Southwest Virginia Higher Ed Center

INSPIRING SUCCESS STORIES FROM OUR ALUMNI

FINDING SUCCESS AT HOME

The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center

A Message from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

For over 30 years, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center has been dedicated to serving the educational needs of our region. As Virginia’s first multi-college institution, we have worked tirelessly to bring higher education opportunities to people of all backgrounds and from all walks of life. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a working professional, or someone looking to make a career change, we’ve been here to help you take that next step toward achieving your goals. Our mission is about creating a path to economic growth and success for Southwest Virginia. By partnering with institutions of higher learning and tailoring programs to meet the region’s unique needs, we are helping individuals gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in today’s evolving economy. Every student who walks through our doors is a reflection of the dedication, hard work, and resilience that define this region. We are incredibly proud of the alumni featured in this publication. Their stories are a testament to the hard work, determination, and commitment of the people of Southwest Virginia. From healthcare to education to business, they are out there doing great things and making a difference in the world. Our alumni embody the spirit of Southwest Virginia — strong, resourceful, and committed to creating positive change. At the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. We are a great place, doing great things, because of the great people we serve. Thank you to our alumni for being a shining example of what can be accomplished when we come together as a community to support each other’s success.

Warmest regards,

David Matlock Executive Director / Agency Head

Contents

Andrea Newton Bethany Gillespie Crystal Hunnicutt

3 5 7 9

Dennis Carter

Erin Carty

11

Jacob Compton

13

Jim Swartz Jon Mason

15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29

Keith Perrigan Mandy Stiltner Marcus Lomans Rachel Beverly Rana Duncan Matthew Roberts

On the cover: Appalachian College of Pharmacy Class of 2025 graduate Mandy Stiltner

“Washington County is such a close-knit community, and I love that I get to give back.”

ANDREA NEWTON King University Class of ‘22

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 times in her life. When both of her grandparents were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she stepped back from her legal career to help care for them. That experience changed everything. “I thought, ‘This is really rewarding,’” she said. “I realized how much I loved helping people in such a direct, personal way.” Motivated by that sense of purpose, Andrea returned to school and earned her nursing degree from Virginia Highlands Community College. After graduation, she was placed in a cardiac care unit with Ballad Health, a role that immediately resonated with her. “The heart is the basis for everything,” she said. “To be able to provide exceptional care in that area was something I felt deeply passionate about.” Over the next few years, Andrea became known for her ability to connect with patients and deliver outstanding care. Encouraged by her friends, family, and colleagues, she pursued her bachelor’s degree in nursing at King University, all while continuing to work full-time. Juggling school, work, and family life wasn’t easy, especially with three children at home. But Andrea wasn’t done growing. Inspired by the support of her children and a desire to deepen her clinical knowledge, she set her sights on becoming a family nurse practitioner.

“At a certain point in life, especially after having children, you start to think maybe it’s too late to go back to school,” she reflected. “I’m proud that I didn’t let fear stop me from reaching my dream.” Andrea enrolled in the family nurse practitioner program through King University at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. The hybrid format combining online and in-person coursework allowed her to balance her responsibilities while advancing her education. “It wasn’t easy,” she said, “but it was absolutely worth it.” After completing her family nurse practitioner program in 2022, Andrea transitioned to internal medicine in 2023. She now treats a wide range of conditions and enjoys the lasting relationships she builds with patients. Andrea is passionate about giving back to the community. Every year, she volunteers at the Damascus Trail Days event — a celebration held in the town she called home for 20 years. For Andrea, it’s more than just an event; it’s a chance to reconnect with and serve the friends and neighbors who helped raise her. “Washington County is such a close-knit community, and I love that I get to give back,” she said. “That’s what I love about internal medicine — you’re not just treating patients; you’re caring for friends. Many of them feel like family to me.”

