s nothing outside of family that’s that serious.

What do you like to do when you aren’t working? 

Relax at home and have fun with my kids!

What is your favorite book, movie, or TV series, and why? 

The Color Purple

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

Pay all of my family’s debt, invest more, continue to build generational wealth, and offer scholarships and opportunities for single parents and high school students interested in CTE careers.

Student Events

Let's get the word out to Reynolds students:

Apply Now for a Summer of STEM at JMU

The Summer REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates), is a three-year grant funded partnership between Reynolds and JMU that began in the summer of 2021. This coming summer of 2022 will be year two. This program is specifically for community college students and is open to a variety of disciplines.

The purpose of the program is to help community college students progress into STEM programs at four-year colleges and universities. It is open to all Reynolds STEM students (AS degrees in Engineering (all specialties), Science, Math, Computer Science, Math/Science Teacher Prep, and the AAS in Information Systems Technology). 

Students in other programs, like the General Studies AS, may also be eligible, even if they’re not in one of Reynolds STEM programs.

Students spend 10 weeks over the summer at JMU. They receive a $6000 stipend, free on-campus housing and food, as well as travel support. In addition to their research activities, they participate in other workshops, social activities, and field trips. Two Reynolds students participated last year and said they had an amazing experience. Even better, JMU faculty were very impressed with our students.

Applications for the program will be taken until March 13, 2022. Let's get the word out to Reynolds students now so they can start planning their summer. 

Contact Janet Adams, Professor of Biology, at jadams@reynolds.edu for more information.

Student Profile

Felicia Vaughn: Never Give Up!
Spotlight on REV Scholars

By Ambria Ingram / REV Coach

Reynolds Community College prides itself on being the college “where outstanding careers get started!” After meeting Felicia Vaughn, we can also add “where outstanding learners get to follow their career passion!”

“If you want to go back to school, don’t give up! Just keep pushing yourself and never give up,” says Reynolds student Felicia Vaughn. 

Felicia Vaughn, 25 years old is from Hopewell, Virginia. She is a graduate of Ultimate Medical Academy which is a private healthcare vocational school in Tampa, Florida. Felicia took online classes at Ultimate Medical Academy and earned her Associates degree in Health Care Management. However, she decided to switch paths and attend Reynolds Community College with plans to become a registered nurse. 

Felicia is grateful that Reynolds provided her financial assistance by paying for her tuition for one semester through the REV (Re-Employing Virginians) Program. The REV grant is offered through the State of Virginia to support Virginians in upskilling and pursuing new career paths due to their employment being impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The grant was needed because Felicia lost her job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She is currently taking pre-requisite classes for the nursing program at Reynolds with the REV grant funds. Her goal is to receive her Nursing Associate of Applied Science degree in spring 2024 as well as her Health Science I Career Studies Certificate in fall 2022. 

One of the reasons Felicia decided to become a registered nurse is having the experience of taking care of her grandmother. Felicia’s grandmother is one of her great supporters. Her grandmother constantly motivates and encourages her to push through the nursing pre-requisite classes at Reynolds. 

“My grandmother is excited that I am going to be the first nurse in the family, and she is rooting for me to get this nursing degree since I’m a first-generation college student, says Felicia.

Felicia’s grandmother who battles a health condition sees the potential in Felicia to become a great nurse. 

In addition to her grandmother’s support, Felicia admits her routine would not be possible without her professors accommodating her busy work schedule. 

“The professors communicate better with me than other community colleges I previously went to, and I have great professors! My professors give me due dates for assignments that I feel comfortable completing and they totally understand my situation” she noted. 

Felicia mentions the faculty members at Reynolds “answers all my questions and are helping me succeed at Reynolds, and the advisors and financial aid office, they are on it! Reynolds is my support system for sure!” 

While Felicia takes care of her grandmother, she has other responsibilities that she juggles in her life as well. Felicia is a full-time customer representative with Anthem Health Keepers. As a single mother of two children, Felicia enjoys being a mother, while also homeschooling her children due to the COVID-19 pandemic, working a full-time job, and taking classes at Reynolds is a full load for her. 

Her routine to accomplish all her responsibilities consist of her working from 9:00 am-5:30 pm every day and once she gets off from work, she starts doing her nursing schoolwork. Felicia’s children are homeschooled by her and her family support system. Felicia has Saturdays and Sundays off from her full-time job, allowing her to finish her nursing schoolwork. 

