Lucie Refsland
New River Community and Technical College
New River Community and Technical College has chosen Dr. Lucie T. Refsland as the College’s Outstanding Contributor for 2016 because she advocates for the College along with the community college system, provides excellent service to departments within the college, suggests ideas that improve the College and takes an active role in implementation, and exemplifies the community college philosophy in all that she does.
Dr. Refsland began her career as an educator in West Virginia public schools 50 years ago and became an adjunct instructor for the College in 1971 (when it was part of West Virginia University). She continued as an adjunct until her full-time appointment in 1989 and has held the rank of professor since 2001.
She serves as a sponsor for organizations that honor academic achievement and mentors students. Dr. Refsland chartered New River CTC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and provided a long term of service as the faculty sponsor for the honor society. She coordinates with New River CTC’s applicants for the All USA Community College Academic Team, which has included three first-place state winners. She has also served on the Scholarship Committee for Greenbrier Valley Campus since its inception.
Dr. Refsland brought attention to New River CTC on the state level when she was elected chair of the Advisory Council of Faculty (ACF) for two years. In this capacity, she spoke to WVCCTE three times a year, traveled throughout the state attending monthly CCTE meetings, attended LOCEA and HEPC meetings, served on the search committee for the Community College Chancellor, and contributed to the new five-year plan for community colleges within West Virginia. She faithfully attends and presents at the West Virginia Community College Association (WVCCA) annual meetings and chaired the Hospitality Committee that coordinated the WVCCA 2007 State Meeting at Pipestem State Park.
Closer to home, Dr. Refsland served as the Interim Director for the Greenbrier Community College Center of Bluefield State College (BSC), as New River CTC’s leader at the ACF, on the College’s Faculty Senate, and on the following College committees: Curriculum, Promotion and Tenure, and Assessment. She has been recognized as West Virginia’s 2008 Professor of the Year and given the 2013 Distinguished Service Award from the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Dr. Refsland represents the College while teaching a full course load, tutoring students in math, and fostering communication to aid New River CTC students in transferring to baccalaureate institutions to study education. She wrote the original Memorandum of Understanding between New River CTC and BSC’s Department of Education in 2013.
She is known for her inquisitive nature and continued quest for learning. Recently, Dr. Refsland completed courses in physical science, and as treasurer for the Greenbrier County Youth Camp, she audited an accounting class to learn more about the subject. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from West Virginia University, a master’s degree in education administration from Duke University, and a doctorate in mathematics education from Virginia Tech.
Dr. L. Marshall Washington, President of New River CTC states that, “Dr. Refsland is an encouraging, supportive co-worker. She is committed to bettering the lives of her students and colleagues and improving our communities. Even after 27 years of community college service, her energy and enthusiasm are still contagious.”