Learn new skills. Advance your career.
Bring people together.
Discover opportunities to learn, grow, and connect through education and workforce training programs,
or find the perfect space for your next meeting, conference, or event in Abingdon, Virginia.
Explore the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
A Great Place, Doing Great Things, Because of Great People! ™
Located in Abingdon, Virginia, the Higher Education Center is a regional hub connecting education, industry, and workforce. Through partnerships with K–12, higher education, and local employers, we provide flexible access to learning and training opportunities. We also serve as a premier venue for conferences, meetings, and events across the region.
Learn new skills. Open new doors.
Whether you’re continuing your education, building career skills, developing your workforce, or exploring new interests at any stage of life, find programs and resources to help you move forward.
Bring people together. Make great things happen.
From meetings and conferences to special events, find the space, services, and support you need for your next gathering in Abingdon, Virginia.
What’s Happening at the Center
Discovery Days session connects students with art and hands-on projects
Students explored art and hands-on building during the November 3 Discovery Days session, “Make & Create,” at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. Local artist Connie Anderson led a painting activity. Isabelle Monyak, curator of contemporary art at...
Public Notice of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center’s December 10, 2026 Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center will hold its biannual meeting on Thursday, December 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Higher Education Center, 1 Partnership Circle, Abingdon, Virginia. Members of the public may witness the...
Hannah Hietala Named to The Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40
As Senior Director of Events & Operations, Hietala helps bring more than 3,700 meetings, programs and community events to life at the Higher Ed Center each year. Hannah Hietala, Senior Director of Events & Operations at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education...
Richard Leigh & Friends Concert Raises $58,000 for Student Scholarships
An evening with three Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees brought music and storytelling to the Grand Hall while investing in students pursuing higher education close to home. ABINGDON, Va. An evening of acclaimed songwriting and community generosity raised...
“If the Higher Ed Center was not located in Abingdon and close to where I lived, I would not have been able to continue my education.”
— Dr. Teresa Vance
“It’s been a tremendous boost to us and to our clients to be able to use the apprenticeship program.”
COO, Wize Solutions
“The Higher Ed Center is the perfect place to host an event. The staff here is top-notch.”
Event client
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