Brightpoint Community College

Brightpoint Community College, formerly John Tyler Community College, is a public community college in Chester, Virginia.

Brightpoint Community College
Logo of the school
Former name
John Tyler Community College (1967–2022)
MottoDeeds Not Words
TypePublic community college
Established1967; 57 years ago (1967)
Parent institution
Virginia Community College System
AccreditationSACS
Academic affiliation
SCHEV
Endowment$3.8 million (2019)[1]
PresidentWilliam C. Fiege
Students13,980 (2013-2014)
Location, ,
United States

37°20′43″N 77°24′27″W / 37.34528°N 77.40750°W / 37.34528; -77.40750
CampusSuburban
Other campusesMidlothian, Virginia
ColorsBurgundy and gold[2]
   
NicknameTrailblazers
Websitewww.brightpoint.edu

History edit

 
Former seal of the school

The college, which opened in 1967, was named after Virginia native John Tyler, the tenth president of the United States. In July 2021, the Virginia State Board of Community Colleges changed names for local institutions named after people who owned slaves or advocated racist policies such as school segregation.[3] The board allowed the college to change its name to Brightpoint Community College. Instead of venerating John Tyler, who was a slaveholder and Confederacy supporter, the new name "celebrates the heart and energy of [the] institution".[4][5] Additionally, new names will be designated for campus buildings and streets, including Bird Hall and Godwin Hall, both of which are named after Virginia politicians who supported segregation.[6]

Academics edit

The college is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers 17 associate degree programs, eight certificate programs, and 36 career studies certificate programs. In addition, the college has transfer degree programs that transfer into bachelor's degree programs that are mostly freshman and sophomore level classes.[7] During the 2010–2011 academic year, the college served more than 14,500 students. The institution also serves 15,000 non-credit students and more than 1,000 companies and government agencies annually through the Community College Workforce Alliance. John Tyler is the first college in the Virginia Community College System to be recognized for its sustainability efforts. In July 2010, it received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification for its Midlothian Campus Science Building.

Locations edit

 
Brightpoint Community College, Midlothian campus.

The Community College has two campuses – one in Chester, Virginia, and one in Midlothian, Virginia. The college's Nursing Education Center is located on the Johnston-Willis Campus of CJW Medical Center.

It serves the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Petersburg and the counties of Amelia, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Surry and Sussex.

References edit

  1. ^ As of June 30, 2019. "U.S. and Canadian 2019 NTSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2019 Endowment Market Value, and Percentage Change in Market Value from FY18 to FY19 (Revised)". National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  2. ^ "Graphic Identity Style Manual" (PDF). John Tyler Community College. Spring 2010. p. 7. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  3. ^ Weissman, Sara (July 26, 2021). "Name Changes for Several Virginia Community Colleges". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  4. ^ Kolenich, Eric (July 22, 2021). "John Tyler Community College changes name to Brightpoint". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  5. ^ Raspiller, Edward (July 22, 2021). "Naming Communication" (PDF) (Press release). Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  6. ^ "Becoming Brightpoint". jtcc.edu. July 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  7. ^ "Fast Facts". jtcc.edu. Retrieved February 10, 2019.

External links edit