News

Virginia Peninsula empowered Yugonda Sample-Jones, who now is empowering others. Yugonda Sample-Jones traces the origins of her company to her time at Virginia Peninsula Community College. “Dean (Keisha) Samuels got me thinking I could change the world,” Sample-Jones said. “So, I started my own business.” That business, Empower All, was formed in 2019, while Sample-Jones still was enrolled in the College. Empower All is based in Newport News and calls itself a “community consulting firm,” assisting low-income neighborhoods and areas affected by violence.

Photography instructor Cait Layton, front row far right, was one of the instructors for the summer camp. (Photo by Randie Trestrail.)  Virginia Peninsula Community College’s visual arts program has a close relationship with the design and video academies in the Hampton City Schools’ system.

Virginia Peninsula Community College Workforce Development representatives were on hand when a job training program called “What’s Next?” presented an open house in Newport News. The initiative was developed by Newport News School Board member John Eley and Dr. Ashby Kilgore, State Board for Community Colleges member and retired Newport News Schools superintendent. The July 25 open house at Brooks Crossing drew nearly 400 people. The huge crowd was a record for the program established last August.

The Virginia Peninsula Community College Local Board will have new member orientation at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1 at the Hampton campus. The session will take place at 525 Butler Farm Rd. in Room 717. The session will familiarize new Board members with the College’s mission and its organizational and operational structure. College Board meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. More information about the College Board is available at www.vpcc.edu.

RICHMOND – The State Board for Community Colleges, by a unanimous vote, chose to maintain the current in-state tuition and mandatory fees for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Jenni Jones (third row, left wearing glasses and black dress) taught her final group of students in the spring. They will graduate in December. Most teachers are big on class pictures. So when Jenni Jones had an opportunity to  take a photo with her spring semester nursing students at Virginia Peninsula Community College, she made sure to do so. She had a feeling it might be her last class.

The Communications and Marketing team has an easier way for you to request services. If you have a story idea or need a graphic, web page update, or social media post, complete our convenient online form, and someone from the team will assist you.  Plus, you will receive status updates as your project is underway. This process will eliminate the need for multiple emails about the same project.

The 2022-2023 campus parking permits are now available.  Visit the Photo IDs and Parking Permits webpage in the faculty/staff section to download and print an application. Bring your completed application to the Photo ID Office (Hampton campus -Diggs Hall, room 155 ) or (Historic Triangle campus, room 116) to pick up your permit.   Payment (check or money order) is due at the time of pick up. Make checks payable to Virginia Peninsula Community College. Permits are $30 for one, $15 for each additional one.

Virginia Peninsula Community College, formerly Thomas Nelson Community College, named Chris Moore its new Director of Athletics and Student Activities on Monday, July 18.  Moore, who attended the College in 2008-10, has been the men’s basketball coach at the College since 2018. In the 2021-22 season, he led the Gators to a 16-1 record overall and their first conference title since 2015. “I’m excited,” said Moore, whose new role begins July 25. “I’m big on community and I have a passion for the College, being that I went there.”

In accordance with Section 23.1-307 (D) of the Code of Virginia, the State Board for Community Colleges provides notice that it may consider tuition and mandatory fee increases for Virginia’s Community Colleges, effective fall 2022, at 9 a.m. on July 21, 2022, at the Virginia Community College System, System Office, 300 Arboretum Place, Richmond, VA 23236.

Campus police emphasize that vigilance is the key to ensuring a safe working and learning environment. Noting everyone has a stake in maintaining safety and security, they advise, "If you see something, say something."  Report suspicious activity to the Virginia Peninsula Community College Police department. For emergency assistance, dial 9-1-1 from any campus phone. From cell phones while on campus, call 757-825-3511 for direct link to the College's police department.  Police indicate some examples of suspicious activity include:

Campus police worked with the Hampton police department and the Hampton fire department to make sure everyone was safe following a bomb threat July 12.    Virginia Peninsula Community College was one of multiple institutions in the Commonwealth subject to a bomb threat July 12. Threats also were received at Tidewater Community College (Chesapeake campus), Norfolk State University, and Regent University.

Virginia Peninsula Community College’s new name became official July 1, but the school publicly celebrated the change July 12 at its Hampton campus. A ceremony, which lasted about 30 minutes, took place at the Hampton campus near the tower beside Interstate 64. More than 100 students, faculty, staff, board members, community and local industry leaders were on hand to hear from College President Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon, Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck, and others. They had a common theme: While the name has changed, the College’s commitment to its students has not.

Priya Patel closed out her final year of community college on a high note. The 2022 graduate, who earned an associate degree in science, was a semifinalist for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship (JKC).