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BETHANY GILLESPIE UVA Wise Class of ‘11

Bethany Gillespie’s academic path wasn’t always a straight line. After obtaining her associate degree in business administration from Virginia Highlands Community College, Bethany planned to transfer to the University of Virginia’s College at Wise through the Higher Education Center to pursue her bachelor’s in business. The summer of her VHCC graduation, however, she volunteered at a local agency that provided mental health services to the community and realized that she had found her calling. "After seeing the career possibilities with psychology, I made the change," she said. Bethany was able to transfer over from VHCC to the Higher Education Center seamlessly, and enrolled in the psychology program through UVA Wise. She successfully balanced her studies, a full time job, and her personal life thanks to the Center's flexible learning environment. "I was initially drawn to the programs offered through the Higher Ed Center after learning that the flexibility of classes would also allow me to work a full-time job while obtaining my degree," she said. This flexibility allowed Bethany to pursue her passion for mental health while staying connected to her community, making the dream of earning a degree a reality without the need to leave home. After graduation, Bethany gained experience in the mental health field as a day treatment counselor, foster care worker, and worked on psychiatric units with a local healthcare provider. She is now an operations manager, overseeing the operations for several psychiatric units with a local healthcare facility. Bethany isn’t the only member of her family who has been positively impacted by the Center. She met her husband, Christopher, at VHCC before they both decided to continue their studies at the Center. Though they were in different academic programs, Bethany transitioning to psychology and Christopher staying in business, attending the same institution allowed them to support one another throughout their educational pursuits.

After completing his studies, Christopher went on to earn an MBA and now works as a software analyst. The couple, married for 10 years with a five-year-old son, Noah, is grateful for the opportunity to grow both academically and personally at the Center. Bethany’s time at the Higher Ed Center wasn’t just about academics, it was also about the connections she built with classmates, faculty, and staff. "What stands out the most to me from my time at the Higher Ed Center is primarily the relationships I formed with classmates, friends, and my site coordinators," she said. She also fondly remembers the professors who traveled from Wise to Abingdon, ensuring students received the same level of attention and expertise as those on the main campus. “What stands out the most to me from my time at the Higher Ed Center is primarily the relationships I formed with classmates, friends, and my site coordinators.” For Bethany, the Center wasn’t just a place to earn a degree – it was a community that provided the support and mentorship needed to thrive academically and professionally. As she continues her career and works toward completing her MBA, Bethany is thankful for the path the Higher Ed Center helped set her on and remains a proud advocate for the invaluable impact it has had on her life and the community.

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Crystal Hunnicutt, a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s first nurse anesthesia cohort at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, has built a successful career in healthcare education and now has continued her journey with the Center in a new capacity. Growing up in Haysi, Virginia, Crystal earned her associate’s degree in nursing from Southwest Virginia Community College before completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. She then pursued a master's degree in nurse anesthesia through VCU’s program at the Center, which allowed her to stay close to home. “I was a single mother,” she said. "This was my opportunity to be able to obtain a degree from Virginia Commonwealth University but not have to leave the area.” Crystal excelled in the nurse anesthesia program during her time at the Center, even earning the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017. “I was super excited and I still am so proud of that award,” she said. “It meant a lot to me that they recognized that I had achieved my degree and then was trying to give back to the community.” CRYSTAL HUNNICUTT VCU Class of ‘06

“I was a single mother. This was my opportunity to be able to obtain a degree from Virginia Commonwealth University but not have to leave the area.” After completing her master’s degree in nurse anesthesia, Crystal went on to complete her doctorate degree in nurse anesthesia practice from VCU in 2010. Crystal’s educational journey led her to a fulfilling career as a full-time educator. After starting as an adjunct faculty member at UVA Wise, she discovered her passion for teaching. “I just fell in love with it,” Crystal said. She obtained a full time role teaching at Lincoln Memorial University and eventually became the nurse anesthesia program director there. Today, Crystal combines her clinical experience with her love for education by serving as the director of Southwest operations for VCU’s nurse anesthesia program, where she oversees the programs at both the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center and the Roanoke Higher Education Center. “It’s always been in my heart,” said Crystal. “I always thought I’d return here.”

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Scan to watch Crystal’s success story

Scan to watch Dennis' success story

DENNIS CARTER

Radford University Class of ‘01 and Virginia Tech Class of ‘14

Dennis Carter, a graduate of Northwood High School, was the first in his family to attend college.

“This place is the real deal. Without it, I would not be able to accomplish anything that I have been able to accomplish in my career.” After completing his master’s, Dennis went on to earn his doctorate in education leadership and policy study through Virginia Tech, also through the Center. The cohort model provided a supportive network that guided his academic and professional growth. Dennis recently retired from the superintendent position of Smyth County Public Schools, where he was named the Virginia Department of Education's Region VII Superintendent of the Year in 2024. He has been named vice president of strategic partnerships and innovation at Emory & Henry University and will soon join their executive leadership team to lead innovation and educational partnership development for the university. He remains a steadfast advocate for higher education — the very force that helped shape his personal and professional journey.

