Featured Photo (Above): Madam Margarita Devlin, deputy assistant secretary for operations and management at the U.S. Dept. of Labor, tours the welding lab of Blue Ridge Community College. (Photo By: Benjamin Rickert)
Blue Ridge Community College proudly hosted representatives of the U.S. Dept. of Labor on April 13, 2022, to discuss veterans services and workforce development.
The visit included Madam Margarita Devlin, deputy assistant secretary for operations and management at the U.S. Dept. of Labor and overseer of the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service. She was especially curious about the ongoing ways that Blue Ridge supports area veterans and their employment needs.
Blue Ridge Community College President Dr. Laura Leatherwood stands with Dept. of Labor Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations and Management Margarita Devlin.
“There is a great sense of community here,” said Devlin, “and there is a lot of collaboration between the community college, the local workforce system, and the community organizations that are working with veterans.”
During the tour, Madam Devlin’s team and other workforce representatives explored the College’s state-of-the-art robotics, mechatronics, machining, welding, and automotive labs. Devlin was impressed by “the passion and background” that Blue Ridge’s faculty bring to instruction.
“They really care about students, but also about employers and meeting their needs,” she said.
Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura Leatherwood welcomed Devlin’s team to campus, and the tour was led by Dr. Scott Queen and Mr. Joe Shook, with assistance from numerous staff and faculty.
Learn more about Veterans Services at Blue Ridge Community College. View more photos of the tour on our Blue Ridge Community College Facebook Account.