Eastern Shore Community College is excited to announce a new Dental Hygiene Associate Degree program beginning January 2027. Through a partnership with Germanna Community College and Piedmont Virginia Community College, students will learn in a distance education classroom at the ESCC campus and receive hands-on instruction at Eastern Shore Rural Health System, Inc. sites, taught by licensed local health professionals.  A dedicated Dental Hygiene coordinator will support and guide them throughout the program. This partnership offers an exciting career path for students and helps meet the growing need for oral healthcare professionals in Virginia.

“This marks a transformative moment for the Eastern Shore,” said ESCC President Dr. Daryl Minus. “Bringing high-demand oral healthcare education closer to home through an innovative partnership expands opportunities for economic mobility, strengthens our workforce, and enhances access to care across the region.”

Jeannette Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Shore Rural Health, stressed the importance of this program to residents of the Eastern Shore. “Dental hygienists help keep people healthy, not just their teeth,” stated Edwards. “This program will train more hygienists our community really needs, and give people on the Eastern Shore a chance at a good-paying job without having to move away. That’s a win for our community and for Eastern Shore Rural Health. I am very excited to be working in partnership with our local college to help promote and support this program.”

Working on the mechanics of bringing this program to reality was ESCC VP of Academic Affairs, Student Success and Workforce Development, Dr. Ramzi Ockaili.  Dr. Ockaili remarked, “This partnership reflects what is possible when educational institutions and community healthcare leaders unite around a shared vision. By joining forces, I feel we show how rural colleges can serve as powerful catalysts for innovation, opportunity, and regional transformation”.

Applying to the Program

The application period will open June 1 of this year. Students interested in applying to the dental hygiene program should begin preparing their application materials now, by visiting https://es.vccs.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/ or by contacting ESCC Student Services at 757-789-1720.  Eastern Shore applicants must have applications on file with both Germanna Community College and Eastern Shore Community College.  Application to the dental hygiene program is conducted through the American Dental Education Association Dental Hygiene Centralized Application System. Learn more about this in the online information session that will be published on Germanna’s website in early June. Program details are available at www.germanna.edu/dental. 

Important Accreditation Notice

Offering a dental hygienist program at Eastern Shore Community College depends on approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). While the partner schools are optimistic about receiving this approval, acceptance into the program cannot be confirmed until approval from both organizations is received. CODA approval is expected in August 2026 and SACSCOC is expected in late fall 2026. Updates will be shared as soon as they are available.

Questions?

For more information, please contact Germanna Community College Healthcare Academic Advisor, Ms. Stefanie Thompson, at msraymundo-thompson@germanna.edu.

Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) is proud to announce the launch of its new Engineering Program beginning Fall 2026, expanding academic opportunity for students while helping meet growing regional and statewide workforce demand in high-impact engineering fields.

The launch of the program is made possible through a transformational $1.25 million lead gift from Mrs. Jane Batten, establishing the Batten Engineering Fund at the Eastern Shore Community College Foundation. This extraordinary investment reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to engineering education and creating meaningful career pathways for students on the Eastern Shore.

ESCC’s new Associate of Science in Engineering degree will provide students with a rigorous academic foundation in engineering, mathematics, and science, preparing them for seamless transfer to four-year institutions where they may pursue specialized engineering disciplines. The program is strategically aligned with workforce needs in aerospace, civil engineering, advanced manufacturing, and related technical industries.

With close proximity to NASA Wallops Flight Facility, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, and growing regional industry partners, ESCC is uniquely positioned to connect students with experiential learning opportunities, internships, and direct pathways into high-demand careers.

The curriculum has received approval from both the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring students receive a high-quality academic experience grounded in strong transferability and workforce relevance.

Labor market data from the Virginia Community College System, based on Virginia Employment Commission projections, indicate significant projected growth in engineering-related job openings across Accomack and Northampton counties and throughout the broader region.

In addition to preparing students for transfer and engineering careers, the program supports emerging workforce needs in infrastructure modernization, environmental resilience, aerospace innovation, and advanced technology sectors critical to the Eastern Shore’s future economic vitality.