He began his education at Virginia Highlands Community College before transferring to Emory & Henry College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary English. His passion for education led him to work as an instructional aide, where he specialized in working with students with disabilities. Driven to advance his career, Dennis sought a master’s in educational leadership but knew he would be unable to commute to Radford University while balancing his teaching responsibilities, a one-year-old son, and coaching duties. The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center provided a local solution, enabling Dennis to pursue his master’s degree while staying close to home. "The Higher Ed Center allowed me to pursue my dreams here in my community," Dennis said. "Without it, I would not have been able to accomplish everything I have in my career."

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ERIN CARTY VCU Class of ‘23

A graduate of Holston High School, Erin Carty’s passion for healthcare led her to earn an associate’s degree in nursing from Virginia Highlands Community College. She then pursued her bachelor’s in nursing at King University, following the example set by her parents, both working in the healthcare field. Determined to take the next step in her career, Erin enrolled in the doctor of nurse anesthesia program offered through the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University. “Accessibility was crucial to me,” Erin said. “The Higher Education Center allowed me to advance my career while staying close to my community and family.”

The Higher Education Center provided Erin with the specialized education she needed while allowing her to remain rooted in Southwest Virginia. Now a doctor of nurse anesthesia, Erin is committed to giving back to the community that supported her.

“The Higher Education Center allowed me to advance my career while staying close to my community and family.”

Scan to watch Erin’s success story

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JACOB COMPTON VCU Class of ‘22

From the Caribbean islands to a suburb of New York City, Jacob’s education has taken him all over the world.

Even so, there’s no place like Southwest Virginia, which is exactly where Jacob intends to return to practice after he has completed his M.D. Originally from Lebanon, Virginia, Jacob always knew that he wanted to become a doctor. “I was able to see what was needed back home and where I could make the biggest difference,” Jacob said. “It always came back to medicine.”

“My family is extremely important to me, and the program at the Higher Ed Center allowed me to stay home with them,” he said. The presence of his professor on-site was a major selling point, as it ensured the program’s quality remained high. "It felt like a tighter-knit community, and we developed great relationships with each other and Dr. Williams," he said.

He began his educational journey at Southwest Virginia Community College, where he was introduced to the medical laboratory sciences program offered through Virginia Commonwealth University at the Higher Education Center. The program turned out to be the perfect preparation for the rigorous courses

“I couldn’t recommend doing Medical Lab Science more. Having that before medical school was invaluable to me.”

he would face in medical school. “I couldn’t recommend doing medical lab science more,” Jacob said. “Having that before medical school was invaluable to me.” Thanks to his undergraduate experience, he was even able to tutor microbiology and hematology during his didactic years. While Jacob is thankful that he was introduced to the medical lab sciences program, he’s equally as thankful that he didn’t have to leave the area to achieve his degree. By commuting from home, he saved thousands on room and board and enjoyed a lower cost of living.

Upon completing his medical lab sciences degree in 2022, Jacob enrolled in medical school at St. George’s University. He will finish his residency in 2029, and then plans to return to his hometown to go into family or internal medicine. “There’s nowhere like Southwest Virginia to grow up, to raise a family,” said Jacob. “It’s home. After everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve yet to find anywhere that’s better.”

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JIM SWARTZ UVA Wise Class of ‘01

A native of Saltville, Virginia, Jim Swartz began his professional career in manufacturing at U.S. Gypsum Co., where he worked for nearly 20 years before the plant closed. Despite a successful career in manufacturing, Jim recognized that the demands of physically intensive work might require him to shift toward a more sustainable career. This led him to enroll at Virginia Highlands Community College while working full-time, a decision that would set the course for his future. With the support of his wife, Jennifer, Jim graduated with honors from VHCC with an associate's degree in business administration. From there, he transferred to The University of Virginia’s College at Wise’s campus at the Higher Education Center, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration with honors in 2001. “My obligation to work was very important, but my obligation to myself to continue my education was just as important,” he shared. Evening classes at the Center allowed him to balance his career with academic growth. “The Higher Ed Center was critical for me. It helped me complete my degree while maintaining my work schedule,” he said. helped me complete my degree while maintaining my work schedule.” “The Higher Ed Center was critical for me. It

While completing his degree, Jim began his banking career at Highlands Union Bank, where he worked his way up from the the collections department to his current role as vice president and loan review officer at Powell Valley Bank. His journey in banking has been shaped by a combination of business knowledge, real-world experience, and leadership training. “Working with classmates of different ages and backgrounds taught me to communicate both in the classroom and the workplace more effectively, a skill I use daily in banking,” Jim said. “In life you have to collaborate and adapt to others, because success rarely happens alone.” Beyond his professional success, Jim is deeply committed to his community. He has been active in several local organizations, including the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and the VHCC Board, where he served a term as chairman. He currently serves as treasurer of the Washington County Industrial Development Authority. As he reflects on his journey, Jim encourages others to take advantage of educational opportunities at the Center, noting, “When you feel a sense of cohesion and support, whether in the classroom or in the workplace, you are more likely to succeed.”

