2024 SWVHEC Annual Report

Annual Report 2023-24

Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center One Partnership Circle Post Office Box 1987 Abingdon, Virginia 24212 276-619-4300 www.swcenter.edu

Table Of Contents 2 Message from the Director 3 About Us 4 Impact At a Glance 6 A Great Place 8 Doing Great Things 16 Because of Great People 18 Student Spotlights 20 Leadership Team 22 Board of Trustees 23 SWVHEC Foundation 24 A Look Forward

2023-24 Annual Report

Message from the Director

At the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, we had another great fiscal year for 2023-2024. We made investments into new furniture, a refreshed patio space, updated landscaping and technology improvements. We established new programs with our partners and expanded existing ones, particularly in the medical and allied health program areas. We have added new staff at the Center and our partners have filled critical roles to help make great things happen. In this report, you will find a snapshot of what we have accomplished as a team over the past year. We are proud of the work we do in the region to bring people together to advance all economic and workforce opportunities in the region. We also strive to provide an affordable, well maintained and professional facility to host trainings, conferences and networking events. Our operations are efficient and effective to deliver quality programming in a beautiful space with experienced staff. We hope you find that we provide our partners and guests with exceptional experiences and customer service by being capable, enthusiastic and engaged. We strive to anticipate change regarding the educational and workforce gaps of the region by encouraging new ideas and approaches to the way we do business. We create strong relationships and effective collaboration with local, state and federal partners to achieve strategic outcomes. We value supporting students with a safe and stimulating environment to learn, achieve their potential and further their career pursuits. Lastly, we devote resources and hard work to create a facility that serves the Southwest Virginia community.

We are a great place, doing great things because of great people!

David Matlock, Executive Director/ Agency Head

2023-24 Annual Report

2

About Us

About The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center located in Abingdon, Virginia is the first multi-college and university institution of higher education in the Commonwealth. Established as a freestanding and unique state agency in 1991, the Center partners with public and private colleges and universities to provide degree programs, certificates and professional development courses. With approximately 110,000 square feet of professional classrooms, large conference areas, labs, and administrative space, the Center accommodates hundreds of events annually. The Center operates with its own Board of Trustees, under the direction of an Executive Director and employs its own staff. The Center is part of the Executive Branch of state government and operates under the Secretary of Education.

Vision

To Be a Great Place, Doing Great Things Because of Great People.

Mission

The mission of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is to strenghten the regional economy of Southwest Virginia by providing higher education and professional development training of the current and future workforce.

We value hospitality, innovation, regionalism, education and dedication.

20223-24 Annual Report

3

Impact At AGlance

Conference Services

Whether you need space for a small meeting around a conference table or a large event for hundreds of people, we have space for you. Our staff is delighted to help you plan your event and provide you with the highest quality customer service each time you visit.

Events 760

Event Attendees 58,000

Organizations Served 206

Educational Outreach

Our educational outreach programs serve learners from kindergarten to older adults. We provide STEM programming onsite at the Center as well as in K-12 schools within the region. The Testing Center partners with a number of testing providers to deliver exams and other assessments.

2,432

470

960

STEM education participants

College for Older Adult participants

Testing Center administered tests

Total Revenues $6.9M Center Operations

Each year, the Center strives to use all general and non general funding efficiently and effectively. The Center also has access to maintenance reserve and an equipment trust fund. Funds are used to support capital projects, partner programming and investments into staff.

Total Expenses $4.6M

Carryforward Revenue $2M

2023-24 Annual Report

4

At a Glance Financials

Restricted 12.9%

Revenues

Miscellaneous 3%

The Center received $6,848,049 in total revenues for Fiscal Year 2023-24. This included $2,862,184 in general fund appropriation, $872,086 in non-general funds, $2,028,187 in carryforward revenue, $883,049 in restricted state revenue, and $202,946 in miscellaneous fees and reimbursements.

General Fund 41.8%

Carryforward 29.6%

Non-General Fund 12.7%

Expenditures

Supplies/Equipment 17.4%

The Center’s total operating expenses were $4,636,652. This included $2,342,827 in personal services, $1,394,711 in contractual services, $807,989 in supplies and equipment and $91,125 in program support funding.