This initiative reflects ESCC’s continued commitment to student success, workforce development, and regional economic transformation. By investing in engineering education, ESCC is helping build the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders who will shape the future of the Eastern Shore and beyond.

Students interested in the Engineering Program are encouraged to contact ESCC Student Services, their academic advisor, or career coach for additional information. The Fall 2026 semester begins August 17, and registration is now open.

Prepare for a future in engineering with ESCC’s new program designed for transfer, innovation, and career success, right here on the Eastern Shore.

More information is available by calling 757-789-1720, emailing studentservices@es.vccs.edu or by visiting the ESCC Online College Catalog.

The State Board for Virginia’s Community Colleges voted May 21 to set tuition and mandatory educational and general (E&G) fees for the academic year that begins with the Fall 2026 semester. For in-state students, tuition and mandatory E&G fees will increase $6.70 per credit hour. Out-of-state students will see an increase of $6.70per credit hour. For in-state students pursuing full-time studies (15 credit hours/semester) the 2026-27 tuition and mandatory E&G fees will amount to an increase of $100.50 per semester, or $201.00 per year.

Virginia community college tuition remains less than one-third the cost of attending the state’s public four-year baccalaureate institutions, offering Virginia’s most affordable and accessible pathway to better jobs. 

“The State Board wrestled with a tough decision, but it came down to one question—do we increase tuition rates for students or do we offer them less?” State Board Chair Dr. Michael E. Wooten asked. “We believe that we have adopted modest tuition increases that are necessary to fund the capacity to train more people for meaningful jobs while shouldering the cost increases that we all face throughout the Commonwealth.”

Some colleges have tuition differentials and other mandatory fees covering student activities. Auxiliary operations also vary at the community college level. Check individual college websites for locally-relevant information.

Community colleges remain the lowest-funded higher education institutions in Virginia, receiving less than just 52 cents for every one dollar that goes to support a full-time equivalent student at a public Virginia university. Additionally, expenditures per full-time student at Virginia’s Community Colleges are in the 23^rd percentile in the nation, meaning 77% of community colleges across the country spend more per student.

A breakdown of our tuition & fees can be found here.

Additionally, Beginning Fall 2026, Virginia’s Community Colleges will introduce new per-credit-hour course fees for select Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in healthcare, skilled trades, and agriculture and natural resources.

These fees are designed to partially offset instructional costs and will be used directly to support program delivery. In an effort to help keep costs down for students, these course fees have been discounted 50% for fall 2026. For more details, visit here.

The Eastern Shore Community College Spring 2026 Commencement was held on Wednesday, May 13th. In addition to the graduation, awards were presented to ESCC faculty members based on voting conducted in the weeks leading up to commencement.

Dr. Ramzi Ockaili, ESCC VP of Academic Affairs, Student Success and Workforce Development announced the awards, while they were presented to faculty members by ESCC President, Dr. Daryl Minus.

Recognition for Teaching Effectiveness  This award is given to a faculty member whose performance in the classroom or other instructional environments best exemplifies effectiveness in promoting student achievement – Kiprop Kibet.

The Faculty Scholarly and Creative Engagement Award  This is awarded to a faculty member who has achieved a significant academic scholarly accomplishment through research, publishing and/or professional presentations, grant activity, or creative works – Dr. William Foxworthy.

The Faculty Community Impact Award  This honor goes to a member of the full-time teaching faculty who has greatly impacted the college’s image through community service and involvement – Christina Duffman.

The Faculty Leadership Award This award is presented to a full-time teaching faculty member who demonstrates leadership and commitment to the college – Tonya Martin.

The Caramine Kellam and Dr. Caramine White Award  This honor is for an ESCC faculty or staff member who has shown extraordinary concern for students and has gone above and beyond in their effort to help students succeed in school or life – Tonya Martin.

The Faculty Reward for Professional Excellence  This the highest ESCC award for which a faculty member may be nominated. These faculty members substantially and demonstrably exceeded performance expectations in one or more of the following areas: Teaching, Scholarly and Creative Engagement, Institutional Responsibility, or Service – Tonya Martin and Susan Greer.