Currently. Felicia is inquiring about the G3 tuition assistance program at Reynolds that supports students financially to pursue a high in-demand career. The G3 grant makes up the difference between what federal or state financial aid pays for and the cost of tuition, fees, and books.

Moreover, Felicia recommends Reynolds Community College for future prospective students. “Yes, most definitely, Reynolds is a great school, and they have amazing staff people. My perspective on Reynolds is that the classes are great and are reasonable, and you can go at your own pace, or you can go on campus. They work around my work schedule and that is very important to me.” Felicia is excited to further her nursing career and she cannot wait to see how her degree will open the doors for more opportunities!

Fun Facts about Felicia: She is the youngest sibling of her two older brothers. She loves shopping at Bath and Body Works and enjoys eating her favorite sausage and potatoes dish from Olive Garden called the “Zuppa Toscana Soup.” She enjoys playing basketball and started playing the sport in seventh grade. Felicia has a French and Spanish background. In high school, she took French classes in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade and then added Spanish classes in ninth grade. Felicia’s language background does help her translate phone calls in French and Spanish during her full-time job at Anthem Health Keepers. 

CCWA

Network2Work = Job Ready

For several years CJ worked in marketing and billing in the Richmond area. When the pandemic took her job, she decided it was time to look for other, more solid employment opportunities.  

She had always been interested in the medical field, but wasn’t drawn to patient care. While exploring her options she found CCWA’s Medical Coding class, and it seemed like a good fit - especially since as a Virginia resident, her tuition would be covered, two-thirds through a FastForward grant, and the rest through another training grant.  

CJ took advantage of the program and enrolled in CCWA’s online Coding class. While in class, she connected with a CCWA Career Coach who helped her develop a resume, practice for interviews, and research careers in Medical Coding. 

CJ finished her class and immediately joined a study group to prepare for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential exam. Within months she passed her exam and earned her CPC credential.   

But CJ’s Career Coach didn’t leave her there. Her Coach continued to work with CJ, getting her enrolled in the new Network2Work job search platform and helping her identify potential employers. By completing her coding course, earning her CPC credential, and being in the N2W network, CJ’s status became “Job Ready” – exactly what employers are looking for.

CJ then chose a job track for a Patient Access Representative position with Bon Secours. She submitted her resume, and her “Job Ready” status drew the attention of the Bon Secours hiring manager. Two interviews later, CJ accepted the Patient Access Representative position. 

CCWA is opening doors for hundreds of Virginians through programs like N2W. 

What is Network2Work?

Network2WorkRVA connects skilled job seekers with employers looking to fill vital roles within their company. The program helps potential employees find a job that pays a living wage and leads to a fulfilling career. The N2W "connection" involves training, support and resources that put Virginians on a path to success.

"As the name implies," said Mary Jo Washko, Director of Coaching and Career Services for CCWA, "Network2Work (N2W) is a technology-based networking platform designed to connect job seekers to the training and support resources needed to be 'job ready' for the opportunities listed in our employer network."

A little history: When Reynolds Middle College moved to CCWA it became CareerStart. The program was then further transformed into CCWA's Coaching and Career Services department. 

"In addition to becoming coaching services," Mary Jo explained, "we also took on a new initiative called Network2Work. We no longer offer GED services, but through Network2Work, we connect students to GED providers and more than 150 other services in the community through our 35+ provider network." 

The program had a soft launch in June 2021, but is now available for students and the general public. For more information visit the N2W site. 

Faculty Profile

Stephanie Daniel
Associate Professor of Education and Early Childhood Development

Where did you grow up and what was it like?

I grew up here in Richmond, Virginia as an only child. Growing up, I was the neighborhood big sister which was a lot of fun. I would take the younger children in the neighborhood out to play at the community playground. I think that’s when I knew I would one day work with young children. 

What brought you to Reynolds?

A year after graduating high school, I enrolled in the Information systems technology program at Reynolds, while also working at a childcare center part-time. After my first semester, I changed my major to early childhood development, and I have been in the field ever since. 

You are a “New Face” at Reynolds. What were you doing before coming here?