Personal Services 50.5%

Conference Revenues

Contractual Services 30.1%

Since

the

COVID-19

pandemic

negatively educational institutions and gathering places, the Center has been working hard to restore conference service revenues to pre COVID status. This fiscal year, we were able to achieve that. The Center has attracted larger events and has seen an increase in private, for-profit users. We welcome all opportunities to serve the community and region. impacted

Conference Service Revenues

50000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0

2023-24 Annual Report

5

A Great Place

We value being a welcoming facility with attractive building and grounds, classrooms with up-to-date technology and beautiful spaces for outstanding event experiences. The facility maintains conditions that are conducive to quality instruction, learning and gathering. For fiscal year 2023-24, we implemented several projects that have contributed to this Great Place.

Replaced all common area furniture and indoor plants Upgraded video projection system in rooms 218 and 221 Installed new laser projector in Rachel D. Fowlkes Executive Auditorium Installed new video cameras and spotlights in the Joseph P. Johnson, Jr. Grand Hall Upgraded security cameras across the Center

A signficant Great Place project was the completion of the outdoor patio area. This space includes an outdoor kitchen with propane and charcoal grills, fire pit, AV system with an outdoor television, attractive lighting and patio furniture which includes tables, chairs, umbrellas and rockers. This space is now available to rent for events and gatherings. Newly installed landscaping is perfect for cornhole tournaments and additional picnic tables for seating. A Great Space

2023-24 Annual Report

6

Where is the LOVE? On October 26, 2023, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center cut the ribbon on a permanent life-sized LOVEwork at the facility. The First Lady of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin, was in attendance to help cut the ribbon. The artwork, which is 16 feet long and six feet high, is an extension of the 50-year-old “Virginia is for Lovers” brand. The Center has also implemented a new engagement initiative -- “Where is the LOVE?”-- in which friends of the Center can wear a t-shirt inspired by the LOVE sign as they travel and snap a photo to share on the Center’s social media accounts. This initiative is a fun way to share unique experiences with friends here at the Center and to discover the many different places where we can share the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center LOVE.

The grounds around the facility are always in great condition but each year a staff Spring Clean Up Day is organized to help with small tasks such as planting flowers, painting curbs, cleaning the patio and filling rock beds. This enjoyable team building activity is a great way for staff to get outside and lend a helping hand to keep everything looking fresh. Staff at Work

Learn more about our facility!

2023-24 Annual Report

7

Doing Great Things

The Center stays busy with events, trainings, meetings and conferences throughout the year. This year, we served over 206 organizations through 760 events with an estimated attendance of over 58,000 participants. We hosted several meetings with administrators from our higher education partners to investigate the possibility of bringing new programs to the Center or expanding exisiting programs. We continued providing STEM education to learners from kindergarten through middle school with a variety of fall and spring academies as well as a week-long summer camp. The College for Older Adults continues to be a successful program that serves over 470 adults with personal development classes.

Grand Hall usage has continued to thrive this year with a variety of large-scale events including annual favorites such as Garden Faire, Virginia Highlands Festival Antiques and Vintage Show, Mistletoe Market, and Wee-Cycle, as well as private, social events like birthday parties, wedding receptions, reunions and other special occasions. We’ve also welcomed many conferences and conventions; educational events such as the regional band, choir, and DECA competitions; and entertainment programs like mixed martial arts tournaments, concerts, and theater performances.

2023-24 Annual Report

8

Governor Youngkin Visits SWVHEC

In March 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin participated in several “listening” sessions across the Southwest Virginia region, with one stop being at the Center. He called for a “back to basics” approach to economic development for the region. Youngkin encouraged local leaders to take the initiative in capturing manufacturing opportunities as companies move back to the United States.

He also continued to support an “all of the above” approach to energy for Virginia, based on research in the growing nuclear industry and the region’s potential for energy production. He was joined by members of the Southwest Virginia legislative delegation including Senator Todd Pillion, Senator Travis Hackworth, Delegate Jed Arnold and Delegate Israel O’Quinn.

The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center welcomed the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin in June 2024. Co-Chair Manchin came to Southwest Virginia to tour several local projects ARC has funded in the region. The Regional Simulation Lab received $300,000 in ARC funding. Federal Co-Chair Manchin Visits SWVHEC

Manchin, her team, staff from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and staff from Congressman Griffith’s office all commented on the beautiful, immaculate appearance of the Center, and were pleasantly surprised by all of the activity and offerings at the facility. Not only did she and her team get to see the lab under construction, but they also got a grand tour of the entire facility.