Pictured at top are Dr. Ramzi Ockaili, Tonya Martin, Christina Duffman, Dr. Alex Foxworthy, and Dr. Daryl Minus. (Not pictured: Kiprop Kibet and Susan Greer)

The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) recently hosted its 20th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy Luncheon, bringing together over 200 guests to recognize outstanding philanthropic contributions to Virginia’s Community Colleges.

The event honored more than two dozen individuals, families, and businesses from all 23 of Virginia’s Community Colleges, as well as the VFCCE itself. Award recipients were nominated in recognition of their exceptional commitment to the growth and development of Virginia’s community colleges and their respective foundations.

In his welcoming remarks, Chancellor David Doré saluted and thanked the donors for their unwavering commitment to students whose potential might otherwise go unrealized. “The individuals and organizations we honor in this room represent an extraordinary $27 million in lifetime giving to Virginia’s community colleges,” he said.

2026 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy Recipients included Peter Bale of Sentinel Robotic Solutions (SRS) for Eastern Shore Community College. As Founder of SRS, Peter Bale helped establish an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) education program at ESCC, and he secured a donation of $1.8 million in UAS equipment to help ESCC students explore drone-related STEM careers.

Additionally, he created a partnership with ESCC for SRS to teach aerial drone flying to clients of the Department of Rehabilitative Services that is now being expanded statewide. Peter served on the ESCC Foundation Board from 2020-2025, and he has been a generous donor and sponsor of events.

Dr. Daryl Minus, President of Eastern Shore Community College, added “Peter’s unwavering commitment to ESCC’s mission has greatly enhanced our impact on the communities we proudly serve. He is dedicated to ensuring that our students have the support and equipment necessary to succeed, and he is a tremendous ally in ESCC’s continuous effort to deliver high-quality, relevant academic and workforce programs.”

ESCC will partner with Bale and SRS, the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, Luminary Air Group, Accomack and Northampton Counties, and the Accomack County Airport in the implementation of the recently awarded Go Virginia Grant of $788,700.  

The grant will help establish a comprehensive unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) workforce and business development program aligned with regional industry demand and statewide aviation strategy. The program will expand credentialing opportunities, develop new engineering and electronics curricula, and provide hands-on training through real-world applications, building a scalable workforce pipeline for Virginia’s growing aerospace and unmanned systems sector.

Eastern Shore Community College and ESCC Foundation applaud the unwavering support of Peter Bale and congratulate him on this recent award.

Peter Bale, Founder of Sentinel Robotic Solutions (3^rd from L), was honored April 22 as Eastern Shore Community College’s 2026 Leader in Philanthropy by Virginia Community College System.  L to R: Patty Kellam, Exec. Director of ESCC Foundation; Erika Bale, CEO of Sentinel Robotics Solutions, Peter Bale; Dr. David Doré, Chancellor of Virginia Community College System; Dr. Daryl Minus, President of ESCC; Ray Wood, Chair of ESCC Advisory Board; Jeremy McLean, President of ESCC Foundation

Mendoza, Mock Sweep Their Respective Quads in Sean Thierfeldt Classic (By Ralph Lopez)

The Sean Thierfeldt Classic Chess Tournament was held at Eastern Shore Community College on Saturday, March 28th. Sean Thierfeldt is an ESCC alum who started the Melfa Monarchs Chess Club at the college together with english professor Christina Duffman. Sean also participated in the tournament.

The tournament was divided into quads and a Swiss format.  A quad is four players of roughly the same United States Chess Federation chess rating, each playing the rest of the quad.  Both Roliet Mendoza and Alan Mock won every single one of their chess games and won their quads easily.  In the third quad, Luke Newman, (former president of the Melfa Monarchs) and Bruce Austin tied for first place with two wins out of three games.

The remaining players were matched in a Swiss format, as there were too many players to have another quad.  In very competitive games, there was a two-way tie for first in the Swiss as well.  Two students, Christian Diaz Vasquez from Northampton Public Schools and James Ross from Chincoteague of the Accomack Public Schools, won the Swiss with two wins each.  