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“I get to help kids, both in school and on the field. It feels like the perfect balance.”

JON MASON Radford University Class of ‘22

A 2001 graduate of John Battle High School, Jon Mason initially pursued a career in behavioral health, working for nearly a decade with Family Preservation Services and other behavioral health programs through Highlands Community Services. But, with several family ties to the education field, he had always felt a tug towards working in the school system. “I had thought about it for years, wanting to go back and get my master’s and become a school counselor,” he said. “But timing and costs always seemed to get in the way.” In 2019, Jon took the leap and enrolled in Radford University’s school counseling program through the Higher Education Center, balancing his studies with work. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he was laid off from his position just a few months into pursuing the program. Looking back, Jon views the layoff as a blessing. “If anything, being laid off made me determined to work harder,” he said. Just a year into his graduate program, Jon was hired provisionally as the school counselor at Valley Institute Elementary School in Bristol.

He graduated in 2022 with a masters degree in school counseling and now serves as an integral part of the Valley Institute Elementary school community. In addition to his counseling work, Jon also coaches the varsity soccer team at John Battle High School, where he once played. “I’ve worked with kids for years, and being able to coach at John Battle where I played myself is a dream come true,” he said. His love for coaching soccer was sparked when he volunteered to coach a youth team years ago, which led to a long-standing involvement with local sports. “It’s nice because I get to help kids, both in school and on the field,” he said. “It feels like the perfect balance.” Jon credits much of his success to the support he received from his family and the convenience of the Higher Education Center, which allowed him to achieve his goals without leaving the area. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to go to school so close to home,” he said. “It made a huge difference in my life. It’s great to be able to stay here with my family and still pursue my career goals.”

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“Many of the folks I went through the master’s degree program and the doctorate degree program with, we still stay in touch. You build lifelong relationships that you’re able to tap into professionally and personally along the way.”

KEITH PERRIGAN

Keith Perrigan’s path into the education field began at Virginia Highlands Community College in 1991. Initially interested in law school, his direction shifted into education after several teachers profoundly influenced him. Inspired by their impact, he dreamed of making a difference in students' lives, just as they had made a difference in his. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Keith began his teaching career at Abingdon High School working in special education. It wasn’t long before he set his sights on working in administration. “I had some of my mentors that poured into me and saw potential in me,” Keith said. “I tried to learn as much as I could from those folks so that I could try to live up to the legacy that they had already created for Washington County and try to build on that legacy as an administrator here.” With two young children, coaching two sports, and teaching Sunday School on top of his full-time job, the Higher Education Center was the only viable option for Keith to pursue his master’s degree. “Had it not been for the Center, I would not have been able to do it,” he said. Keith graduated with his masters of education in educational leadership from Radford University in 2001. As his career progressed, Keith decided to pursue his doctorate. Balancing family, work, and life responsibilities while working as an administrator at Patrick Henry High School, he once again turned to the Higher Education Center. Radford University Class of ‘01 and Virginia Tech Class of ‘10

This time, he earned his Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech in 2010. The professors from both Radford and Virginia Tech came to the Center, making the experience nearly identical to being on the main campuses, except for the convenience of saving a lengthy drive. Additionally, Keith found value in the Center’s cohort model, saying, “Many of the folks I went through the master’s and doctorate programs with, we still stay in touch. You build lifelong relationships that you’re able to tap into professionally and personally along the way.” Keith’s career trajectory has been marked with success following the degrees he achieved from the Center. In 2014, he became superintendent of Norton City Schools, then took on the role of superintendent for Bristol City Schools in 2017. His leadership earned him the honor of Region VII Superintendent of the Year in 2022. In 2023, he became superintendent of Washington County Schools, where he still serves today. “The Higher Ed Center truly was life changing for me and my family,” said Keith. “Without the opportunities the Higher Ed Center provided, my complete career path would have gone in a different direction.”