2023-24 Annual Report

9

Virginia Rural Information Technology Apprenticeship Grant Program

The Center worked with the General Assembly and the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget to secure another $1,500,000 in funding for the Virginia Rural Information Technology Apprenticeship Grant Program for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. To date, there are six companies enrolled in the program with 31 apprenticeship positions approved. Six apprentices have already completed the 18-month program. The program has awarded over $1,548,000 in previous fiscal year grants to these companies. The program works by providing grants to small, rural information technology businesses that are headquartered and operating in a qualified locality. Grants provide half of the direct compensation in salary and benefits for an apprentice, up to $60,000 for up to 18 months. Prior to the grant, a business must register as an apprenticeship sponsor. Qualified localities include the counties of Alleghany, Bland, Botetourt, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe and the cities of Bristol, Danville, Galax, Martinsville, and Norton.

Learn more about the program!

On November 18, 2023, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center hosted its 15th annual Southwest Virginia First LEGO® League (FLL) Regional Tournament. Since November 2009, the Center has provided the regional location for local teams to compete against other local teams in order to advance to the state competition. Students ages 9 to 14 have the opportunity to program autonomous robots (using LEGO® robot kits) to score points on a thematic playing surface. Students learn about teamwork and must abide by the program’s Core Values. Throughout 15-Year Anniversary: SWVHEC hosts Regional LEGO League Robotics Competition

the years, the regional competition has hosted up to 24 teams annually, hundreds of students and thousands of parents and supporters. The event is also livestreamed

via YouTube. To host, the Center recruits dozens of volunteers to be judges, referees, pit managers and overall event support. The day is always filled with excitement and energy.

2023-24 Annual Report

10

Appalachian College of Pharmacy expands programs at SWVHEC

The Appalachian College of Pharmacy was approved to offer an online Interprofessional Doctorate in Public Health Leadership (DrPH) in April 2024 with first classes beginning in the fall of 2024. This new doctoral level program is in collaboration with ACP and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). Both the State Council on Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) recently granted their approvals to ACP for this new degree. The DrPH program expands the practitioner’s frame of reference beyond the individual patient to the larger population, engaging the community itself in actions that facilitate disease prevention, health promotion, and health protection. While classes will be online, faculty and staff will be housed at and content generated from ACP’s classrooms at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. The Appalachian College of Pharmacy also entered into another exciting partnership with Food City to establish an online Certified Pharmacy Technician program. Under the terms of the collaboration with Food City, ACP will dedicate staff to the program and seek accreditation for it through the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP). Food City is investing in the initial costs and start-up of the program and will provide the clinical experience rotations to support and assist ACP in delivering that portion of the program to students at its locations in five states, including Virginia. Pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in diverse settings such as hospitals, clinics and community pharmacies. Technicians support patient care efforts of the pharmacy team with roles and responsibilities that continue to expand and evolve. The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is developing a simulation lab at its location which students in the program will be able to utilize.

For more information: Jason McGlothlin Director of Admissions, Student Services and Alumni 276-498-5247 jmcglothlin@acp.edu

2023-24 Annual Report

11

Southwest Virginia Healthcare Excellence Academy Lab School (SWVA-HEALS) Approved In April 2024, Governor Youngkin and the Virginia Board of Education announced that Emory & Henry was one of six higher education institutions selected to move forward with their community lab school plans. This approval brought affirmation to the program and continued funding. The Southwest Virginia Healthcare Excellence Academy Lab School (SWVA-HEALS), is a collaborative partnership between Emory & Henry; the school divisions of Smyth County, Wythe County, Washington County, and the City of Bristol; Virginia Highlands Community College; Wytheville Community College; the A. Linwood Holton Governor’s School; and the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. The SWVA-HEALS program establishes a high school career academy for students in Grades 10 12 to serve as a pipeline for preparing future healthcare professionals to meet the workforce shortages in Southwest Virginia. The mission of SWVA-HEALS is to work collaboratively with regional education, healthcare, and community partners to provide a rigorous, high-quality learning environment that promotes increased awareness of potential healthcare careers and prepares college and career ready students to pursue the required college degrees and professional credentials that lead to healthcare careers and increase the number of future healthcare providers practicing in Southwest Virginia. Fifty students will be accepted into the program, with classes beginning in August 2024. Approximately half of the students will attend at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center and the other half of students at the Emory & Henry facility in Marion, Virginia.