The Melfa Monarchs meet every Wednesday in the Student Lounge at the Eastern Shore Community College, from 12pm to 1pm and 4pm to 5pm.  The Monarchs welcome everyone to friendly and competitive games and fellowship.  If you are new to chess, there are mentors available.  Email for more information on the club and upcoming tournaments.

MELFA, VA — Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has announced a $788,700 GO Virginia grant to Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) to establish a comprehensive unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) workforce and business development program aligned with regional industry demand and statewide aviation strategy. The program will expand credentialing opportunities, develop new engineering and electronics curricula, and provide hands-on training through real-world applications, building a scalable workforce pipeline for Virginia’s growing aerospace and unmanned systems sector.

The program will establish a living laboratory for real-world UAS missions in partnership with the U.S. Navy, NASA Wallops, research institutions, businesses, and local governments. A $1.8 million donation of Proxy Fixed Wing UAS aircraft and systems, combined with existing drone investments, expands ESCC’s capabilities significantly. Grant funding will support system upgrades, new UAS curricula, and engineering and electronics programs. Students will gain hands-on experience through internships and coursework in UAS operations, electronics, cybersecurity, GIS, and manufacturing, while applying UAS technology across fields including healthcare, environmental stewardship, and law enforcement. The initiative will also expand STEM pathways and improve healthcare access and medevac capabilities in rural communities on the Eastern Shore.

“This investment strengthens one of the most distinctive assets in Region 5, the Eastern Shore’s capacity to serve as a real-world testing and training environment for unmanned systems,” said Tom Frantz, Chair, GO Virginia Region 5. “By building a scalable workforce pipeline at ESCC, we are ensuring that Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore can meet the growing demand for UAS talent and position the region for long-term leadership in advanced aviation.”

“This GO Virginia grant will allow Eastern Shore Community College to expand our UAS programs, create hands-on workforce opportunities, and strengthen the regional economy,” said Daryl Minus, Ed.D., President, Eastern Shore Community College. “It is a major step forward for our students and the Eastern Shore community.”

ESCC has been actively growing its UAS program since 2021.  To date, the College – in partnership with Sentinel Robotic Solutions (SRS), based at Wallops Island, Virginia – has prepared over 110 students to earn their FAA commercial UAS pilot’s licenses.  Another 40 students have participated in aerial drone camps led by SRS and the Eastern Shore office of Virginia’s Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS).

 “This is an important step that enhances the Aerospace training pipeline in Virginia” said Pete Bale of SRS.  “With our sparse environment here on the Shore, this equipment and the GO Virginia Grant not only matches the vision but aligns the reality of what is going on in the world in real time in this sector.  The Eastern Shore just truly became that next hub of opportunity in the Unmanned Aircraft Sector (UAS)”

ESCC will partner with SRS, the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, Luminary Air Group, Accomack and Northampton Counties, and the Accomack County Airport in the implementation of this grant.

About Eastern Shore Community College

Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) is a public two‑year institution in Melfa, Virginia, and a member of the Virginia Community College System serving Accomack and Northampton counties with accessible higher education and workforce training. The College offers a range of associate degrees, certificates, and career‑focused programs designed to prepare students for transfer to four‑year institutions or direct entry into the workforce and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. ESCC’s mission is to welcome all learners, provide supportive educational pathways, and strengthen the Eastern Shore community through diverse academic, technical, and lifelong learning opportunities.

About GO Virginia
Growth and Opportunity (GO) Virginia is a statewide initiative that supports regional collaboration among business, education, and government to foster private-sector growth and create higher-paying jobs.  GO Virginia Region 5 is comprised of 16 cities and counties located in Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Eastern Shore.  GO VA website

About Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable

The Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable brings together corporate and higher education CEOs and Presidents with the mission to enhance the region’s economic advantage and growth trajectory.  The Roundtable also serves as the support organization for Region 5 of Virginia’s innovative GO (Growth & Opportunity) Virginia program.  Roundtable website.

