Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Inauguration of Microsoft Critical Environment Training Lab | |
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Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) is excited to announce the opening of its new state-of-the-art Critical Environment (CE) training lab located at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill. This cutting-edge facility equips CE students with essential skills needed to thrive in critical environments, including electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and other industrial systems. The program aims to upskill and reskill students, empowering them for success in the local workforce.
SVCC’s newest lab is part of Microsoft’s Datacenter Academy program. The partnership with the college and the generous donation from Microsoft is driving this new training initiative. As the first critical environments lab space, it serves as a pilot project that will soon be replicated across other Microsoft locations.
In 2018, the first Microsoft Datacenter Academy program was launched in Virginia, which has now grown into 25 programs spanning the globe. “We are proud to return to Boydton, VA, taking the next step in supporting the workforce with the development of the Datacenter Academy’s Critical Environment lab”, stated Gary McLoughlin, Global Program Manager, Microsoft.
To fully support the lab and to foster a hands-on approach to training, Microsoft donated decommissioned equipment. The Microsoft team worked in tandem with Southside Virginia Community College to ensure curriculum alignment, certifications adoption, all providing graduates with job-ready skills to begin working.
"I am so lucky to be a part of a community college with such a vibrant future," said Dr. Quentin R. Johnson, SVCC President. "SVCC's partnership with Microsoft has impacted the lives of students since the opening of the Datacenter Academy and the impact will continue with the new Critical Environment Lab that will prepare students for new exciting career opportunities," added Dr. Johnson.
SVCC’s goal is to develop local talent and provide opportunities for individuals seeking employment in industries with critical environment demands. Microsoft’s commitment to a growth mindset and continuous learning aligns seamlessly with this mission.
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Estes Donates Trucks to Truck Driver
Training Program
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Estes, the largest privately owned freight carrier in North America, donated two 2019 Freightliner trucks to Southside Virginia Community College’s (SVCC) Truck Driver Training Program. Estes President and COO Webb Estes and Corporate Vice President Trish Garland recently met with SVCC President Dr. Quentin R. Johnson and Program Director Duncan Quicke to formally bestow the keys.
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Scholarship Established in Memory of
Antonyo Henderson, Sr.
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The Antonyo "Tonyo" Henderson, Sr. #12 Legacy Scholarship Fund has been established by friends and family to assist students from Nottoway and Brunswick Counties to attend Southside Virginia Community College.
Antonyo Henderson was born and raised in Nottoway County and graduated from Nottoway County High School. While there, he was quite the legend on the football field. In 1998, in his role as quarterback, he helped lead the Varsity Cougars to their only perfect season (13-0) and their second state championship. To friends and family, he is forever known as "Hometown Hero-#12." After graduating from high school, Mr. Henderson attended Southside Virginia Community College.
For more information please contact the SVCC Foundation at 434-949-1051.
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Lowe's Foundation Honored | Joining the Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, Dr. David Dore' (center), Dr. Chad Patton and Dr. Quentin R. Johnson representing SVCC and David Green, Steven Young, Kaitlyn Brumfield, Jason Tench and Betsy Conway representing the Lowe's Foundation. | Nominated by Southside Virginia Community College, Lowe's Foundation received the 2024 Annual Chancellor's Award for Leadership in Philanthropy for their generous contribution to the SVCC Foundation. | |
Louise N. Ogburn Recognized for her
Dedication and Service
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Joining Dr. Johnson in this announcement were Dr. Al Roberts, former SVCC President, Mr. Bobby Wrenn, SVCC Foundation board member, and Dr. Ronald Thornhill, SVCC Local Board Chairman. | |
For more than 34 years Louise N. Ogburn was in many ways the "face of SVCC." Among her many roles, she initiated and oversaw the SVCC travel program, providing an array of opportunities for participants to see the United States. In recognition of her efforts, Dr. Quentin R. Johnson has announced that the program will be named in honor of her, the Louise Ogburn Experience America Travel Program. | |
SVCC Nursing Program Recognized with Excellence in Education Award | |
Pictured: Dr Dore', Chancellor of the VCCS, with SVCC Nursing faculty and staff including Elizabeth Anderson, Karen Hopkins, Leslie Jackson, Christy Whitten, Melissa Arthur, Samantha McKinney, Emily Newcomb, Leigh Moore, Jamie Stock, Dr. Craig Herndon with the VCCS, and Dr. Quentin R. Johnson, SVCC President. | |
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One of the highlights of the annual New Horizons conference is an awards celebration honoring faculty members who have made extraordinary contributions in and outside of the classroom. Full-time and adjunct faculty are spotlighted, along with college teams for creating innovative programs to address the needs of their communities.