For more information: Dante Lee Executive Director SWVA-HEALS 276-619-4385 dslee@emoryhenry.edu

2023-24 Annual Report

12

Partner Success Stories

UVA Wise Office of Community and Economic Development

The UVA Wise Office of Community & Economic Development is committed to improving the quality of life and economic vitality of Southwest Virginia. UVA Wise took significant steps to expand its programs and services over the past year, including growing the team based at the Center and serving as the support organization for various regional initiatives. With the support of The Nature Conservancy and the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation, UVA Wise approved a total of $100,000 to fund eight different community projects that contribute to economic diversification, expanded community capacity, and benefits to nature through the Cumberland Forest Community Fund. The Opportunity Appalachia program approved five community and economic development projects for $277,990.83 in technical assistance funding. Lastly, the GO Virginia Region 1 Council recently approved eight projects. In total, GO Virginia Region 1 has awarded 42 projects for a total of $10,175,036.71. As of Quarter 1 2024, GO Virginia subgrantee projects have reported 372 jobs created, 585 jobs retained, 20 businesses created, 52 businesses expanded, and 271 credentials awarded. In addition to funding opportunities, UVA Wise continues to provide entrepreneurial and business start-up support through Opportunity SWVA and related activities, which include business start-up competitions, assistance, and networking events. UVA Wise also offers ongoing customized professional development training to area employers out of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center.

A. Linwood Holton Governors School Senator Tim Kaine and former Virginia Education Secretary Anne Holton visited the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in May 2024 to deliver remarks at a ceremony celebrating former Governor Linwood Holton. The A. Linwood Holton Governor’s School, along with Executive Director Dr. Michael Robinson and staff, unveiled a bronze plaque honoring former Governor Holton which is on display near their office at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. Opened in 1998, the school provides virtual, mostly dual-enrollment classes in science, humanities, history, math, and cybersecurity to over 500 high school juniors, seniors, and select sophomores from eighteen county and city school divisions. The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center hosts the Governor’s School at the facility, providing faculty and staff offices as well as instructional and lab space for students.

2023-24 Annual Report

13

VIRGINIA TECH SOUTHWEST CENTER The Virginia Tech Southwest Center was excited to host the FIRST EVER Virginia Small Towns Conference held at the Center in June 2024. More than 100 elected officials, economic development directors, town managers, town staff and tourism directors from small towns across the commonwealth gathered to attend the sold-out event. The Women Impact Virginia regional event consisted of several speakers examining the culture, dialect, music, and history of women in Southwest Virginia and had approximately 30 attendees. Beginning summer 2024, the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research is providing free diagnostic assessments to evaluate for autism in school-aged children 17 years old and younger. Assessments are conducted through a combination of in-person and remote meetings at the SWVHEC. The first meeting of the Virginia Tech Southwest Center Advisory Council was held at the Higher Education Center in February 2024. The purpose of this inaugural meeting was to discuss how the Virginia Tech Southwest Center can align itself within the region to impact and influence work that is being done in Southwest Virginia.

MOUNT ROGERS REGIONAL ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM The Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education Program enrolled 158 students in classes this past program year at the Center. These students earned a total of 178 certifications including: English Language, GED, and Integrated, Education & Training (IET). The IET students are co-enrolled at Virginia Highlands Community College in the Healthcare, Diesel Mechanics, Precision Machinist, and Mechatronics programs. Twenty-five students received the ServSafe Manager Certification. Eight employees attend the Windmills Program held at the Center, presented by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services to further understand the needs of individuals with disabilities.

2023-24 Annual Report

14

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY - MEDICAL LAB SCIENCE Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical Lab Science program at the Center continues to boast 100% employment rate for graduates. The Center offers lab space to provide hands-on education which allows students in Southwest Virginia to receive the exact same education as those at the Richmond campus. In addition to the six students on-site at the Center, Dr. Josh Williams also has teaching responsiblity for 71 junior and senior students enrolled in courses taught at the Center through a virtual class. Three seniors graduated from the Abingdon campus this past Spring and all three had job offers prior to graduation and are now working in local hospitals. Clinical partners rate the program and students very high and readily hire for vacancies from VCU’s graduates.

VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION Virginia Cooperative Extension held several succcessful events at the Center this past fiscal year. The 4-H County-wide History Bowl is always an exciting event. The Reality Store and Career Exploration day served over 950 students. VCE also hosted the Highlands Beekeepers Association, Pesticide, and Family Nutrition Program trainings which served 383 attendees. Committee meetings and District Conferences served 254 attendees. In total, VCE served 3,760 Extension Users at the Center.

RADFORD UNIVERSITY Leigh Ann Adams is Radford’s new Site Director at the Center. For the past 8 years, Leigh Ann has served as the Director of Upward Bound programs at Virginia Highlands Community College. She also brings experience working for the Department of Education, King University and Emory and Henry University. As site director, she will lead efforts in expanding the strategic goals of Radford University in Southwest Virginia at the Center; conduct needs assessment to identify potential programming, curricular offerings, and partnerships that elevate the University goals; actively recruit students for Radford University programs, and engage with regional leaders to provide professional development and educational offerings. She will also serve as a liaison for the University on community boards and educational extension.

2023-24 Annual Report

15

Because of Great People

Great people, our employees, are provided with the tools necessary to meet the mission of the Center. Staff are given opportunities for learning and personal growth. In that spirit, over $9,000 was provided to staff for professional growth and development this past fiscal year. The Center also budgets $3,000 annually to encourage monthly team building and fun activities to allow team members to get to know each other and increase internal communication. The Center has implemented an Employee Recognition Program that recognizes team members for their hard work, dedication and going above and beyond the call of duty. The Center, working with the General Assembly, secured legislation for the creation of the Center’s Security Department. It is critically important to the Center to ensure a safe learning and work environment for students, faculty, partners and team members. Expansion of the security department will be coming in 2025. In addition to security, Center members were offered training in CPR, AED and basic life support. Twenty-five received certificates upon completion of the program. For the past three years, Executive Director David Matlock has hosted a staff retreat at Goldie’s Refuge located in Whitetop, Virginia. Research has shown that taking health breaks from the workplace can boost overall productivity. The offsite team retreat allowed staff to do engaging team building activities that we wouldn’t normally do at the Center. This environment provided everyone the opportunity to play and strengthen team relationships.

2023-24 Annual Report

16

Great People Highlights The Center currently employs 21 full-time

salaried positions and 19 part-time hourly positions. During this fiscal year, we welcomed six new team members. Congratulations to our full time staff that received state service recognition: Kathy Hietala (20 years), Sherry Buskill (15 years), Sisa Damore (10 years), Gertraud Turner (10 years), Sean Webb (10 years) and Nicolas Osborne (3 years). In December 2023, Adam Tolbert, Senior Director of Administration, was awarded his doctoral degree in Public Administration from Liberty University. Congratulations, Dr. Tolbert!

For the past fiscal year, Senator Todd Pillion has served as the chairman of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center’s Board of Trustees. We thank him for his dedicated leadership and for always championing the needs of the Center to fulfill its mission to the region. We look forward to working with our new chairman, Senator Travis Hackworth, in the next fiscal year. The Center conducts Customer Satisfaction Surveys after each event. Responses always comment about how outstanding the conference service, IT and information desk staff are. We are proud of our staff for always providing excellent customer service to our clients, partners and guests. We regularly average 4.9 stars on our satisfaction ratings.

“Every person that works in the facility was so kind and helpful! Also the facility was super clean! We will, without a doubt, use again!!” What Our Customers Say

2023-24 Annual Report

17

Student Spotlights

Dennis Carter graduated from Northwood High School and attended Virginia Highlands Community College. He finished his Bachelor’s Degree at Emory and Henry College in Interdisciplinary Studies. With a busy life already, Carter attended classes through Radford University at the Center and completed his Masters degree in Educational Leadership. He then went on to receive his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech, also at the Center. He says, “The Higher Ed Center eliminated the barriers of distance and time. It empowered me to achieve my dreams, right here in my community.” Dennis Carter, Ed.D. Superintendent, SmythCountyPublicSchools

Erin Martin-Carty, DNAP Doctor ofNurseAnesthesiaPractice

Erin Martin-Carty graduated from Holston High School and then received her Associates Degree in Nursing from Virginia Highlands Community College. She followed in her parents’ footsteps to get her Bachelor’s in Nursing from King University. Through the Center’s partnership with Virginia Commonweath University, Martin-Carty was able to enter her Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program. She says, “I was fortunate to be inspired and guided by my parents. And I’m grateful to follow in their footsteps. Accessibility was crucial to me and [the programs at] the Higher Ed Center allowed me to advance my career while staying close to my family and community.”

