The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation
The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation funds scholarships, programs, and partnerships that open doors to higher education and high-wage careers across the region.
Mission
The Foundation supports the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, its partner institutions, and students, through fundraising and resource development to strengthen the regional economy of Southwest Virginia by providing higher education and professional development training of the current and future workforce.
Vision
To help reduce financial barriers to education and expanding access to high-quality academic and workforce training programs that advance student success and support the long-term economic vitality of the region.
Tagline
Supporting a Great Place, Doing Great Things, Because of Great People!
Investing in People. Strengthening Southwest Virginia.
When students succeed, communities thrive.
The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation connects the generosity of individuals, businesses, and foundations with opportunities that transform lives. As the philanthropic partner of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, we invest in students, strengthen workforce development, and expand access to higher education and professional training that fuels the economic vitality of our region.
Every gift helps remove financial barriers, prepare a skilled workforce, and create opportunities that benefit students, employers, and communities across Southwest Virginia.
Every Gift Creates Impact
- Scholarships that open doors to high-demand careers in healthcare, technology, education, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and the skilled trades.
- Workforce & Academic Programs that expand access to certifications, innovative learning opportunities, and industry-responsive training.
- Student Success Support that helps learners overcome unexpected financial challenges and stay on the path to graduation.
- Endowed & Legacy Funds that provide lasting support for future generations and ensure the Center continues to meet the evolving needs of our region.
Together, we’re investing in students, strengthening our workforce, and building a brighter future for Southwest Virginia.
Invest in Southwest Virginia's Future! Choose the gift that fits you.
Give Now
Make a secure one-time or recurring gift
Donor-Advised Fund
Recommend a grant through your DAF
Legacy Gifts
Create a lasting impact
Matching Gifts
Double your impact through your employer
Give From Your IRA
Make a tax-efficient gift directly from your Individual Retirement Account
Stock Gifts
Give through appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
Real Estate
Donate appreciated real estate
Payroll Giving
See if your employer supports giving through automatic payroll deduction
The people behind the mission
Meet our Director of Development
Larry Foster
(276) 619-4306
lf*****@******er.edu
Larry Foster joined the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation in April 2026 as Director of Development, where he leads the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts and guides its revitalization with a renewed focus on expanding student support and strengthening regional impact. He is responsible for cultivating relationships with donors and partners, growing scholarship opportunities for students across Southwest Virginia, and advancing the Center’s mission through strategic fundraising. Foster brings more than 12 years of fundraising experience in higher education and nonprofit organizations, along with more than 15 years of private-sector leadership experience. Most recently, he served in advancement roles at King University and Emory & Henry University.
Our Board of Directors
Gary Hearl
Chair, Group Head
Advanced/Sustainable Technologies, Sports & Welness Groups
David Matlock
Agency Head, SWVHEC
Carla Keene DDS, PC
Owner, Carla Keene DDS PC
Mark Farris
SVP/Market Executive, Powell Valley National Bank
Larry Foster
Director of Development, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation
Mark Graham
Executive Director & General Counsel, Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator
Carol Jones
Mark Nelson
Donna Stanley
Will Wampler
James Blevins
Our Strategic Plan
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