STATEMENT OF DR. JOHN CAVAN, PRESIDENT OF SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE ON TODAY’S TRAGIC EPISODE AT THE COLLEGE’S PICKETT PARK FACILITY

“Along with the faculty, staff and students of Southside Virginia Community College, I am shocked and saddened by the tragic turn of events which occurred this morning at the SsVCC Pickett Park facility.

“Law enforcement officials are investigating the matter and further details will be released by them at the appropriate time.  As I understand it, a member of our faculty was discovered in the office this morning dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.  I also understand that the authorities are not releasing the instructor’s name until they can first notify family members of the incident. Our college respects the timing of that process and will abide by it.

“A violent and fatal episode like this is always deeply troubling at an educational institution.  That’s especially true at SsVCC which serves a tightly-knit community of good people.  We extend our thoughts and prayers to those affected by today’s dreadful occurrence.”

STATEMENT OF DR. GLENN DUBOIS, CHANCELLOR OF VIRGINIA’S COMMUNITY COLLEGES ON TODAY’S TRAGIC EPISODE AT SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S PICKETT PARK FACILITY

“I am both shocked and saddened by the events of this morning at Southside Virginia Community College. Having spent time in the Southside community recently, I know firsthand the spirit and warmth of the students, faculty, administration and community. I believe in their resiliency and strength as a college family and community to cope with this tragic event. I wish to extend my condolence and support to those at Southside Virginia Community College.”

###

About Southside Virginia Community College:  Established in 1970, Southside Virginia Community College (SsVCC) serves about 8,000 students throughout Southern Virginia at eight facilities located in Alberta, Blackstone, Chase City, Cumberland, Emporia, Keysville, South Boston and South Hill.  For more information, please visit www.southside.edu.

About Virginia’s Community Colleges: Created more than 40 years ago, the VCCS is comprised of 23 community colleges located on 40 campuses across the commonwealth. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve more than a quarter-million credit students each year. For more information, please visit myfuture.vccs.edu.