2023-24 Annual Report

18

Watch the inspirational video

Mandy Stiltner began her healthcare career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She decided to go back to school for her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the Appalachian College of Pharmacy’s Abingdon campus at the Higher Education Center. Ms. Stiltner will complete her program in 2025. In her words, “I live in Lebanon, Virginia, so the accessibility and flexibility provided by the Higher Ed Center are essential. I can manage my studies while still being there for my family.” Mandy Stiltner Pharm.D. student, AppalachianCollegeof Pharmacy

Lauren Dotson, FNP Family Nurse Practitioner

Lauren Dotson graduated from Grundy High School. She began her studies at Pikeville University but ultimately transferred to King University to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in the Nursing program. Because King University offers a Nurse Practitioner HyFlex course at the Higher Education Center, she was able to graduate with a Master’s of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. She now works in a career treating and comforting young patients. She says, “Living in Abingdon, classes at the Higher Ed building were very convenient. I grew up wanting to help kids feel better and the Higher Ed Center made those dreams come true!”

2023-24 Annual Report

19

Meet Our Leadership Team

DAVID MATLOCK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/AGENCY HEAD

David N. Matlock was appointed Agency Head/Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in 2015 after a distinguished 25-year career with Virginia Highlands Community College. He also leads the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation. He is a member of the Washington County Virginia Industrial Development Authority and also serves as a board member for the Bristol, Virginia Chamber of Commerce, The Justin Foundation, Washington County Virginia K-12 Technology Council and Education Chairman for the Washington County Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Kathy Hietala began working at the Center in 2004 as Executive Assistant to the Executive Director (Dr. Rachel Fowlkes, at that time). Previously, she spent 25 years working as manager, legal assistant, and bookkeeper at a Marion law practice. During the course of her 20-year employment, Kathy’s role has expanded to include preparation of the Center’s bi-annual board meetings, supervision of the information desk team and coordinating the Center’s Annual STEM Workshops for Sixth-Grade Girls. Since 2004, Kathy has also served as student coordinator for VCU’s Nurse Anesthesia program. Deborah Hensley began working at the Center in 2001, as the Information Technology Department Office Manager. She worked in the IT department for almost ten years. She moved to the Finance Department in January 2011 and she assumed the position of Senior Director of Finance in 2018. Debbie oversees all aspects of the Finance Department including management of a more than six-million-dollar annual budget. Management oversight also includes procurement, cash management, inventory management, budget submissions to the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget among various other duties. KATHY HIETALA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DEBORAH HENSLEY SENIOR DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

2023-24 Annual Report

20

ADAM TOLBERT, PH.D. SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION

Adam Tolbert, Ph.D. oversees key administrative functions at the Center, including human resources, legislative affairs, strategic initiatives, security, the testing center, and special projects. Adam started at the Center in 2013 in the IT Department before he transitioned into his current managerial role in 2018. Previously, he worked for UVA Wise in the IT department from 2006-2013. Adam graduated from UVA Wise with a B.A. in Government and went on to earn his M.S. in Management and Ph.D. in Public Administration from Liberty University. In 2023, Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Adam to serve as a member of the Virginia Lottery Board. NICKY RAHLEY SENIOR DIRECTOR OF IT, MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS Nicky Rahley has worked at the Center for 15 years, starting as a marketing intern and transitioning to IT. Currently, she oversees operations in IT, maintenance, housekeeping, and all capital projects. Nicky has served as the director of the Regional Lego tournament since 2016. She also serves as a board member of the Appalachian Council of Innovation. She graduated with a B.S. in Information Technology and Masters in Business Administration from King University. She is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration from Liberty University, set to complete in Spring 2025. Hannah Hietala directs the Center’s Conference Services and Marketing departments. A southwest Virginia native, Hannah first joined the Center in 2011 as an Information Desk Specialist before moving on to work for UVA Wise. After graduating with her master’s in education from Emory & Henry College in 2014, Hannah became the full-time Marketing & Social Media Coordinator for UVA Wise in Abingdon. In 2018, she rejoined the Center as Director of Meetings & Events, a role that has awarded her exciting challenges and opportunities for growth over the last six years. HANNAH HIETALA SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & OPERATIONS

