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'Vigorous Effort'

President Shannon further stated that
"although the University has made a vigorous
effort to serve these two communities, under
the present circumstances the University cannot
match the educational possibilities nor should it
attempt the technical training available through
the Community College system."

The Community College system was created
by the General Assembly on July 1, 1966 with
the passage of the Enabling Act. The objective
of the system is to have "a community college
within thirty minutes of every Virginia
student."

In its first year the system was composed of
two community colleges and five area
vocational-technical schools. Presently the
system includes 16 two-year colleges serving
27,000 Virginia students. The master plan of
the State Council of Higher Education calls for
22 colleges on 35 campuses.

The development of the system of
Community Colleges was initiated by the
University. President Shannon stated that "the
University's original undertaking in developing
two-year branches throughout the state has
been accomplished, resulting in the
establishment of the Community College
system."