Features

“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.


Features

“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.”


Schools

“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

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.


Stafford

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

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.


Breaking News

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

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.

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News

Germanna Community College (GCC) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new Stafford expansion today, January 23, 2025. The event marked the opening of two buildings in Stafford: the Barbara J. Fried Building at 10 Center Street and the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building at 25 Center Street.

GCC was established in 1970 as part of Virginia’s Community College System and has locations in Culpeper, Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. The school’s website says over 13,000 students are enrolled.

The new expansion added 74,000 square feet to the campus with a $20 million investment. GCC plans to double enrollment in allied health services, like nursing. They will also expand their cybersecurity, IT, general education, and dual enrollment programs.

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