Brightpoint Community College Approved as New Name for John Tyler Community College
Media Contact:
Holly Walker
Public Relations Manager
804-594-1530
hwalker@brightpoint.edu
CHESTER and MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – The State Board for Community Colleges today unanimously approved Brightpoint Community College as the new name for John Tyler Community College. “I am grateful for the State Board’s support,” said Dr. Edward “Ted” Raspiller, president of John Tyler Community College. “I believe the name Brightpoint celebrates the heart and energy of our college; connects to the experiences people have here; and speaks to the uplifting and welcoming environment we strive to create for all. It reflects our mission; vision; values; and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and it is vibrant, like our students, employees and community.”
“At the core of all we do is our students,” said Tammie Collins, chair of the John Tyler Community College Board. “We are here to educate all who wish to learn; to help them prepare for the jobs of today and to be adaptable for tomorrow; and to support them as they build paths to brighter futures. So, it is important our college carry a name that speaks to who we are, what we do, and who we serve.”
“At first, as a student who is nearing graduation, it felt a bit strange referring to the college I’ve been attending as Brightpoint,” said Avais Gilani, a business administration major at Tyler. “Then, after some thought, I realized how well Brightpoint fits the atmosphere, experiences I’ve had, and the people here.”
The college recommended the name Brightpoint to the State Board after a nearly yearlong process. During that time, a Naming Task Force, comprised of representation from across the college community, reviewed all names associated with the college to determine if they aligned with the college’s mission, vision and values. After examining historical research, round table discussion findings, case studies, and college data, the task force recommended the college change its name and the names on two campus buildings and six campus streets.
The task force then focused on potential new names for the college. After setting up naming criteria, it reviewed submissions made by students, employees, community members, and naming experts. It then conducted a survey of the college community, asking it to evaluate a short list of names based on the criteria. Trademark research was also conducted before a name recommendation was sent to the State Board, which holds the sole authority to name community colleges in Virginia. In the coming months, the task force will submit potential new campus building and street names to the institution’s local board for approval.
The college anticipates it will take 12-18 months to fully roll out its new name. Additional information about the name review and name change processes, as well as answers to other frequently asked questions, may be found at www.brightpoint.edu/brightpoint.
John Tyler Community College, which is becoming Brightpoint Community College, offers more than 75 majors that provide pathways to careers in high-demand fields; transfer opportunities to four-year colleges and universities; and industry credentials and licensures. The college, with campuses in Chester and Midlothian, online classes, and off-campus classrooms, served more than 13,600 students during the 2019-20 academic year. It also assisted more than 6,300 learners through its workforce development division, Community College Workforce Alliance, a partnership between Tyler and Reynolds community colleges.
