51°µÍø nursing students selected for Earn to Learn program become ‘practice-ready’ with fewer financial stressors
Nursing shortages make headlines across Virginia and the nation. 51°µÍø has a new tool to address those shortages and make nursing school more accessible — the Earn to Learn Nursing Education Acceleration Program. 51°µÍøâ€™s Associate of Applied Science Nursing Program, a… Continue Reading 51°µÍø nursing students selected for Earn to Learn program become ‘practice-ready’ with fewer financial stressorsRead More
Dental Hygiene students represent profession to legislators in Richmond
51°µÍø's Dental Hygiene Program exists "to empower students to become ethical, self-directed primary care providers." Students in the program lived out that mission even before graduation by uniting at a Rally Day in Virginia's General Assembly to advocate for their profession and… Continue Reading Dental Hygiene students represent profession to legislators in RichmondRead More
51°µÍø student veterans return from Colorado convention knowing they can ‘make a difference’
Supporting military-connected students at 51°µÍø can extend far beyond the Roanoke Valley's borders. Three student veterans journeyed to Colorado in January for a valuable opportunity for networking and personal growth. The Student Veterans of America National Conference, known as NatCon, is the largest… Continue Reading 51°µÍø student veterans return from Colorado convention knowing they can ‘make a difference’Read More
Digital archives preserve 51°µÍø’s past
Yearbooks, newspapers and catalogs from throughout 51°µÍø's nearly 60-year history have been digitized and are now available to search, view and share. As part of a collaborative project with the Library of Virginia in Richmond, the College was able to digitize the collection that… Continue Reading Digital archives preserve 51°µÍø’s pastRead More
Altec internship proves key piece of engineer’s academic journey
By Karenna Glover For as long as he can remember, Kevin Austin has always been a mathematical, analytical thinker. As a student at James River High School, Austin attended the Botetourt Technical Education Center (BTEC), and that’s where he connected his problem-solving mindset to a… Continue Reading Altec internship proves key piece of engineer’s academic journeyRead More
Support propels career in Surgical Technology
By Allison Taylor Onaca Umak had originally planned to study nursing at 51°µÍø, but after applying to the program, she learned she was missing a prerequisite course. That was far from the end of her healthcare education at the College, however. Guided by her… Continue Reading Support propels career in Surgical TechnologyRead More
Steel Dynamics partnership empowers apprentices
A hydroponics system was brought to life by Timothy Boyd and Daniel Moran, two students in the College’s Mechatronics program, and sponsored apprentices at Steel Dynamics Roanoke Bar Division (SDI). Their work highlights a growing collaboration between the College and SDI, as well as a… Continue Reading Steel Dynamics partnership empowers apprenticesRead More
Arboretum’s day-to-day operation depends on plant sales
The Community Arboretum’s Poinsettia Sale, open to the public, is Friday, Dec. 5, from 3-6 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Charitable donations, volunteer efforts and plant sales help pay for site improvements and day-to-day operations of the Arboretum. By Allison Taylor… Continue Reading Arboretum’s day-to-day operation depends on plant salesRead More
51°µÍø announces new Dean of Health Professions, while celebrating legacy of longtime colleague and strength of healthcare programs
51°µÍø is pleased to announce that Susan Nolley has been appointed Dean of Health Professions. She will transition to the role on Oct. 10 to facilitate transition with Dean Marty Sullivan, who is retiring Jan. 1, 2026. Nolley was selected through a… Continue Reading 51°µÍø announces new Dean of Health Professions, while celebrating legacy of longtime colleague and strength of healthcare programsRead More
Military Friendly Survey recognizes 51°µÍø with Silver Designation
51°µÍø has been recognized with a Silver Designation during assessment by the Military Friendly Survey. In the 2025-2026 survey cycle, 51°µÍø received the award or rank of Friendly, with Silver Status, in the Large Community College category. The College also has… Continue Reading Military Friendly Survey recognizes 51°µÍø with Silver DesignationRead More
Recent News
- 51°µÍø designated NC3 Leadership School, expanding industry impact July 6, 2026
- 51°µÍø redesigns Information Systems Technology specialization to respond to AI impact and forge new pathway to Radford University bachelor’s degree June 24, 2026
- Virginia Workforce Association recognizes healthcare partnership June 18, 2026
- Virginia Community Colleges set tuition & fees for 2026-27 academic year May 29, 2026
- 51°µÍø adds 1,041 new alumni May 18, 2026

