Rachel D. Fowlkes

Rachel Fowlkes is the Agency Head and Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC). The Center, which is a partnership of eight Virginia colleges and universities (Emory & Henry College, Radford University, Univ. of Virginia, University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University, Virginia Intermont College and Virginia Highlands Community College) was created by the General Assembly in 1991, to stimulate economic development and enhance educational opportunities in southwest Virginia. Dr. Fowlkes has been Executive Director of the Center since October 1991.

Dr. Fowlkes earned a Bachelor’s degree from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi; a Master’s from Mississippi State University; and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Virginia.

Before her appointment as Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Dr. Fowlkes served as the state coordinator of off-Grounds programs for the University of Virginia; as director of the University of Virginia’s Continuing Education Southwest Regional Center; as an adjunct faculty member for the University of Virginia; as director of Special Education for Washington County Virginia Public Schools; and as a K-12 teacher in Albemarle and Washington counties.

Dr. Fowlkes serves on a number of boards and advisory committees. Among them are the William King Regional Arts Center, the Electronic Village of Abingdon, the Virginia Creeper Trail Advisory Board, and the Town of Abingdon’s Industrial Development Authority. Rachel is a member of the Abingdon Rotary Club and an elder at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church.