Our Mission Statement
Centura College helps adult students gain the skills and attitudes necessary for a meaningful entry-level career position. We strive to be responsive to the needs of our students, as well as businesses, industries, and government. We are committed to high academic standards in all curricular offerings, and we are dedicated to providing the services that support our students’ efforts to succeed.
Jason Pfaff, Chief Executive Officer
Congratulations and welcome to Centura College.
You’ve made a big decision—to invest in yourself and your future—and we’re proud to be part of that journey with you. Since 1969, Centura has been committed to career-focused education, right here in Southeastern Virginia. Our mission has always been simple: prepare students with the skills, training, and support needed to succeed in today’s workplace.
One of the things I’m most proud of is our faculty. Your instructors aren’t just teachers—they’re experienced professionals who’ve built real careers in the industries you’re preparing to enter. They bring practical know-how, real-world examples, and the kind of perspective that comes only from years on the job. That means you’ll graduate not just with knowledge, but with confidence in your ability to step into your new career.
We also work closely with local employers—hospitals, businesses, and organizations that hire our graduates. As you get closer to finishing your program, our Career Services team will be right there with you, one-on-one, to help you explore opportunities that match your skills and interests.
And as you spend time on campus, you’ll find resources designed to support you—student lounges, veteran centers, learning labs, hands-on facilities, and technology that mirrors the workplace. Everything is here to help you succeed.
We’re excited to see what you’ll accomplish, and we’re honored you’ve chosen Centura College as your partner in building your future.
Welcome to the Centura community.
Sincerely,
Jason Pfaff, Chief Executive Officer
Core Educational Objectives
Centura College is dedicated to the success of our students from the moment they enroll, through the academic process, and into their professional lives after graduation. Our core educational objectives guide our support of student success throughout the process.
We provide quality academic programs and student support services through innovative delivery methods, in order to support students’ successful educational achievement, graduation, professional certification where applicable, and employment within today’s marketplace.
We support graduates’ transition into entry-level professional positions within their fields of study, encouraging them to positively influence their employers, their professional industry, and their local communities.
We rely upon experienced and engaging faculty to provide an excellent educational experience to a wide array of students, benefitting from the faculty’s direct experience within the professional workplace.
We encourage students to develop sound financial literacy and strong fiscal decision-making as they complete their academic programs, enter the workforce, and take control of their financial futures.
We encourage personal development, interpersonal skills, and commitment to community and personal ethics, so students grow to become not only more skilled professionals but also better human beings.
Institutional History
Our organization was founded in 1969 as an agency dedicated to workforce development and career training. Founding President Gerald Yagen formed Employment Services, Inc. in Norfolk, Virginia to provide contemporary employment services to those in need of careers throughout Southeastern Virginia. His employment agency thrived through the 1970s, and in 1982, he founded The Electronics Institute of Technology, a post-secondary institution that provided electronics, computer, and office administration training to those seeking to enhance their career potential.
1982
The Electronics Institute of Technology, was founded by Gerald Yagen.1986
The Electronics Institute of Technology began expanding its program offerings.1989
The Electronics Institute of Technology changed its name to Tidewater Tech.1992
The institution launched a second school group, Beta Tech.2008
The school systems merged under one new name, Centura College.2020
Centura College continues to provide training to students with the addition of a number of skilled trades program.Ready to achieve your career goals? You have our support all the way.
Let us get you the information you need and answer any questions you may have along the way.
