News

Tiye’ Smith’s ascension to Student Government Association president from vice president was typical. The way it happened wasn’t. In spring 2023, she was appointed the governing body’s vice president shortly after the then-current VP became president. Later in the semester, when elections were held for the 2023-24 academic year, she ran to retain her role, and won. However, nobody ran for president, and the SGA constitution says if that happens, the vice...

There’s an entertainment axiom that goes “always leave the audience wanting more.” If that is a measure of success, “Tea with Dr. B” was a hit its first year at Virginia Peninsula Community College. This series, which featured a conversation hosted by VPCC President Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon, proved so popular it is back for a second season. “People want more,” she said as she prepared for the first “Tea with...

The VPCC men's soccer team suffered an 8-0 defeat Sept. 29 at Louisburg College in North Carolina.  After falling behind 6-0 at the half, the Gators improved the final 45 minutes. "We didn't give in and played a pretty competitive second half," coach Kevin Darcy said. The Gators (1-4) had just 12 players available because of injuries. "Fortunately, we will get Jacob Logan back, who has been out for the past month, and will help us a lot in the attack," Darcy said. Darcy did...

Art is Roman Ahmad’s passion. He can’t envision a future that doesn’t involve letting his creativity flow.  “I’ve been drawing since 2009, and I hope to find a creative career in the future,” said Ahmad. To that end, he is sharpening his skills at Virginia Peninsula Community College, where he is a visual arts major.  The Yorktown resident is following in the footsteps of his sister, Niyah, a 2020 VPCC...

Dual enrollment in high school allows students to discover if college-level courses are right for them. Officials at Virginia Peninsula Community College and the College of William & Mary have taken that concept one step further, where up to 15 VPCC students can be co-enrolled at W&M each year to see if the second oldest college in the country will be part of their future. “It’s a really, really neat program for them,” said Nicole Currier,...

Anaiah Bell, a social sciences major at Virginia Peninsula Community College, is positioning herself for a photography career. Along the way, she’s taking advantage of an opportunity to develop leadership skills by serving as a Presidential Ambassador this academic year.    Participants in the Presidential Ambassadors program – four each year – commit to 10 months of assisting the College. They volunteer at events and...

VPCC’s men’s soccer match scheduled for Sept. 23 at the College of Southern Maryland was canceled because of inclement weather. It will not be made up. The two teams played Aug. 27 at Wanner Stadium in Williamsburg with Southern Maryland winning 6-0. The Gators’ next official match is Sept. 29 at Louisburg College in North Carolina. For more information on VPCC athletics, go to https://www.vpcc.edu/life.

Recent years saw healthcare professionals in the limelight celebrated as heroes. Working late nights and early mornings, they are still heroes to many, and Virginia Peninsula Community College’s LeRon Lewis is among the ranks.  Aspiring to effect change in the healthcare industry, the VPCC graduate is positioning himself for a leadership role.  “After being really involved in the pandemic on the emergency management side and everything that that entailed,...

Kayla Greene decided on the perfect major when she enrolled at Virginia Peninsula Community College and she was seeking leadership opportunities. The College's Presidential Ambassador program was ideal for the business administration major. Greene is among four students serving as Presidential Ambassadors for 2023-2024. Participants in the Presidential Ambassadors program commit to 10 months of assisting the College. They volunteer at events and in various roles on campus as...

More than 30 high school students attended a “Pathways2Careers” open house at Virginia Peninsula Community College’s Historic Triangle Campus on Sept. 12. The free event was sponsored by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce to introduce students to the College and the business community. Faculty and staff representing VPCC shared information about degree and workforce development programs. Members of the Chamber and a representative from Baylands Family...

Looking to challenge his problem-solving skills and stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the modern workforce, Nolan Healy is majoring in computer science at Virginia Peninsula Community College. He enrolled in January 2023 and is among four students serving as Presidential Ambassadors this academic year.  Participants in the Presidential Ambassadors program commit to 10 months of assisting the College. They volunteer at events and in various roles...

Jailyn and Madison Baker are as different as pickles and plums. Sisters, they are 10 years apart and have different tastes in practically everything. Born in Louisiana and Oklahoma, respectively, they came to Hampton Roads in 2004 as military dependents. Jailyn, who is older, had Hampton High School in her sights as early as elementary school despite living out of zone. The family moved to the Hampton High zone when she was in middle school, and she graduated in 2012. The top choice for...

The Virginia Peninsula Community College women’s volleyball team fell to 0-3 with two losses in a tri-match Sept. 9 at Bryant & Stratton College in Virginia Beach. In the first match, the Gators lost to Pitt Community College of Winterville, N.C., 25-9, 25-12 and 25-15. They then fell to the hosts 25-6, 25-10, 25-13. “That was a hard weekend for a brand-new team. Both of those teams are super, super strong,” said VPCC coach Tommy Thomas. For the two matches,...

The Virginia Peninsula Community College women’s volleyball team opened the season Thursday, Sept.7 with a 13-25, 25-27, 23-25 loss at Mid-Atlantic Christian University in Elizabeth City, N.C. “They were nervous. You could tell,” coach Tommy Thomas said. “Definitely with the first set.” The Gators had two set points in the second set but were undone by unforced errors. They also had chances to win the third set. “It’s going...

Amy Rose is making her mark through creative storytelling as a videographer for Hampton City Schools. She credits Virginia Peninsula Community College for helping her cement a career in video production.    Rose takes great pride in creating videos for teachers to support the school system’s mission. Her work contributes to the educational experiences of students and educators.  “I love getting to visit classrooms and creating...

A wellness expo for women veterans will take place at Virginia Peninsula Community College Saturday, Sept. 16 presented by the Newport News (Va.) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Called the Women Veterans Wellness Expo, the event runs 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on the Hampton Campus in Hampton IV located at 521 Butler Farm Rd.  Register for the free expo at https://qrco.de/beGy8x. The morning of empowerment, education, and rejuvenation will feature retired U.S. Navy...

Tommy Thomas’ goal in his first year as the women’s volleyball coach at Virginia Peninsula Community College is to bring in student-athletes. He’s off to a good start. Last year, which was the first season the College had a women’s intercollegiate volleyball program, the Gators often had fewer than 10 players dressing out for games. He has 11 on his roster so far. “I typically have 15. My goal is to have 15-20 kids,” said Thomas, who...