In 1963, the North Carolina General Assembly authorized a system of comprehensive community colleges and technical institutes to be established in areas of the state where a definite need for such an institution was shown. On the basis of this need and through the combined efforts of interested citizens in Henderson County, Blue Ridge Community College was established as Henderson County Technical Institute in May of 1969. At that time, the citizens of Henderson County approved a bond issue and a special tax levy which provided funds for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a school plant for the school.

Blue Ridge began operation on December 1, 1969, with the first course offered on January 8, 1970. The first full-time curriculum classes began on September 14, 1970. The Board of Trustees voted to change the name from Henderson County Technical Institute to Blue Ridge Technical Institute in October of 1970. Nine years later the name was changed to Blue Ridge Technical College. The Board of Trustees approved the name of Blue Ridge Community College on September 14, 1987. Blue Ridge Community College is one of fifty-eight similar institutions which operate under the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges.