“Congratulations to Germanna’s Chief of Police, Craig Branch, on his appointment to Governor Spanberger’s Public Safety & Homeland Security Policy Committee,” Germanna Community College announced. “Your leadership, integrity, and dedication to keeping our community safe make this honor well deserved.”
“Thank you for continuing to lead with purpose and heart,” the college added in its congratulatory message.
“I returned to school after nearly two decades away. My first research assignment was a D — I almost quit,” Germanna Community College reported. “But a professor reminded me, ‘You’ve been out of school for years. Don’t give up.’ And I didn’t. My joy for learning was reignited. I finally allowed myself to be the person I always wanted to be.”
The college awarded 1,042 degrees, certificates, and credentials to more than 900 graduates during Thursday evening’s ceremony at the University of Mary Washington’s Anderson Center. Student speaker LaRai Diamond-Fortune, who earned an Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice, shared her journey of returning to college after nearly two decades and encouraged fellow graduates to embrace lifelong learning and personal growth.
“We’re so proud of our Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene students who joined faculty members Stephanie Bettis and Ariyana Canty to provide patient care at this year’s Piedmont Smiles Mission of Mercy project,” Germanna Community College shared. “Together with volunteers statewide, they helped deliver 1,311 procedures for 259 patients—totaling more than $122,000 in free dental care.”
Piedmont Smiles held its fourth annual free dental clinic on October 18, 2025, at Liberty High School in Bealeton, providing essential services such as cleanings, extractions, and X-rays to more than 280 patients. The event is organized through a partnership among the Virginia Dental Association Foundation’s Missions of Mercy program, the Fauquier Free Clinic, and community volunteers.
“The conference will feature keynote speeches from Austin S. Camacho, author of the Hannibal Jones mystery series and the Stark & O’Brien adventure series, and New York Times-bestselling author and Emmy and Writer’s Guild of America-nominated writer-producer Tom Straw,” Central Rappahannock Regional Library announced.
The daylong event will be held Saturday, November 8, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Germanna Community College’s Fredericksburg Area Campus, Workforce and Technology Center. Sessions will include “Books and Beasties,” “Why Your Second Draft Should Be the First Time You Start to Self-Edit,” and “The Intersection of Fiction and Nonfiction—How to Blend Genres and Keep Readers Hooked.”
“It is with deep humility and great enthusiasm that I assume the role of President of Germanna Community College,” said Dr. Tashika Griffith, who was appointed by Dr. David Doré, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, to become Germanna’s seventh permanent president, VCCS announced. “I extend my sincere gratitude to Chancellor Doré, the college’s Advisory Board, the search committee, and the many faculty, staff, students, and alumni who participated in this process.”
“I have been deeply impressed by Germanna’s strong sense of community and its steadfast commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success,” Dr. Griffith added. “I look forward to building upon this remarkable foundation as we continue advancing the College’s mission and impact across the region.”
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Germanna Community College has narrowed its search for a new president to three finalists, all of whom will visit campus this fall for public forums and community meet-and-greets.
The finalists are Dr. David Ferreira of Connecticut, Dr. Tashika Griffith of Florida, and Dr. Thomas Walker, Jr. of North Carolina. One of them will succeed Dr. Van Wilson, who has served as interim president since July 1, following the retirement of Dr. Janet Gullickson.
In partnership with Germanna Community College and the Rotary Clubs of Stafford and North Stafford, Stafford Schools has launched the Clothing Connection at Germanna’s Stafford County Center. This new spot offers free clothing—from baby clothes to adult sizes, including work attire—for students and families who need a little extra support.
“This isn’t just a clothing closet,” says Superintendent Dr. Daniel Smith. “It’s about opening doors to education and job opportunities.”
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Germanna Community College will host the Germanna Gala on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Convention Center, located at 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, to celebrate President Dr. Janet Gullickson as she prepares to retire. 🎉
Dr. Gullickson, Germanna’s first female president, announced her retirement earlier this year after eight years of leadership. During her tenure, she oversaw significant enrollment growth, national recognition by the Aspen Institute, and the distinction of being the first college to host Amazon Web Services’ mobile classroom. She also spearheaded work-based learning initiatives, including paid internships, to enhance student career readiness.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Community College System has appointed Dr. Van Wilson as the interim president of Germanna Community College, effective July 1, 2025. He most recently served as interim president of Brightpoint Community College in Chester, formerly John Tyler Community College.
Dr. Wilson will succeed Dr. Janet Gullickson, who announced her retirement last year and is stepping down after eight years as Germanna’s president.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Germanna Community College is inviting students, employees, alumni, and the broader community to weigh in as it begins the search for its next president.
The college launched a community survey this week, asking participants to rank the importance of various leadership priorities, from fostering student success and expanding career-focused programs to strengthening partnerships with business and education leaders. Germanna officials say public input will help define the values, qualities, and goals the next president should embody.
