Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center

05/28/2026

At the Higher Ed Center, exceptional customer service is at the heart of what we do. Just ask the hundreds of event customers who have given us an average rating of 4.98 out of 5 stars!

Whether you’re planning a small meeting, large conference, luncheon, shower, or celebration, our team is here to help make it a success.

Ready to host your next event? We’d love to welcome you! Visit swcenter.edu/events to get started.

05/27/2026

It’s been a special month at the Center as we’ve welcomed students, families, educators, and community partners for graduation celebrations and senior events. 🎓

From the Virginia High School Senior Luncheon to graduation ceremonies for Virginia Highlands Community College, Washington County Career & Technical Education Center, Patrick Henry High School - Glade Spring, Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education Program, and Abingdon Elementary School, we’ve been proud to help celebrate the accomplishments of so many outstanding students.

To all of this year’s graduates: congratulations on this incredible milestone! We’re honored to be part of a community filled with bright futures, hard work, and so much promise. 💚

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.

In observance of Memorial Day, the Center will be closed today, Monday, May 25.

05/22/2026

Meet Kitty Nash! ✨

When she’s not busy helping keep our building sparkling clean, Kitty is also our resident balloon arch extraordinaire and party planning expert! 🎈

Outside of work, you can usually find her cheering on her granddaughter in the stands. We’re grateful for all the joy, creativity, and dedication Kitty brings to the Center each day!

05/21/2026

Summer is shaping up to be an exciting season at the Center! Looking for engaging opportunities to keep your child learning and exploring this summer? We’re proud to partner with several of our educational partners to offer hands-on camps for students across the region. ☀️🎓

In June, we're partnering with the The University of Virginia's College at Wise to host a three-day Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp for high school students. This hands-on experience will introduce students to one of today’s fastest-growing fields and explore how AI is shaping the future across industries.

In July, we’re partnering with the Appalachian College of Pharmacy to host a one-day pharmacy camp for rising 7th graders and up. Students will get an inside look at the exciting field of pharmacy through interactive STEM activities and hands-on learning experiences.

Visit our website to learn more and register: swcenter.edu/summerstemopportunities/

05/20/2026

Don't miss this unique opportunity to receive high quality, professional photos of you and your family. Happening TODAY at the Center!

✨ This Wednesday, VNPC is coming to Abingdon for the fourth stop of our maternal photoshoot series, created to authentically capture the beauty of pregnancy and early parenthood across Virginia. Expecting moms and families are invited to participate in this free professional photoshoot experience. 🤰📸

Each participating family will receive professionally edited digital photos to keep.

📍 Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA
📅 Wednesday, May 20

Spots are limited — register today through the link in our bio, scan the QR code, or visit www.linktr.ee/goVNPC

05/20/2026

What is the College for Older Adults all about? COA Coordinator Ed Morgan gives an inside look at the program, the classes offered, and what makes the experience so special.

Ready to join us this fall? Classes start September 15th! Visit swcenter.edu/COA for more details.

05/19/2026

We were happy to partner with Washington County 4-H and the Virginia Cooperative Extension-Washington County as they brought the 4-H Reality Store & Career Explore to local middle and high school students! 💵

This hands-on experience gives students a taste of the real world by assigning them a career with corresponding salary. Students must pay taxes, open bank accounts and cover monthly expenses. This simulation challenges participants to make their budgeting decisions count. From groceries to insurance and childcare, students learned valuable lessons about financial responsibility and real-world decision making.

We’re grateful to Washington County 4-H, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and all of the community partners who helped make this experience possible for students across our region!

05/18/2026

We were delighted to welcome King University Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner students to campus recently for hands-on simulation experiences in our new Lab! Students were able to strengthen their clinical skills in a realistic healthcare environments designed to mirror real-world patient care.

Did you know that King offers an FNP program at the Center? Learn more: swcenter.edu/king-university-msn-family-nurse-practioner-program/

05/15/2026

We’ve been proud to host presidents, governors, and other dignitaries on campus. We're a great place, with great people stopping by.

Most recently, Attorney General Jay Jones visited for a listening session with regional partners and served as keynote speaker at the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Symposium, engaging in conversations around public safety and collaboration.

05/14/2026

We couldn’t let National Receptionist Day pass without giving a shoutout to our incredible front desk team.

They’re the first smile you see, the ones who help you find your way, and the people who set the tone for everything happening here.

We truly are A Great Place, Doing Great Things, Because of Great People like these ladies.

Happy National Receptionist Day! 💙