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MANDY STILTNER Appalachian College of Pharmacy Class of ‘25 For Mandy Stiltner, the journey to earning a doctorate in pharmacy was a long time coming. At 43, with a husband and two kids, the prospect of going back to school felt daunting. But Mandy, a former LPN from Lebanon, Virginia, had always loved taking care of people, and her desire to advance in the healthcare field never waned. She knew a doctorate in pharmacy was her next step, but traveling long distances for school wasn’t an option with her busy family life. That's when the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center became a crucial part of her journey. “The accessibility and flexibility provided by the Higher Ed Center are essential,” Mandy said. The Center’s partnership with the Appalachian College of Pharmacy allowed her to pursue her Doctor of Pharmacy degree close to home. The convenience of studying locally meant she could balance her education with family commitments, something she didn’t think was possible when she first considered going back to school. Mandy is currently completing her clinical rotations in Smyth County and Kingsport, Tennessee, and will graduate in 2025. Her journey has been a true testament to perseverance, and she is excited to show her children that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. “I want my kids to see that no matter your age, you can always work toward your goals and never give up,” Mandy said.

Scan to watch Mandy’s success story

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“I want my kids to see that no matter your age, you can always work toward your goals and never give up.”

Initially, Marcus Lomans didn’t plan on a career in banking. Soon after joining the workforce, he found himself reevaluating his path after the company he was working for relocated and he was laid off. “I was scrambling, trying to figure out what to do next,” Marcus said. “At that point, I was married with a child, so I needed employment but still wanted to enjoy life and have time to devote to my family.” That's when Marcus turned to the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. Marcus had always had an affinity for math and finance, and he wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Virginia's College at Wise at the Higher Education Center. “The Center made it easier to finish my degree without putting everything else on hold,” he said. He particularly appreciated the smaller intimate cohort model, which allowed for strong relationships among students. "I worked closely on special projects with fellow students with whom I went through the program. We developed special relationships, and we still stay in touch," Marcus shared. MARCUS LOMANS UVA Wise Class of ‘12

After completing his bachelor’s degree in 2012, Marcus began his banking career at BB&T, which is now Truist Bank. Starting as a banker, he quickly rose through the ranks into management, eventually becoming the regional manager. Later, Marcus moved to The Bank of Marion, where he was promoted in 2023 to vice president and chief operations officer of the 18-branch operation. Marcus plays a critical role in managing the bank's operations, security, and multiple technical projects. “Being able to manage multiple projects was something I got used to while at the Higher Ed Center,” Marcus said. “You’re always juggling multiple projects and courses. A lot of that translates to real life.” Marcus’ career achievements are impressive, but he remains grounded in his community and his family. As a lifelong resident of Chilhowie, he is passionate about local youth sports and is proud of his family’s legacy, founders of First Baptist Church and Lomans Grocery in Chilhowie. His family’s commitment to service and community continues to inspire him as he helps lead The Bank of Marion and sets an example of achievement for his three children and other youth in the community. Reflecting on his education, Marcus is thankful for the opportunities it created. “Going back to school as a non-traditional student has definitely made me appreciate education more,” he said. “It opened doors for me that would have been closed without it. It was the best choice for me, by far.”

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“Going back to school opened doors for me that would have been closed without it.”

RACHEL BEVERLY

A lunch break at a local Mexican joint may have changed Rachel Beverly’s career trajectory forever.

