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MGCC Professor Tina Dressler with Mountain Gateway students at Community College Day. In picture, (left to right) MGCC student Ella Hicks, MGCC Professor Tina Dressler, MGCC student Amelia Ostling, MGCC student Jordan Bailey
MGCC Professor Tina Dressler with Mountain Gateway students at Community College Day. In picture, (left to right) MGCC student Ella Hicks, MGCC Professor Tina Dressler, MGCC student Amelia Ostling, MGCC student Jordan Bailey

 

Richmond, VA — Students from Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) joined their peers from around the Commonwealth at the State Capitol recently for Community College Student Day. The event brought together more than 200 students and administrators from Virginia’s 23 community colleges to meet face-to-face with state lawmakers and advocate for the future of higher education.

The MGCC delegation, which included President Dr. John Rainone and Associate Vice President Dr. Matt McGraw, spent the morning navigating the halls of the General Assembly. Their mission: to share personal stories of how affordable education and specialized workforce training are creating clear career pathways and fueling Virginia’s economic engine.

 

Delegate Terry Austin meets with the delegation from Mountain Gateway. In picture, (left to right) MGCC Professor Tina Dressler, MGCC Associate Vice President Dr. Matt McGraw, MGCC Educational Foundation Executive Director Bruce Loving, MGCC student Jordan Bailey, MGCC student Amelia Ostling, MGCC student Ella Hicks, Delegate Terry Austin, MGCC President Dr. John Rainone.
Delegate Terry Austin meets with the delegation from Mountain Gateway. In picture, (left to right) MGCC Professor Tina Dressler, MGCC Associate Vice President Dr. Matt McGraw, MGCC Educational Foundation Executive Director Bruce Loving, MGCC student Jordan Bailey, MGCC student Amelia Ostling, MGCC student Ella Hicks, Delegate Terry Austin, MGCC President Dr. John Rainone.

Building the Backbone of Virginia’s Economy

Throughout the day, student delegations met with members of the House of Delegates and the Senate to discuss the critical role community colleges play in expanding statewide opportunities. The data shared with legislators painted a powerful picture of the system's impact:

  • Massive Reach: Virginia’s Community Colleges serve 48% of all public undergraduate students in the Commonwealth.
  • Economic Powerhouse: The system generates $11.6 billion in annual economic activity.
  • Retention: Community colleges boast the second-highest rate in Virginia of graduates working in-state five years after graduation (78%).

 

The Funding Challenge

Despite these successes, student advocates pointed out a stark reality: Virginia’s community colleges receive the lowest per-student funding among all public higher-education institutions in the state.

"Our visit was about more than just asking for support; it was about showing the incredible return on investment our community colleges provide," said Dr. Rainone, Mountain Gateway President. "When we invest in community college students, we are investing in the very people who stay in Virginia, work in Virginia, and build Virginia’s future."

 

The Mountain Gateway Community College delegation was asked to stand by Delegate Terry Austin and be recognized in the House of Delegates.
The Mountain Gateway Community College delegation was asked to stand by Delegate Terry Austin and be recognized in the House of Delegates.

A Moment in the Spotlight

A highlight of the trip occurred on the floor of the House of Delegates, where the MGCC delegation was formally recognized by Delegate Terry Austin. The recognition served as a testament to the college's visibility and its vital role in the Alleghany Highlands and surrounding regions.

The day concluded with a unified message to the General Assembly: to maintain Virginia’s economic edge, the state must continue to prioritize the accessible, high-quality training found at institutions like Mountain Gateway.

 

 

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