By Holly Walker
2017 marks a big year for John Tyler Community College. It’s our 50th anniversary!
When we opened our doors in 1967, we welcomed just over 1,200 students to our one campus in Chester. Chalkboards lined classroom walls, students stood in line to register and online learning did not exist.
As the decades went by, Tyler grew and evolved to meet the needs of our students, our communities, and the businesses and industries that call Central Virginia home. New majors were added as others were retired. Computers and printers replaced typewriters and carbon paper. New buildings and a new campus were added, and while hands-on learning has always been an important part of many of our programs, those experiences now are enhanced with cutting-edge simulators.
The number of students we serve also has changed. About 14,000 students now take classes in person or online at Tyler each year. Plus, an additional 12,000 learners and nearly 800 organizations annually receive training through our workforce development efforts.
Much has changed over the past five decades. However, what’s at the heart of John Tyler Community College – our commitment to our students and our communities – has not. Our talented faculty and staff remain dedicated to empowering our students by helping them discover their talents, grow their knowledge, achieve their goals, and realize they can make a difference in the world around them. And, our roots within our communities continue to strengthen with time, as we work closely with our partners to ensure Tyler offers the educational and workforce support needed today and in the future.
As we enter into our 50th year, we invite you to be part of the celebration. In the coming weeks, we will be rolling out initiatives designed to highlight some of the hallmarks that have defined the culture of John Tyler throughout its 50 years: generosity; volunteerism; alumni success; and a desire to look forward and imagine what’s next. There will be lots of opportunities for you to get involved at John Tyler and in the communities we serve.
News about these opportunities will be shared on our web site at www.jtcc.edu/news. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more about our anniversary celebration. Or, if you’d like a sneak peek at the initiatives tied to John Tyler Community College 50 & Forward, explore www.jtcc.edu/50.