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.

The 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 -- 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 United States 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, and technology training for students and faculty.

Julie Hood, KVCC's dean of technology, said technology plays a large role at a commuter college such as KVCC, because it helps students who often live many miles from the campus stay connected to classes and campus events.

"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.

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

"Our survey results show overwhelmingly that community colleges are fast embracing cybertechnologies," Leight said.