1982: Community Hospital of the Roanoke Valley College of Health Sciences founded as

the first hospital-based college in Virginia.1986: College obtains accreditation by the Southern

Associations of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to grant degrees at the Associate level. 1989:

College names its first president, Dr. Harry C. Nickens, a leader in the Roanoke community

for over 20 years. 1992: Reid Center (JCHS main building) named after William Reid,

director of Community Hospital, when he announces his retirement. 1995: College accredited

by SACS to begin offering baccalaureate degrees. 1999: First international students admitted

to College. 2000: SACS awards College with long-term accreditation in recognition of growth

and solid academic programs. 2002: College welcomes its second president, Dr. Carol Seavor.

2003: Name of College of Health Sciences changed to Jefferson College of Health Sciences.

2005: JCHS granted Carnegie Level III status by SACS, which allows the College to

offer graduate degrees. 2005: First master’s degree offered in Nursing. 2007: College graduates

first Master’s prepared students. 2007: Health & Exercise Science and Health Psychology

added to the undergraduate programs. 2008: Master of Sciences degrees in Physician Assistant

Studies and Occupational Therapy added to curriculum. 2000-2007: Each year sees record

growth in the College’s student population, culminating with over 970 students in fall 2007.

Years

The Magazine for aluMni & friends of Jefferson College of healTh sCienCes

issue Two ~ Two Thousand and seven

C o m m e m o r a t i v e i s s u e