2024 SWVHEC Annual Report

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

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