FAIRFIELD -- Kennebec Valley Community College has been named a leader in digital technology support for students and staff in a national ranking of community colleges.

Republic's Center for Digital Education and Converge magazine announced the winners of their fifth annual Digital Community Colleges Survey in October. KVCC placed ninth among small colleges of 3,000 or fewer students.

KVCC was the only Maine college to be named a winner in any category for the ranking.

Schools named are considered the leading community colleges across the U.S. in offering exceptional technology support to students and educators. The survey addresses multiple areas in digital technology including online registration, distance learning, tutoring and advisory services, technology training for students and faculty.

Marina Leight, vice president of the Center, said, "Community colleges, year after year, impress us as forward thinking and quick to adapt."

Julie Hood, dean of technology for KVCC, said the college is committed to excellence in all facets of its service, including technology.

Technology plays a huge role at a commuter college like KVCC because it helps students who often live many miles from the campus stay connected to classes and campus events, Hood said.

The ranking is an honor for the College's technology team, affirming that the work it is doing is both cutting-edge and valuable, Hood said.

"It is important that students have what they need, when they need it and where they are, and KVCC is dedicated to making sure that happens," Hood said.