HAMPTON — Virginia Peninsula Community College publicly celebrated its name change from Thomas Nelson Community College with a public ceremony July 12 at its Hampton campus.
The new name became official July 1. Founded in 1967, the college had briefly been referred to as Peninsula Community College before being named Thomas Nelson Community College.
The 30-minute ceremony was held in the parking lot next to the tower sign beside Interstate 64. More than 100 students, faculty, board members, and community and local industry leaders were on hand to hear from dignitaries including College President Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon and Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck, according to a press release.
“For more than 50 years, our college has been a force in higher education, providing world-class academic and workforce development programs,” Brannon said. “We empower our students by letting them chart their own path at a pace that suits their lives. We make it possible for students to transfer to four-year schools, advance in their careers and become employed in high-demand fields. That is what Virginia Peninsula Community College is about.
“We are proud to be a bridge to a brighter future for all Peninsula residents who desire to learn,” Brannon added.
The two-hour event included demonstrations by the college’s ballroom dance team and its cheerleaders, games, giveaways, music and food. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet with college representatives to learn about academic and workforce development programs.
As part of the rebranding, new signs, banners and more are being unveiled. The majority of the college’s website and social media pages have been updated, according to the release.
Virginia Peninsula Community College is one of five institutions in Virginia’s Community Colleges (VCCS) that has been renamed in the past year.
With campuses in Hampton and the Historic Triangle in Williamsburg as well as satellite locations, Virginia Peninsula Community College offers a myriad of academic and career training programs. Registration is now open for fall 2022 classes. Click here to learn more.
