It’s July 1, the beginning of the new state fiscal year, and despite the fact that everyone is about to head out for a holiday weekend, Virginia’s Community Colleges are celebrating several transitions.

Two new presidents had their first day today –  in opposite ends of the state.

Dr. Ronald Proffitt’s first day at Virginia Highlands Community College was marked by lunch on the lawn with the entire college staff.

And in the Tidewater area, Dr. Paul Conco had his first day as president at Paul D. Camp Community College, tirelessly going from group to group to meet everyone.

They are both making their mark with excited college communities.

In Lynchburg, former President Darrel Staat said goodbye to his staff after 11 years, telling WSET  he will miss seeing students every day in his new job as the head of the community and technical college system in South Carolina.

Dr. Cynthia Bambara takes over at CVCC as interim president while a national search gets under way.

- posted by Susan Hayden