New College Institute’s STAGS Robotics Team Awarded $32,000

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March 25, 2021 ­– New College Institute’s FIRST Robotics Team known as the STAGS (Students Technologically Advancing for Greater Success) was awarded $32,000 through grants and contributions to the New College Foundation (NCF).

“These awards were made possible through the generosity of CITGO Petroleum (on behalf of Hutchens Eden-Rentz), Truist Foundation and Mid-Atlantic Broadband Corp contributing $4,000, $10,000 and $18,000, respectively,” shared Kevin DeKoninck, NCF Executive Director.

“NCI is grateful for the generosity and support of our STAGS Robotics Team,” said Karen Jackson, Interim Executive Director at NCI. “Inspiring students across diverse, rural communities to become science and technology leaders and innovators is the heart of this program, and generous investments like these will better equip the STAGS Team to realize success.”

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New Radford University Master’s Degree Coming to NCI

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Starting Fall 2021, Radford University is bringing its Master of Science in Strategic Communication degree to New College Institute.

The graduate degree allows students to prepare for careers across various areas of expertise and industries, such as government, financial institutions, public relations firms, higher education, and health education. Students in the program will explore courses in public relations, organizational communication, political communication, interactive media and analytics, and more.

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Dr. Barry Dorsey

New College Institute Statement on the Passing of Barry Dorsey

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The board and staff of New College Institute (NCI) are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Barry Dorsey, NCI’s first executive director and a strong community leader throughout Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia.

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Applications Now Open for Second Virtual Session of AWS re/Start Training at NCI

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Martinsville, VA – November 11, 2020 – New College Institute (NCI) is currently accepting applications for their December – February AWS re/Start Training session. In a collaborative effort with Amazon Web Services (AWS), NCI is offering a free opportunity for Virginians to learn cloud computing skills and prepare for entry-level cloud computing careers such as Client Support Specialist, Data Center Technician, IT Support Specialist, and Software Support Technician. Cloud computing skills are one of the most in demand IT skills by employers.

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New College Institute Sponsors Workshop Focused on the Role of Investor Owned Utilities in Bridging the Digital Divide

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NCI’s, Utilities Technology Council Panels to cover 5G, Small Cell, and Broadband Topics

MARTINSVILLE, VA – New College Institute (NCI) is proud to sponsor a workshop with the Utilities Technology Council (UTC) to explore ways the country can meet demands from communities for 5G and broadband. The workshop, taking place the week of November 9, will feature industry leaders and key policymakers covering a wide range of 5G and broadband topics and the steps necessary to bring broadband into rural and other unserved areas.

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Governor Northam Announces Mid-Atlantic Wind Training Alliance to Build Wind Energy Workforce in Virginia

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RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced the formation of Virginia’s first offshore and onshore wind workforce training collaborative, the Mid-Atlantic Wind Training Alliance. The program will offer industry required certifications that are critical to the operations and long-term maintenance of wind projects. The Governor made the announcement addressing the 2020 Offshore WINDPOWER Virtual Summit hosted by the American Wind Energy Association.

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All Martinsville Kindergarten Students to Receive a Free Book From New College Institute’s Reading for Life Program

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Martinsville, VA – New College Institute will provide a book for every kindergarten student in Martinsville City, Henry County, and Patrick County Schools through their Reading for Life program. While in-person reading sessions are not possible this year due to COVID, community leaders will be recording reading activities that will be shared virtually with local schools.

“Reading for Life puts books in the hands of all kindergarten students and provides community role models to promote reading for educational success,” said Steve Keyser, NCI’s Coordinator of Educational & Community Engagement.

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Helen Howell and Martinsville and Henry County NSBE Jr. Chapter Receive Golden Torch Awards from the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

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Helen Howell and Martinsville and Henry County NSBE Jr. Chapter Receive Golden Torch Awards from the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

New College Institute Congratulates Howell and Martinsville Chapter for this Honor

Martinsville – The National Society of Black Engineers awarded one of their annual Golden Torch Awards to Helen Howell and the Martinsville/Henry County National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Jr. Chapter. NSBE’s Golden Torch Awards recognize excellence among technical professionals, corporate, government and academic leaders, and university and pre-college students.

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New College Institute Partners with Domain-U to Deliver New, Real-Life, Virtual Trainings

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Martinsville, VA – The New College Institute (NCI) announced a new partnership with Domain-U, a leading education technology company, to deliver online trainings that create real-life scenarios.

“With millions of Americans losing their jobs due to COVID-19, we are eager to create new innovative ways to train people to find employment opportunities,” said Karen Jackson, interim executive director, NCI. “Working with Domain-U will allow NCI to bring relevant, real-time training and education to the public.” Read more

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Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling Joins NCI as Senior Lecturer

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Martinsville, VA –

New College Institute (NCI) is pleased to announce that The Honorable Bill Bolling, former Lieutenant Governor (2006-2014) and State Senator (1996-2005), will be joining NCI as the Institute’s first Senior Lecturer. He will teach a non-credited course on Virginia Government and Politics at NCI this fall. 

“NCI’s mission of expanding access to higher education for rural Virginians hits close to home. I am a first-generation college graduate, born and raised in the coalfields of southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia,” said former Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling. “I am honored by this opportunity to teach at NCI and reach students across Virginia.”

Bolling’s fall course will include a discussion of Virginia’s unique political history and the people and circumstances that have had a significant impact on Virginia over time. The course will also include a review of the structure and operation of state and local government in Virginia, as well as consideration of some of the important issues currently facing Virginia’s state government. Read more