Eastern Shore Drone Safety Day 2026 is a free, community-focused event aligned with the Federal Aviation Administration’s national Drone Safety Day campaign. Hosted by Sentinel Robotic Solutions in partnership with Eastern Shore Community College and A&N Electric Cooperative, this event is dedicated to educating drone operators and the public on safe, responsible, and beneficial drone operations. The event will be held at ANEC in Tasley, Saturday, April 25th from 9:00am-1:00pm.

Attendees will experience hands-on drone flight demonstrations, learn about current and upcoming UAS training opportunities at Eastern Shore Community College, see how drones support local first responders, and view demonstrations of modern agricultural drone technology. The event highlights how drones positively contribute to education, emergency response, and agriculture—reinforcing the 2026 safety message: Fly RIGHT – Drones. Here for Good.

Plan to attend from 9:00am-1:00pm at ANEC Headquarters located at 21275 Cooperative Way, Tasley, VA 23441. The event will coincide with ANEC’s Arbor Day Event.

A student-driven effort at Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) is transforming a simple idea into a meaningful resource for the campus community. The ESCC Clothing Closet, created by members of the Alpha Phi Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, was developed as part of the organization’s “College Project.” What began as a student-led initiative has quickly grown into a collaborative effort aimed at addressing a real and often overlooked need among students.

The inspiration for the clothing closet came after a “Dress for Success” campus fashion show and a partnership with Virginia Career Works. Through these experiences, students recognized that many of their peers lacked access to appropriate professional attire for interviews, internships, and job opportunities. Understanding how important appearance can be in building confidence and making strong first impressions, the group set out to create a solution that would directly benefit ESCC students.

The closet’s primary purpose is to provide free clothing, particularly professional wear, to help students feel prepared and self-assured as they pursue their academic and career goals. Located in the student lounge, the closet will initially be available exclusively to ESCC students. There is also a “Pop-Up” Clothing Closet Event on Tuesday, 4/14 from 12pm-4pm, to help students prepare for the ESCC Career Fair on campus April 22^nd, from 11am-1pm at the Workforce Development Center.

This initiative would not have been possible without strong support and collaboration across the college and community. ESCC leadership, including President Dr. Daryl Minus, along with faculty, Career Services, and student clubs, played a key role in bringing the project to life. In addition, generous donations from community members filled the closet with a wide variety of clothing, exceeding expectations and ensuring that students will have access to diverse options. One awesome donation came from the family of former ESCC President, the late Dr. Richard Jenkins, who provided a variety of his professional business attire for the closet.

Looking ahead, students are exploring ways to sustain and grow the project, including the possibility of running a café to help fund and maintain the closet. The success of the initiative has already earned the Phi Theta Kappa chapter a five-star rating, highlighting its impact and effectiveness. For those involved, the project represents more than just a campus resource—it reflects teamwork, dedication, and a shared desire to leave a lasting, positive mark on ESCC before graduating. The clothing closet stands as a testament to what students can accomplish when they come together with a clear purpose.

Eastern Shore Community College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ramzi Ockaili as the the full-time Vice President of Academic and Workforce Programs. Serving as interim VP since March of 2025, Dr. Ockaili took part in interviews for the permanent position this spring and was chosen for the role.

Dr. Ockaili brings more than 25 years of distinguished experience in higher education, teaching, leadership, and research. He served as the Department Chair of Anatomy & Physiology and Biology at Reynolds Community College and has an extensive background in faculty development, student mentoring, curriculum innovation, and institutional effectiveness. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching, and supporting students and faculty alike.

Dr. Ockaili holds a B.S. in Biology from the American University of Beirut, an M.S. and Ph.D. in Physiology from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and a Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Medical Education from VCU’s School of Education. He also completed his postdoctoral training in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, at VCU. 

With deep knowledge of the VCCS and a strong record of innovation and partnership, his strategic vision aligns with ESCC’s mission and will continue to be essential in guiding the college’s goals under the leadership of college president Dr. Daryl Minus.

In his year as interim, Dr. Ockaili has been instrumental in guiding growth both in Academic and Workforce programming at the college. In addition to leading ESCC faculty, he has worked to prepare the college for the launch of its new Engineering program for Fall 2026, designed to meet growing regional demand and expand educational opportunities for students across the Eastern Shore.