The summer after she graduated from Chilhowie High School and before she entered her first year at Virginia Highlands Community College, Rachel had a chance encounter with an employee of a local bank when she went out to lunch, who asked if she would be interested in working part-time as a teller. Rachel took her up on the offer, and soon found that she enjoyed the world of banking and wanted to make a career of it. She entered Virginia Highlands in 2009, majoring in business administration. After completing her associate’s degree with honors, she transferred to Old Dominion University’s business program through the Higher Education Center, completing classes through a combination of online coursework and in-person instruction in the evenings. Rachel was married at the time and starting to become established in her career, so not having to leave the area was key for her. During her time at the Higher Education Center, Rachel transferred over to Truist Bank in Chilhowie, knowing that the national bank had more opportunities for growth. She quickly rose through the ranks at Truist, going from a teller to a loan assistant. Having accessible education close to home proved to be invaluable to Rachel both personally and professionally. “It gave me such a diverse experience to already be in the workforce that young and have those classes along the way,” said Rachel. “I was 20 years old and colleagues thought I was 25 or 26 because of how I was speaking.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, even more doors began to open for Rachel professionally. She advanced in her career while working from home, eventually moving to cover wealth incentives, which she manages today as wealth incentive manager and senior vice president. In her role, Rachel helps design incentive plans for 3,500 Truist employees across the nation, combining business and strategic planning with human resources to reward employees for their hard work. She credits her online coursework in part for her success in the teleworking world, especially the discussion boards she had to take part in for her classes. “It made me be engaging and put myself out there,” she said. Rachel is thankful for the flexibility that both her education and career have offered her over the years, affording her the opportunity to maintain a work-life balance while having access to the connections and experiences available at a large corporation. “I want my children to be able to grow up with the family support that I have at home,” said Rachel. “But to be able to have the access to that corporate ladder that I wouldn’t otherwise have had has been so personally fulfilling.” Rachel works from her home in Chilhowie today and continues to shine as an outstanding employee at the national level with Truist. She was recently chosen as one of the company’s Purpose to Performance winners for 2024, edging out more than 40,000 employees for the award. She is thankful for the education and community that helped her along her professional journey. “I’m very blessed to do the job that I do in this really small town,” she said.

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“To be able to have the access to that corporate ladder that I wouldn’t otherwise have had has been so personally fulfilling.”

Photo by Elizabeth Hill Photography

“I feel like the schools made a contribution to the area. It was just wonderful to be a part of that.”

RANA DUNCAN UVA Class of ‘03

From sitting in the classroom to standing at the front of it, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center has shaped Rana Duncan’s journey in profound ways. Rana always knew she wanted to help others, and counseling felt like the perfect path. After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology, she pursued a Master of Social Work degree, gaining valuable clinical experience along the way. While she found the work deeply fulfilling, she felt drawn to something more. “I wanted to pass on these nuggets of wisdom that I had accumulated from years of practice,” she said. Around that time, she discovered a teaching opportunity with Radford University at the Higher Ed Center — no Ph.D. required. Rana started teaching in the fall of 1998. Soon after, the Curry School of the University of Virginia launched an Ed.D. program at the Center. Seeing her future in academia, she jumped at the chance to pursue her doctorate. “UVA was marvelous,” Rana said. “The quality of education was incredible.” Her studies even took her to Edinburgh, Scotland. With strong mentorship and support, she completed her Ed.D. in just three and a half years. With her doctorate in hand, Rana earned tenure at Radford and spent 18 years teaching, first at the Center and later on their main campus. When East Tennessee State University opened a faculty position at the Center, she returned to her roots. The programs she taught were deeply engrained in the community, and she became a passionate advocate for the Center’s mission of bringing higher education opportunities to the residents of Southwest Virginia. “I feel like the schools made a contribution to the area,” Rana said. “It was just wonderful to be a part of that.” Rana retired from ETSU in 2021 and returned to direct clinical practice, bringing her career full circle. “It’s been such a joy to work one-on-one with people again,” she said. “Life experience helps the work.”

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MATTHEW ROBERTS Mount Rogers Class of ‘23 When Matthew arrived in Virginia from Indiana, he was looking for a fresh start. What he found at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center was something more: a path forward. That journey began with the Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education Program, which is housed at the Center. It was there that the program began helping Matthew prepare for his GED. They also helped him earn multiple certifications and he found new confidence in skills like math, interpreting charts and diagrams, and problem solving. With support from instructors and access to a wide range of resources, Matthew didn’t stop at his GED. He continued his academic career at Virginia Highlands Community College, pursuing an electrical technology associate degree. He stayed connected with Mount Rogers during his degree program, joining their “Tools for Success” program, which helps teach life skills. “Since becoming a Mount Rogers student, I feel more well-rounded in basic topics like money and careers, something school doesn't teach about,” said Matthew.

Over time, he began to feel a shift – not just in what he was learning, but in how he saw himself. “I have been completely reshaped over the last two years, and I’m very grateful,” he said. One key turning point came at a job fair hosted at the Higher Education Center. It was there that Matthew connected with a promising employment opportunity, one that matched his newly earned skills and qualifications. Now, with a solid foundation and a renewed sense of purpose, Matthew is setting his sights on the future. “I definitely feel ready to level up in my life,” he said. “I’m looking forward to adding credentials to my résumé and expanding my skill set.”

“I have been completely reshaped over the last two years and I’m very grateful.”

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