higher education VIRGINIA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE Virginia Western Community College Virginia Western Community College is one of 23 statesupported, two-year institutions of higher education in Virginia. As one of the first community colleges established in Virginia in 1966, Virginia Western has grown from an initial enrollment of 1,352 to its current enrollment of 7,827 within the regional service area. Virginia Western is now the eighthlargest institution (and the largest single-campus college) of the 23 colleges comprising the Virginia Community College System. The mission of the college is to provide quality educational opportunities that empower students for success and strengthen communities. Enrollment is open to anyone who is 18 years of age, has a high school diploma or GED, or demonstrates the ability to benefit from courses offered. Virginia Western has been continually accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is governed by the policies established by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. 94 Special Advertising Section: Education TheRoanoker.com COURTESY OF VIRGINIA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGEhttp://www.TheRoanoker.com