Rachel D. Fowlkes

Rachel Fowlkes is the Agency Head and Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center (SWVHEC). The Center, which is a partnership of ten Virginia colleges and universities (Emory & Henry College, Norfolk State, Old Dominion University, Radford University, University of Virginia, University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech,  Virginia Intermont College and Virginia Highlands Community College).  The Center was established 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 SW Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission, Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator and the  Virginia Creeper Trail Advisory Board. Rachel is a member of the Abingdon Rotary Club and an elder at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church.