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Featured photo: Academic Excellence Award Winner Crystal Mortensen with Dr. Laura Leatherwood at the 2025 spring graduation ceremony. (Photo by Ben Rickert.)
This year, Blue Ridge Community College proudly announced Crystal Mortensen as the recipient of the 2025 Academic Excellence Award.
Statewide, Academic Excellence Awards recognize and encourage scholarship among the students of the North Carolina Community College System. Students are chosen who have “set the highest possible goals and attained the pinnacle of academic success.”
Crystal Mortensen, a member of the Blue Ridge Community College Class of 2025, graduated with a 4.0 GPA and proved herself to be the consummate student throughout her academic career.
As an adult student, Mortensen was unsure what her higher education experience would be like. Her initial concerns were quickly laid to rest.
“When I first started, my goal was to earn a certificate in Graphic Design, but thanks to the flexibility of online courses that fit my schedule and the incredible support from faculty and staff, I graduated in May with an Associate’s degree in Entrepreneurship,” Mortensen said. “I am truly grateful for my time at Blue Ridge Community College and know that I will be prepared, supported, and cheered-on as I take my next steps.”
Mortensen experienced firsthand the benefits of online learning and how Blue Ridge can support along the way. Blue Ridge provides dedicated services for online learners to support their success.
A full list of Blue Ridge Community College’s Entrepreneurship pathway and other business pathways is available at www.blueridge.edu/business. To explore online options at www.blueridge.edu/online.