In the March episode of “Connect with County Leaders,” Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill spoke with Dr. Anne Kress, president of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). Their conversation revealed how NOVA is preparing students for careers in a fast-changing job market while making education accessible to everyone.
Kress brings years of experience to her role. Originally from Wisconsin, she worked in Florida community colleges for 15 years before becoming president of a community college in Rochester, New York. She joined NOVA in 2020.
“I drank the community college Kool Aid,” she said. “I believe in the mission. I’m passionate about our colleges, our students, what we do for that open door of access and opportunity.”
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.”
Connect With County Leaders Podcast
The “Connect with County Leaders” podcast is a monthly opportunity to meet and connect with Fairfax County leaders, to learn about the latest county news and information, and hear more on specific programs and services in Fairfax County.
Listen or watch past episodes of “Connect with County Leaders” on SoundCloud, on YouTube and on Channel 16’s podcast on demand page. For other Fairfax County podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts, and for additional audio content, tune in to Fairfax County Government Radio at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/radio.
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