PRESIDENT'S
MESSAGE
Community remains at the heart of who we are and all we do at Germanna.
Across the greater Fredericksburg region, we continue to be a driving force for opportunity, growth, and positive change. As Germanna selects its next president, our commitment to our students, partners, and communities remains steadfast. The nationwide search for Germanna’s permanent president will begin soon, involving input from the local college board, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.
This year, the Virginia Community College System embraced Mission Possible as both its theme and its call to action—a reminder to reignite our mission at a time when it matters more than ever. Our communities are counting on us, and we’re ready to meet every challenge head-on. From expanding access to advancing student success, we’re working each day to ensure education stays within reach for all who seek it.
In April, Germanna was designated as one of the nation’s top Opportunity Colleges and Universities (Higher Access, Higher Earnings) by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Learning, recognizing the College as an institution that can serve as a model for studying how campuses can foster student success. Germanna is among the top 16% of all colleges and universities and the only community college in Virginia to receive this honor. This distinction is a testament to the tireless efforts of our faculty, staff, and partners, who make it their mission to support students every step of the way.
This year, Germanna served more than 14,000 students across credit, workforce, and dual enrollment programs—a clear sign that our impact is growing. Credit enrollment rose by 5%, while workforce and dual enrollment each grew by 18%, reflecting both our region’s demand for job-ready training and the strength of our high school partnerships. As more students turn to Germanna to pursue their goals, the need for scholarships, support services, and expanded opportunities continues to grow. Your support ensures we can meet that need—helping every student succeed, no matter their starting point.
Community partnerships have played a pivotal role in this progress. Our new Amazon Web Services Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship program is equipping students with in-demand tech skills to thrive in the region’s expanding data center industry. A partnership with Rappahannock Goodwill Industries is opening doors to valuable internships and job opportunities. And our collaboration with The Oberle Academy is expanding skilled trades training for both high school students and adult learners—because when our students succeed, our community grows stronger.
This academic year also marked an exciting new chapter with the opening of our Stafford County Center—home to advanced learning environments and a community wellness hub. The $20 million project, the largest ever undertaken by the College’s Educational Foundation, features two newly renovated buildings: the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building and the Barbara J. Fried Building. The expansion aims to address pressing workforce needs in healthcare, cybersecurity, and information technology. With capacity to serve up to 400 nursing students, the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building will aid in doubling Germanna’s nursing program enrollment, bolstering efforts to address the regional healthcare workforce shortage. Additionally, the Barbara J. Fried Building will offer general education courses, evening cybersecurity classes, and workforce development programs. Thanks to the generous support of donors, healthcare leaders, and community partners, these state-of-the-art buildings are preparing future professionals in healthcare, cybersecurity, and information technology. The Stafford County Center represents our ongoing commitment to expanding access and fostering economic growth throughout Stafford County and the broader Northern Virginia region.
These milestones remind us that your financial support for Germanna is more important than ever. Every day, we see how access to education at Germanna changes lives and transforms our communities. We are ready to continue the important work of breaking down barriers, closing opportunity gaps, and preparing the region’s workforce to meet the demands of today and tomorrow—but we can’t do it alone.
As interim president, I am excited to carry forward the good work of Dr. Janet Gullickson, immediate past president of Germanna, whose leadership strengthened the College’s foundation. Together with our dedicated faculty, staff, and supporters like you, I’m confident we will continue to build on that legacy. Thank you for believing in Germanna, for standing alongside us, and for helping to ensure our community remains at the center of all we do. Together, we will continue to prove that our mission is—and always will be—possible.
With gratitude,
Dr. Van Wilson
Interim President, Germanna Community College