The new Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System spent several hours visiting the Clifton Forge campus of Mountain Gateway Community College Wednesday, meeting administrators, faculty, staff, and community leaders as well as hobnobbing with students.
Although it was the last day of classes before semester exams begin, several dozen students showed up at Moomaw Center to enjoy pizza with Dr. David Doré. He has been touring all 23 institutions since taking office April 3; MGCC was the 20th College he has visited.
Dr. Doré praised the College’s FastForward workforce program, which has grown tremendously in the last few years, transfer programs, and other innovative and successful initiatives, such as Early College, the Jackson River Governor’s School, dual enrollment classes, an IT lab that will open soon in Buena Vista, and a planned medical lab, in partnership with Lewis Gale Alleghany Hospital. Dr. Doré was also told about an innovative program for students with disabilities, and the success of online and hybrid classes, during a meeting with administrators.
Dr. Doré, who came to Virginia after spending the last five years in Arizona, was visibly impressed with the physical beauty of the campus.
“I’ve been in awe, walking around the campus,” he said. “When you look at the mountains and the greenery, this is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I think the College is leveraging a lot of that beauty. I can’t imagine a better place to study, in this kind of environment.”
One of the highlights of Dr. Doré’s visit was a tour of the College’s sawmill, which is part of the Forest Management Technology Program, the only such accredited 2-year program in the VCCS. With the help of Program Head Scott Reigel, he operated a knuckle boom crane, moving two logs from one location to another.
In separate sessions, he spoke to community leaders and faculty and staff about his shared vision for the VCCS, citing more collaboration among the institutions, helping students fill gaps in skills, and creating an environment where all students are welcome and respected.
He also fielded a number of questions, and not a few concerned the availability – or lack thereof – of housing for out-of-town students. Other remarks concerned student recruitment and offering additional pathways for students interested in health care careers.
Dr. Doré has had deep experience as a community college executive, faculty member, administrator, leader of workforce development programs and managing multiple campuses. His most recent posting was at Pima Community College in Tucson, AZ. He replaces Dr. Glenn DuBois, who led the VCCS for more than 20 years, before retiring in late 2022.