Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center

06/16/2026

Meet the newest member of the Higher Ed Center family! 👶 Our Simulation Lab recently welcomed a new LifeCast® baby manikin, designed to look, feel, and weigh just like a real newborn to provide students with the most realistic training experience possible.

There's just one problem... she doesn't have a name yet!

What should we call her? Drop your suggestions in the comments below and help us make it official. Bonus points if it's creative, meaningful, or just plain adorable!👇

06/15/2026

Last week, our Executive Director had the opportunity to meet with Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger to discuss the future of Southwest Virginia, including opportunities to support agriculture in our region. Conversations like these help ensure Southwest Virginia's voice is heard at the state level.

Stay tuned... exciting news is on the horizon!🌱

06/15/2026

"It feels like you're on a country road."

Our new ambulance simulator is helping students take learning beyond textbooks and into realistic emergency scenarios, all in a safe, low-risk environment designed to build confidence and skills. We're excited to bring this new training resource to SWVA!

Visit swcenter.edu/healthcare to learn more.

06/13/2026

Congratulations to our wonderful Registered Apprenticeship Coordinator, Jenny Nichols! 🎉

Congratulations to Jenny Nichols from Sorensen’s 2023 Political Leaders Program on her appointment as Apprenticeship Coordinator with the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center (SWVHE). SWVHE announced a registered apprenticeship program to strengthen the workforce in the region by connecting college students and high school dual-enrollment students in Southwest Virginia with registered employers.

Students enrolled in the program will be able to spend half a day in the classroom and the other half as a paid employee in a workplace with a mentor. Each student enrolled in the program will have a mentor who will guide them in the workplace and grade their performance as they are able to earn college credit. The apprenticeship program is being made possible by grant funding from Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia and the To***co Region Revitalization Commission.

06/13/2026

Congratulations to Patrick Henry High School and Abingdon High School on two amazing seasons and two state titles earned today! ⚾️🥎

06/11/2026

The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is creating a strong return for our region.

A recent study conducted by BRIDGE found that for every $1 invested in the Center by the Commonwealth, we generate $8 in economic activity. We're proud to serve as a catalyst for opportunity and growth across Southwest Virginia!

Learn more about our impact:

A newly released economic impact analysis shows that the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center generates nearly $30 million in annual economic activity, supporting jobs, businesses, and local tax revenue throughout Southwest Virginia. The study, compiled by BRIDGE using IMPLAN economic modeling...

06/10/2026

Congratulations to our partners at Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education Program, who recently received a $10,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support adult literacy initiatives across our region!

We’re proud to partner with organizations like Mount Rogers that are making such a positive impact across Southwest Virginia! 💚 Learn more about the program and opportunities available at swcenter.edu.

06/09/2026

Our team recently enjoyed connecting with community members at Older Americans Day and sharing information about our College for Older Adults! The next term begins September 15, and it's a great opportunity for adults 50+ to explore interesting topics, meet new people, and learn just for the fun of it.

Interested? Visit swcenter.edu/COA to learn more!

06/08/2026

Professionals from across the region recently participated in a two-day AI Bootcamp for Businesses and Entrepreneurs hosted by The University of Virginia's College at Wise in partnership with the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center.

Visit swcenter.edu/uvawise to see what other exciting professional development opportunities are coming up or to schedule a customized training for your business!

06/05/2026

Introducing the newest member of the Higher Ed Center fleet 😎🚙 Getting to and from our parking lots just got a little easier thanks to our new golf cart, driven here in style by Executive Director David Matlock. Another way we’re working to make the Center welcoming, accessible, and convenient for our students, guests, and event visitors!