2023-24 Annual Report

21

Board of Trustees The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is governed by a Board of Trustees that includes six members of the Virginia General Assembly, eight university presidents, two Agency Heads, and seven citizen members appointed by the Governor. The Executive Director/Agency Head of the Higher Education Center reports to the Board of Trustees and Secretary of Education. The Board of Trustees meets twice a year, generally in June and December. Members can choose to send a designee to attend the meeting in their absence. For a current list of the full board members, visit https://www.swcenter.edu/board-of-trustees/

Seated, L-R: Donna Stanley – VCCS Appointee, Paula Song – VCU Designee, Donna Henry – Higher Education Member (UVA Wise), Delegate Jason Ballard – Legislative Member, Senator Todd Pillion – Legislative Member (Chair/Executive Committee), Olivia Bailey – Citizen Member, April Hamby Crabtree – Citizen Member. Standing, L-R: David Matlock – Executive Director, Allison Mays – VT Designee, Theresa Burriss – Emory & Henry Designee, Senator Travis Hackworth – Legislative Member, Scott Kemp – SCHEV Designee, Rachel Miller – UVA Designee, Bret Danilowicz – Higher Education Member (Radford), Adam Hutchison – Higher Education Member (VHCC), Sarah Jane Kirkland – ODU Designee, Keith Perrigan – Citizen Member (Vice Chair/Executive Committee).

2023-24 Annual Report

22

Southwest Virginia Higher EducationCenter Foundation

The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation provides administrative services to support the Center entities, including real property management for the benefit of the Center, and to use and administer gifts, grants, bequests and devises for the benefit of the Center.

Mission Statement

Pursue grant and funding opportunities to support the programming and mission of the Higher Education Center Create an endowment to support scholarships and future programming in perpetuity Establish and enhance relationships to continue to serve the Higher Education Center

Goals

$52.5K

$1.8M

$127K

Recent GO Virginia planning grant award to research and create a Middle School Energy Education Academy

Grant funding secured in FY24 for Regional Simulation Lab for Nursing and Allied Health

Available for scholarships

Annual rental income from property at 21371 Forsythe Road, Bristol $140K

$6.4M

Operating budget (inclusive of grants) $1.75M

Foundation Assets (including building at 21371 Forsythe Road, Bristol)

2023-24 Annual Report

23

A Look Forward Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab for Nursing and Allied Health Throughout fiscal year 2024, the Center, through its Foundation, has secured approximately $1.8 million in public and private funding to create the Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab for Nursing and Allied Health. A 1,200 square foot classroom will be transformed to create a shared, state-of-the art multidisciplinary lab. The lab will offer high-, medium- and low-fidelity adult, pediatric and infant manikins. In addition to the manikins, the space will also be configured to simulate medical and home care facilities, including hospital rooms, simulated ambulance, simulated apartment, pharmacy IV hood and cabinets. New technology in virtual reality/augmented reality and immersion simulators and scenarios will also enhance the educational offerings. The space will include A/V equipment updates to record clinical simulations, debrief space and control rooms. The Lab will be stocked with medical supplies, simulated medications and storage to mimic real clinical experiences.

By providing robust simulation and clinical experiences, students will be able to experience a wider variety of simulated and problematic medical scenarios. The regional lab will be unique by serving as a model for interdisciplinary healthcare education and training opportunities, fostering interdisciplinary relationships and activities, and ultimately serving as a catalyst to advance healthcare education in the region.

The project will serve to facilitate allied health and nursing career pathways, as well as keep qualified, highly trained healthcare workers in the region with good paying, in demand jobs.

A portion of the simulation lab will be opening in November 2024 with the full lab complete by Spring 2025.

2023-24 Annual Report

24

Our Partners