RCC Alumni

Alumni Spotlight: Passion Meets Profession

Matthew Davis is a Rappahannock Community College alumnus who graduated from the diesel program in May 2025. Since graduation he has secured a full-time job at Essex Concrete, where he works in their shop, maintaining their fleet of vehicles. He is part of a team of five skilled and professional mechanics, where he is applying all the skills he learned in the Diesel program at RCC. In addition to his regular duties, Matthew also takes on special assignments with other employees who travel to various shops and provide special assistance. His boss, whom Matthew really likes, seems extremely pleased with his knowledge, skills, and eagerness to learn each day.

“Matthew always demonstrated a strong work ethic, curiosity, and a genuine passion for the trade. To see him now putting those skills to work in such a meaningful way—and thriving as part of a professional team—is incredibly rewarding,” said Craig Donor, Diesel Department Head, RCC. “His ability to step into this role with confidence and initiative is a testament to both his determination and his natural abilities. I simply steered the boat, Matthew did all the work.”

It is very clear that Matthew enjoys his line of work and is ready to give his 110% effort into all the things he is tasked to do. Since he started there in June, Matthew has negotiated a well-paid salary and received wonderful benefits that set him up for a bright future. “I really appreciate all the support from RCC and Mr. Donor and everything he taught me.” said Matthew.

 Congratulations on your success Matthew! Rappahannock Community College is proud of the person you have become, and we are so glad that you chose to be a part of the RCC family.

Alumni Spotlight: From RCC to Randolph-Macon College

For Layla Gaines, attending Rappahannock Community College was the perfect foundation for future success. While still in high school and enrolled in the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School, she also completed an associate degree at RCC—a challenge that required balance, commitment, and determination.

“Attending RCC was a great experience! The flexibility of online courses and the amazing staff who helped explain my path to success allowed me to accomplish my goals,” said Gaines.

Balancing academics with athletics and high school commitments wasn’t easy. “The main challenge I overcame was time management. I had a goal to finish my classes in about two years, and between being a student athlete and a high school student, there wasn’t much time. However, with RCC’s faster semesters and online options, I was able to squeeze in classes during my free time and really thrive academically.”

Now a member of the Randolph-Macon College Class of 2026, she credits RCC for setting her on a strong academic path. “Because I attended RCC, I’ll graduate a year earlier from my four-year college. That means I can enter the workforce sooner and begin achieving even more of my goals.”

Layla is majoring in mathematics and recently completed an internship in New York City focusing on jewelry merchandising. “I’m considering a career in merchandising and would also love to use my mathematics knowledge to help tutor children who may struggle financially to pay a tutor,” she added.

From Incarceration to Inspiration: Tyrone Wheatley's Journey with RCC

Earning a college degree is a significant achievement for anyone, but for Tyrone Wheatley, the journey to higher education was filled with unique challenges. While incarcerated at Haynesville Correctional Center, Tyrone pursued his academic goals and successfully earned an Associate of Arts & Sciences degree from Rappahannock Community College (RCC).

Determined to expand his skills, Tyrone also completed the SHINE Solar Technician

 training program, which was held on weekends at Haynesville. These educational experiences provided him with the foundation needed to transition into a successful career upon his release.

Today Tyrone is proud to be gainfully employed as a contractor for a data company in Northern Virginia. According to his employer, with a college degree in hand, his opportunities for career advancement, particularly into management roles, are significantly increased.

Taking college classes while incarcerated presented many hurdles, particularly the lack of access to technology. Without computers, all papers and exams were handwritten, and digital literacy was not part of the curriculum. Despite these obstacles, Tyrone remained committed to his education, crediting the unwavering support of program coordinator Barb Schaab and dedicated professors like Jessie Fortune for helping him achieve his goals.

Among the courses he took, political science stood out as his favorite. Reflecting on his experience, Tyrone emphasizes the impact of RCC’s faculty and the power of education in transforming lives.

"RCC's professors believe in us and were always positive. Getting an education is so important, and I'm glad I overcame the obstacles to earning a degree,” he said.

RCC and Haynesville Correctional Center with the Department of Corrections have worked together to bring quality and life-changing educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals for 15 years.

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From RCC Student to Employee: Paris Nelson
Burn Survivor Makes RCC Nursing Graduation a Full-Circle Moment: Kendra Yates
Mariyah Bland: Alumna Spotlight 
From RCC to Newport News Shipyard: Scott Pruitt
RCC Baseball Players Return to Classroom 48 Years Later
Rappahannock Community College Student Fanning Wins Literature Prize
RCC Alumni Damarius Pollard Receives Patent for Trailer Floor Protector