NOVA by the Numbers
NOVA serves about 70,000 students across six campuses from Arlington to Manassas. Five are what Kress calls “comprehensive campuses” where students can start university transfer programs or career pathway programs. The sixth is a medical education campus in Springfield with nursing and 11 other health science programs.
NOVA is the largest public higher education institution in Virginia. Nationally, it ranks in the top five community colleges.
Students at the Center
NOVA puts students at the center of everything. The college’s student body shows the diverse community it serves.
“We want to understand where they are coming from,” Kress explained. “Are they looking to transfer? Are they looking for a career? Are they coming in as an English language learner?”
NOVA offers many options for students:
- Fast Forward: Certificate programs that can be completed in four months or less, leading to jobs in areas like IT and healthcare
- Associate degrees: Transfer programs (with George Mason University as the biggest partner) and career pathway programs
- Career pathway programs: Certificates or associate degrees in IT, healthcare, education and trades
Preparing for the AI Future
Virginia is one of the top three locations for AI jobs in the country, with Fairfax County and Arlington County leading the way. NOVA is making sure students are ready.
“We want to provide our students with the skills that they’ll need to succeed once they leave NOVA,” Kress stated.
NOVA will soon launch an AI certification course through the Fast Forward program and a general education course on the ethics of AI. NOVA already offers a career studies certificate course in AI and Data Analytics.

Connecting to Local Business
NOVA works closely with local businesses to make sure students are learning the right skills. Each program has a business advisory committee.
The college also partners with the Northern Virginia Chamber on a workforce index and has a future of work business advisory council.
“We are constantly finger on the pulse,” Kress noted, “understanding what new programs should we be bringing on, what are we not thinking about today that we should be thinking about.”
Looking to the Future
Kress' vision for NOVA is clear.
“We want to provide equitable access to affordable and exceptional higher education and workforce programs. And the whole goal is to transform the lives of our students and advance opportunity in our community.”
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