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The West Virginia Encyclopedia
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The West Virginia Encyclopedia
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College got its start in 1974 when Shepherd College in Shepherdstown adopted a two-year nursing program. Since that time, the West Virginia community college has undergone major changes, including a complete separation from what is now Shepherd University. Initially, the college was located on the basement floor of a residence hall on the college campus in Shepherdstown. After moving to Martinsburg, classes began in the former Blue Ridge Outlet complex in August 2001. In 2012, the college moved to its own 46-acre campus in Martinsburg. The college also has a separate technology center in Martinsburg and a campus in Berkeley Springs.
In 2004, Dr. Peter Checkovich became the first president of the Community and Technical College of Shepherd. In 2005, the college was accredited as a separate institution from its host, and in 2006, the college was officially named Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. In the spring of 2010, Blue Ridge received its 10-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association.
Blue Ridge serves Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties. In fall 2022, the college had more than 50 academic and workforce-related programs and a total enrollment of 4,247, making it the largest community college in the state. Its president is Laura B. Leatherwood.