TCC Students Advocate for Community College Resources at State Level

If you’re passionate about public policy and interested in being a voice for your community, Tidewater Community College’s Student Advisory Committees are a great avenue for getting involved on campus. Committee member Ethan Crutchfield is one of the TCC representatives on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) this year. An ambitious nursing student with dreams of advancing the medical field, Crutchfield is honored to represent TCC and advocate for our students’ needs with decision-makers in Richmond.

Crutchfield’s interest in community involvement and TCC’s nursing program is deeply personal. Born with a rare genetic disease, his parents were told he only had six months to live. This early brush with mortality instilled in him a profound appreciation for life, an interest in the medical field, and a desire to help others.

Starting his collegiate career at TCC was a strategic decision for Crutchfield. The affordable pricing, accessibility, and diverse demographic of students at TCC were all key factors in his choice.

“At a community college, you see a much wider demographic of fellow students and instructors. You get a much more realistic view of the world,” said Crutchfield, whose broader perspective has helped in his advocacy efforts.

Crutchfield first became involved with student life after pursuing TCC’s work-study programs to help pay for college while working on campus. While involved with campus work, he was regularly exposed to introductory conversations with students and staff about the resources and support services available at TCC. Crutchfield took interest in financial aid, student housing options, and food insecurity, and was vocal about his desire to help everyone meet their full potential by having access to essential educational resources. Soon after, he was introduced and inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. His fellow PTK members recognized Crutchfield’s academic drive and his interest in helping fellow students and invited him to be a speaker at the induction ceremony.

“That set the groundwork for the different relationships and cohorts I have now,” said Crutchfield.

A few months later, Crutchfield was selected for the Virginia All-State Academics Team and headed to Richmond to meet with state representatives and leaders in the Virginia Department of Education. During his time on the Student Advisory Committee, he has addressed the availability and accessibility of scholarships and wrap-around services for students to policymakers.

When reflecting on his experience with SCHEV and the Student Advisory Committee, Crutchfield appreciates the outreach being done by TCC’s leaders and state policymakers to address student concerns.

“Knowing that I can have a voice by addressing things like interdepartmental communication and financial aid is a massive honor,” said Crutchfield. “Pointing a magnifying glass on Hampton Roads and advocating for how community colleges and our student body can make a difference here is really fulfilling.”

Crutchfield believes in the importance of student voices in shaping educational policies and practices. Through his involvement with on-campus organizations, he is learned how critical it is for students to use their voices to communicate their needs.

“All of the representatives want to hear from you. They want your ideas and inspiration. They only see things at the state level, and they need that student input. That’s what actually drives change,” said Crutchfield. “You can’t sit back and wait for a change if you don’t let them know about the issue.” 

Looking ahead to their November meeting, the Student Advisory Committee will discuss college affordability and FAFSA changes, mental health and wellness resources, student poverty, Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Speech inquiries, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Students who want to speak with Crutchfield on any of these issues can email him at ecrutchfield@tcc.edu.

There are multiple opportunities across campuses for leadership experiences at a variety of levels. If you’re a TCC student looking for ways to get involved, do not be afraid to seek out opportunities and voice your interests with faculty, staff, and fellow students. Explore student clubs and organizations at TCC.