Before becoming a full-time faculty member, I taught as an adjunct for 12 years. While also teaching as an adjunct, I worked with several different organizations and agencies, with CAPUP, formerly known as RCAP being my last job before joining Reynolds full-time.  

As an Associate Professor what are your greatest rewards of teaching? Greatest challenges? 

My greatest teaching reward is seeing learners excel in a field I am so passionate about. I love being that support system that helps learners make it to the end of the semester even when they thought they weren’t going to finish. In my 12 years of teaching, I can’t think of any challenges. I guess when you love what you do, you don’t really see the challenges that someone else may see.  

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

I love spending time with my family, shopping, playing basketball with my husband and son, and loving on my two beautiful grandkids. I have also added writing children’s books to things I like dong when I’m not working.  

What is your favorite book, movie, or TV series, and why?

My favorite book is the “Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfisher, my favorite movie, is “Look Who’s Talking,” and my favorite TV series is NCIS. I’m a big kid at heart and still love all things early childhood. The “Rainbow Fish” book teaches little ones how to be a friend, the movie “Look Who’s Talking,” is my all-time favorite because it focuses on the life of a little boy from conception to about one year of age. It confirms all of what we are teaching in our ECE classes. As for NCIS, I love trying to figure out who did the crime before the end of the show. Also, I love special agent Gibbs. I’m kind of sad that he isn’t on the current season, but it’s still a TV show I watch on Monday nights. 

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

The first thing I would do with $100 million is to tithe 10% and give an offering to my church, payoff all my student loans, provide scholarships for students who can’t afford to go to college so they don’t have student loans once they are done, develop and fund sites for the homeless, share a little with family and close friends, and invest some. I’m pretty sure there are other things I would do with the rest of the money, but it’s best to start with baby steps.

Employee Profile

Jessica Anderson
Student Outreach/Recruitment Specialist

Where did you grow up and what was it like?

Virginia is home. Dumfries, Virginia is where my heart is. I grew up near Quantico Marine Base, helping Grandpa (a very proud veteran) run a small convenience store on the base, in addition to a local ice cream truck and side newspaper delivery hustle! For as long as I can remember, my cup has always been filled with the invigorating energy of meeting new people. 

What brought you to this area, and to Reynolds?

A grant funded position (3PL) with the VCCS brought me to Richmond back in 2013. I eventually transitioned from the James Monroe Building to Armstrong High School where a gracious colleague helped re-connect my passion for serving high school students with post-secondary opportunities at Reynolds.

What were you doing before coming to Reynolds?

I have always worked in education. From 2014 - 2019, I was very fortunate to serve the students and families of Armstrong High School as the coordinator for the Freshman Academy Program; a partnership between the faith-based community and the East End. 

Tell us about your work here at the college. What is a typical day like for you?

I am the High School Outreach Specialist for Reynolds. In short, this means I get to do what I absolutely love - which is to bridge our young people with the resources that support their academic and professional aspirations! My day is always in motion - either on the road visiting schools or in conversation with colleagues to soak up new knowledge. I enjoy telling students, high school counselors and community partners about our wonderful college. 

What are your greatest challenges in your work? Greatest rewards?

The greatest challenge to my work is the "four year vs two year" conversation with prospective students. I value my four experience (GO HOKIES!) and subsequent time studying at the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS!) and am always exploring new ways to convey to high school age students that community college is a very viable, attractive option. 

The greatest reward is showing up for a high school presentation to find a room full of students willing to listen and consider the option. 

You’re a busy lady. How do you keep all your tours and site visits organized?

I am still working on the organization part! Needless to say, time management is also one of my greatest challenges, but thanks to multiple calendars, colorful post-it notes, binder clips, boxes of materials in my vehicle and an awesome team of co-workers, we get the job done.  

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

I am open to anything that involves food and being outside (on a warm day!). When the stars align, my 13 year old son and I enjoy spending time with my two nephews (ages five and eight) and taking family trips with my mom, dad and two younger sisters. 

What is your favorite book, movie, or TV series, and why?

Coming to America, the original movie, is my all- time favorite. I also enjoy the idea of reading, curled up in a sun filled spot, but then again, that usually leads to a very rewarding nap!

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

I would host a HUGE celebration on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. I would invite everyone, including my entire extended family and all of the students I have ever worked with plus their families. There would be an unlimited taco bar, desserts, live music, and of course, fireworks!