Seven Excellence in Education Awards (EIE) were conferred this year, spotlighting college teams who developed innovative programs to address community needs.
In the category of Academic Innovation, Southside Virginia Community College was recognized for its weekend Associate Degree in Nursing program, which provides an alternative schedule for those whose work and lifestyle cannot accommodate a traditional higher ed format.
Another accomplishment was attained by SVCC's Nursing faculty and staff as the ADN program was named the best in the state by NursingProcess.org!
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Forging Futures: SVCC Alum's Blade of Entrepreneurial Success | |
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Southside Virginia Community College takes great pride in the accomplishments of graduates who go on to make a significant impact on their community. One example of this is William Edwards, owner and operator of Driven Mobile Automotive and Small Engine Repair.
After graduating from SVCC’s Automotive Technology program under the instruction of Arnold Gayles, William Edwards established Driven Mobile in 2015 as a small engine repair service provider. With a solid understanding of engines gained through SVCC's program, William was able to diagnose and repair a wide range of equipment, earning a reputation for reliability and expertise.
As Driven Mobile grew, so did its impact on the community. In June 2020, the business became an authorized dealer for Spartan Mowers, expanding its offerings to include new lawn mowers and outdoor power equipment. This move not only diversified Driven Mobile's services but also contributed to the local economy by providing access to high-quality products available to consumers in Amelia and surrounding localities.
Community support plays a crucial role in the success of small businesses like Driven Mobile. William encourages residents to shop small and shop local, recognizing that every purchase made at a local business directly benefits families in the community. Positive reviews, recommendations to friends and family, and engagement on social media further amplify the impact of community support, helping businesses like Driven Mobile thrive and grow.
As Driven Mobile continues to thrive, SVCC celebrates the achievements of our alumni and remains committed to nurturing future generations of entrepreneurs and community leaders. The story of Driven Mobile is not just about a business; it's about the resilience, passion, and determination that define our graduates and the communities they serve.
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SVCC Annual Corrections Awards Banquet | |
SVCC held its Annual Corrections Awards Banquet on April 11th at the Estes Center in Chase City. The deserving award recipients of "Officer and Employee of the Year" for each institution were: | |
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Baskerville Correctional Center:
Mark Newcomb, Winnifer Robertson
Buckingham Correctional Center:
Karen Ranson, Kevin Dunbar
Dillwyn Correctional Center:
LaToya Chambers-Lewis, Jameka Patterson
Greensville Correctional Center:
Erin Handcock, Deborah Darden
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Halifax Correctional Center:
Shawn Ford, Leon Mariano
Lunenburg Correctional Center:
Ruth Hayes, Shana Neal
Nottoway Correctional Center:
Tammy Barksdale, Lt. Adriene Harris
State Farm Correctional Center:
Sgt. Curtis Scruggs, Thomas Vanderlinden
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Virginia Correctional Center for Women:
Vanessa Creasey, Raymeka Williams
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SVCC Foundation Receives Local
Community Grant
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The Southside Virginia Community College Foundation has received a Local Community Grant from Blackstone Walmart to support Southside Virginia Community College’s Career Coach program.
SVCC Career Coaches work cooperatively with high school guidance counselors, faculty, and administration to assist and motivate students to graduate from high school and enroll in postsecondary education. They help students develop individualized career pathway plans that guide their progression along a chosen pathway for training and credential acquisition to facilitate successful transition to the skilled workforce.
SVCC’s VP of Enrollment Management & Student Success, Dr. Daryl Minus, states, “We are so thankful for Walmart’s contribution. Our Career Coaches are vital to improving the college-going rate of high school students in our service area and preparing them for postsecondary success and viable careers.”
For more information about SVCC’s Career Coach program, contact Vondrenna Smithers at 434-949-1028.
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Appreciation for the Arts |
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