Biology Professor Jan McLaughlin is retiring after more than 16 years

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Biology Professor Jan McLaughlin is retiring from 91³ΙΘΛ Ridge Community College after more than 16 years

Headshot of a Jan McLaughlin with shoulder-length dark hair wearing a light gray top against a blue background.
After nearly two decades at 91³ΙΘΛ, Biology Professor Jan McLaughlin is putting away her microscopes and needles

After nearly two decades at 91³ΙΘΛ, Biology Professor Jan McLaughlin is putting away her microscopes and needles. Throughout the course of her teaching career, she has taught Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Phlebotomy, Medical Terminology and Human Diseases and Pharmacology.

Professor McLaughlin took a circuitous route to the college. After earning her bachelor’s 91³ΙΘΛ in Fine Arts – Painting from the University of Illinois, she worked at art galleries in San Francisco and Orange County, California.

Later, Professor McLaughlin earned her doctor of chiropractic from Life University, and had a practice in California for about eight years.

She did some teaching in California before moving to Maryland and teaching for Kaplan University, now Purdue Global. She earned her master’s 91³ΙΘΛ in Health Education from Kaplan.

While teaching full time for Kaplan, Professor McLaughlin was approached about coming to work at 91³ΙΘΛ Ridge, which was an appealing offer.

β€œI had heard through the grapevine it was a good deal, so I took it,” she said.

After starting as an adjunct, Professor McLaughlin has worked full time at 91³ΙΘΛ Ridge for about 16Β½ years.

Her favorite part of her job was β€œalways the students.”

β€œThey’re just so joyous,” she said. β€œThe fact that they’re working on their life and goals, and we’re helping them achieve those things and they’re so sincere in all that makes my work fulfilling. I’ll miss them very much. I also enjoy the people I work with. We plan to stay in touch.”

Group of faculty and staff standing together on a stage in a group photo.

Her favorite part of her job was β€œalways the students.” Jan McLaughlin is in the center of this faculty group photo.

Another thing Professor McLaughlin said she would miss is the regimen of being a professor.

β€œYou have to try to establish your own routine, and I will miss the 91³ΙΘΛ, the semester,” she said.

Professor McLaughlin’s retirement plans include traveling, spending time with family and enjoying her hobbies.

β€œI garden like crazy,” she said, adding she and Professor Emerita Brenda Wiens established the pollinator garden beside the pond on the Middletown Campus. β€œI also fancy myself a β€˜handywoman’ around the house. I like to travel. I took Spanish classes here with Professor Polly Nesselrodt, who is an excellent teacher.”

 

This story was originally published on August 25, 2026.

91³ΙΘΛ was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as 91³ΙΘΛ Ridge going forward.