In the News
President at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College Receives Innovation in Higher Education Award
Harrisonburg, VA – March 2010
Dr. Richard Teaff, President of Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, received an award from the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council at an annual gathering held to highlight technology achievement and innovation. Teaff was one of 28 nominees who were honored at the March 2010 event at James Madison University, where more than 250 attendees gathered to recognize and highlight the successes of technology firms, organizations and programs in the region and the entrepreneurs and innovators behind those successes.
Teaff received the “Innovation in Higher Education Award”, sponsored this year by Verizon and established to honor those who lead in innovative uses and/or development of technology within the region's higher educational system or other technology-training program. He was chosen for the vision he showed with the establishment of the College’s new program to prepare individuals for jobs as wind turbine service technicians. This program was the first of its kind to be approved by the State Board of the Virginia Community College System. Based on DSLCC's location, newly renovated labs, and advanced manufacturing equipment, Teaff identified this wind energy technician program as one that closely reflected emerging workforce needs. With the current focus on renewable energy, Teaff not only believed that this curriculum would be a good fit for DSLCC but also thought it was an opportune time to launch the program, given regional, state and national trends.
Under his leadership, the College completed all of the appropriate steps to establish the program and the new program is scheduled to begin this fall.
“I was pleased and honored to receive this award,” stated Teaff. “The use of technology to enhance student learning and prepare area residents for today’s workforce will become increasingly important as we strive to fulfill our mission. It is important for administrators, faculty and staff to continually seeks new ways in which to apply technology, both to work smarter and become even more effective in delivering instruction.”
Teaff has served as DSLCC’s president since 1996. During his tenure, he has guided the implementation of numerous new programs and services, as well as supervised renovation and construction projects to enhance the College’s facilities.
