Patrick & Henry Community College in Martinsville, VA is enhancing its campus culture and promoting student success through the adoption of Caring Campus.
“We knew we wanted to bring Caring Campus to our college to provide us with a framework that could scale our existing caring culture and help us create a campus where everyone knows that they belong,” president Dr. Greg Hodges said.
For students like Salina Lavea, a second-year general studies and first-year welding student, this caring environment has made a huge impact.
“When I expressed interest in welding, my advisor immediately encouraged me and took me to the welding building to meet the instructors,” Lavea said. “Not only did that show me that she believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself, but showed that she really wanted me to succeed.”
Other students, like Mavis Manns, who completed the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program, have also felt the positive effects of Caring Campus.
“Not knowing anything and having that support system made my step into college a breeze,” Mavis said. “Events hosted by faculty and staff on campus helped me feel welcome and safe, and the check-in calls I received to see if I needed anything were very impactful.”
Students from the Fellowship of President Scholars class, taught by Dr. Hodges, have also expressed a newfound sense of belonging on campus.
“They’ve shared that the atmosphere feels different – more welcoming and engaging – and they ask me if there’s something new happening on campus,” Dr. Hodges said. “I also receive great suggestions from students on how we can continue building on this culture of care in impactful ways.”
This student feedback reflects the broader goal of Caring Campus – to make every student feel valued and supported, with the responsibility placed squarely on the institution to create such an environment.
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