Stories From the Higher Ed Center
News
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...
Community Wellness Day brings learning and connection to Abingdon
The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center welcomed community members on Monday, Oct. 5, for Community Wellness Day, a day focused on practical information, regional resources and meaningful connections. The event brought together the Healthy Aging Fair and...
Virginia Tech partnership at Higher Ed Center expands autism support across Southwest Virginia
Two Virginia Tech projects supported by the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center are increasing access to autism assessments and helping educators better support autistic students across the region. Through the Hybrid Autism Assessments in Rural Communities...
Registration Now Open for Fall K-5 STEM Academy
Young learners across Southwest Virginia will have another opportunity to explore, experiment and build through hands-on learning this fall. Registration is now open for the Fall 2026 K-5 STEM Academy at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. The five-week...
SWVA Higher Education Center Awarded $62,665 to Strengthen Opioid Overdose Response Training
The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center has been awarded $62,665 to establish a Simulation-Based First Responder Training Initiative focused on opioid overdose response and other substance-related emergencies. The funding was awarded by the Virginia Opioid...
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Receives $300,000 Grant to Create New STEM Science Laboratory
Pictured: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Executive Director David Matlock (left) and the Wellspring Foundation Executive Director Sean McMurray in the future lab space. The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center has received a $300,000 grant from the...
Blog Posts
Ed Morgan Explores Southwest Virginia’s Natural Riches in New Book
A map of the nation’s biodiversity hot spots sparked a new adventure for Ed Morgan, coordinator of the College for Older Adults at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. His new book, Notes on the State of Southwest Virginia, shares that journey through...
Dual Enrollment Program Housed at the Higher Ed Center Expands Educational Opportunities
A. Linwood Holton Governor's School, a regional virtual dual enrollment program housed at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, was recently featured by Blue Ridge PBS, highlighting the opportunities it provides for high school students across Southwest...
Celebrating 35 Years of Opportunity at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
Thirty-five years ago, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center was established with a bold vision: to expand access to higher education and strengthen the economy of Southwest Virginia. Since opening its doors in 1991, the Higher Ed Center has grown into a...
Student and Alumni Success Stories
A Calling to Care: Andrea’s Journey to Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner
Andrea Newton has always called Southwest Virginia home – and now, she’s devoted her career to serving the community that raised her. Although she began her professional life as a legal assistant, Andrea’s true calling revealed itself during one of the most difficult...
Turning a Passion Into a Career: Brayden’s Apprenticeship Success Story
Not every career begins in a classroom. For Brayden, it started with a passion for autobody and a chance to learn by doing. After discovering his interest through the autobody program at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center, Brayden took the...
From Ghana to Southwest Virginia: One Student’s Journey to Make a Global Impact
From Ghana to Southwest Virginia: One Student’s Journey to Make a Global Impact
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The Higher Education Center allowed me to advance my career while staying close to my community and family.
Erin Carty, VCU Nurse Anesthesia Class of 2023