“As we look ahead, the Virginia Community College System remains steadfast in its commitment to continuous improvement and accountability, always striving to meet the needs of our students, employers, and communities.” VCCS Chancellor David Doré responded October 6 to a report from the General Assembly’s Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission (JLARC). The wide-ranging report reviewed major aspects of VCCS operations, including enrollment trends, online education, FastForward workforce training, dual enrollment, and institutional efficiency.
Dr. Dore added, “I am pleased to acknowledge the report’s alignment with and affirmation of my vision for Virginia’s 23 community colleges—a vision centered on delivering consistent, high-quality, future-ready education and robust workforce development programs to all Virginians.”
You can view the JLARC report online.
Dr. David Doré, VCCS Chancellor
Here are Dr. Doré’s remarks to JLARC:
“As Chancellor, I’m leading a bold vision for our 23 colleges—one focused on maximizing impact, improving efficiency, and driving cost-effectiveness.
“Our Accelerate Opportunity Strategic Plan and the VCCS One System Strategy align closely with the state’s goals, focusing on three key areas:
“First, increased access to dual enrollment. We want more students to get a head start on their education, opening doors earlier.
“Second, improved efficiency. By using regional models and optimizing our space, we reduce duplication, align programs with local labor markets, and create clearer pathways for students.
“Third, stronger outcomes. Data-driven decisions and outcomes-based funding ensure that public dollars go to programs that work.
“To support these goals, we are advancing several key initiatives:
- Transparency and accountability: Publishing outcomes and holding programs accountable.
- Funding and resource allocation: Reviewing fund balances to ensure every dollar is used wisely.
- Opportunity and access: Streamlining instructor pathways for dual enrollment to expand opportunities without sacrificing rigor.
- Data-driven decision-making: Using high-quality data to guide every step.
- Outcomes-based funding: Exploring ways to tie resources to credential attainment, employment, and wage progression.
- Collaboration and partnerships: Working across VCCS, SCHEV, schools, and industry to drive student success.
“I also want to express my sincere appreciation for JLARC’s work.
“Your team’s engagement and review—captured in the exposure draft—quickly recognized our unique mission.
“We are, in many ways, the swift boats in a sea of higher education, bringing our mission directly to the people who need us, efficiently and in alignment with the modern economy.
“The report’s recommendations reaffirm our commitment to continuous improvement:
- Ensuring access for all Virginians, including those in rural areas.
- Conducting a strategic review to deliver services efficiently, particularly at smaller colleges.
- Strengthening the consistency, accessibility, and effectiveness of community college education.
“I am pleased to acknowledge the report’s alignment with and affirmation of my vision for Virginia’s 23 community colleges—a vision centered on delivering consistent, high-quality, future-ready education and robust workforce development programs to all Virginians.
“The findings and recommendations I received in draft form reinforce our shared dedication to ensuring that every student has access to the opportunities they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy.
“Moreover, the importance of an efficient, transparent, and unified community college system cannot be overstated. As we look ahead, the Virginia Community College System remains steadfast in its commitment to continuous improvement and accountability, always striving to meet the needs of our students, employers, and communities.
“With the release of this report, I will work closely with the State Board for Community Colleges in reviewing and prioritizing the report’s recommendations.
“I’d also like to address a couple of questions you may have:
- Online learning: Our colleges meet students where they are, using online courses to provide flexible, effective instruction.
- The need for 23 colleges: Access remains our priority, but we are reviewing our model to ensure efficiency, especially at smaller colleges with high costs per student.
“In closing, thank you for your leadership and for advancing this important conversation.
“I look forward to working together to shape the future of Virginia’s community colleges—making them stronger, more efficient, and more impactful for every student we serve.”
