June & July 2024

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan Presents Check to Support In-Demand Training Programs

Pictured: Congresswoman Jennifer McClennan, Dr. Keith Harkins, Vice President, Academic & Workforce Programs; representatives are from USDA Rural Development, Peggy Jordan, Area Specialist (CP) and Perry Hickman, State Director, Virginia.

McClellan delivered a $188,787 check to SVCC at the Southside Virginia Education Center in Emporia. The funding will support the college’s In-Demand Technical Training Learning Project to purchase equipment and training tools for the school’s precision machining; electricity and HVAC; welding; and information technology programs.

“Southside Virginia Community College is creating new opportunities for students throughout southern Virginia. I am thrilled to deliver nearly $200,000 in federal funding to help the college purchase new equipment and training tools to prepare Virginia’s next generation of skilled trade workers,” McClellan said. “This program will help ensure Virginians have the skills and technical training necessary to obtain good-paying jobs of the future in high-growth, in-demand industries.”

Dr. Chad Patton, SVCC Dean of Career and Occupational Technology, said the investment will improve the county’s training profile in residential and commercial electricity, welding, information technology and HVAC. “These programs are not just about imparting skills; they are about empowering our students to build successful careers, support their families, and contribute to the economic vitality of our community,” Patton said.

SVCC Receives $2.7 Million EDA Grant

Southside Virginia Community College was recently notified that the SVCC Foundation will receive a $2.7 million EDA grant to support workforce development training at the Occupational/Technical Center in Blackstone. Funds will be used to expand the footprint of the Occupational/Technical Center and increase opportunities for students! The project requires a $666,100 match making the total project $3,366,100.  

Current programs offered at the Center include Power Line Worker Training, Truck Driver Training, Diesel Technician, and Solar Panel Installation. 

2024 Freddie Reekes Scholarship Golf Classic Raises More than $28,000

The 2024 Fred "Freddie" Reekes Memorial Scholarship Golf Classic was a huge success thanks to our sponsors and the members of the 22 teams that participated in this wonderful event. We appreciate every sponsor, team and volunteer that makes this event a success. More than $28,000 was raised to support our SVCC Foundation scholarship program!

Click here to view the winning teams, sponsors, and volunteers.

Benchmark Community Bank Establishes Scholarship in Honor of Jay A. Stafford

Benchmark Community Bank has established the Jay A. Stafford Benchmark Community Bank FastForward Scholarship at Southside Virginia Community College.  This honors the leadership and legacy of Stafford's years of service at the bank. Stafford worked at the bank for more than 35 years and served as the President and CEO from spring of 2017 until his recent retirement. The scholarship in his honor will continue Stafford's contribution to the people of Southside Virginia by providing much needed financial assistance to deserving area students. Upon learning about the scholarship SVCC President Quentin R. Johnson stated, "Our college and our students are fortunate to have the support of area businesses. Benchmark Community Bank is a great representative of the commitment of the area business community that is so important to our college and our students." For information on the Jay A. Stafford Benchmark Community Bank FastForward Scholarship call 434-949-1008.

SVCC Nursing Student Receives Verghese Award

Caroline Bayne, a graduate of Central High School, is the recipient of the K. George Verghese Memorial Academic Merit Award, recognizing her academic achievements in the Practical Nursing (PN) program at SVCC.

Dr. Verghese was a long time faculty member at SVCC and was instrumental in the establishment of the Associated Degree in Nursing (ADN) and PN programs at the college.

Caroline is pictured with Dr. Ramesha Walker, Director of Practical Nursing.

Florence Daniel Riepe Kalbacker Leadership and Community Service Award

Tijuana Walton (right) is congratulated by Debra Andrews as the 2024 recipient of the Florence Daniel Riepe Kalbacker Leadership and Community Service Award. This award was established by Mrs. Kalbacker's family in recognition for her contributions to the community, to education and to Southside Virginia Community College. Taji is a graduate of Central High School and is currently in the General Studies/Transfer program at SVCC. He plans to pursue a BS Degree in Theology.  

Tanner Buchanan: A Legacy of Leadership

Tanner Buchanan (right) is pictured with his father, Bill Buchanan, CEO of BARC Electric Cooperative

Growing up, Tanner Buchanan dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. However, as he advanced in his soccer career, Tanner began to realize that the aspect of the game he truly enjoyed was not just the competition, but the leadership and teamwork it fostered. The dynamics of leading a team, strategizing, and motivating his peers ignited a passion within him that went beyond the soccer field.

Tanner went on to receive a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Science and Psychology, and after graduating, moved from Illinois to join his parents who had moved prior.

One of Tanner’s biggest inspirations is his father. Inspired by his father's leadership of BARC Electric Cooperative, Tanner saw an opportunity to pursue leadership in a new context.

Tanner states that, “The best way to lead is by putting yourself in their shoes.” With this philosophy in mind, Tanner enrolled in the Power Line Worker Program at Southside Virginia Community College.

As Tanner progresses through the Power Line Worker Program at SVCC, he remains focused on his long-term goal of moving up the ranks within an electric cooperative to eventually become a CEO. “Good leaders are good learners,” Tanner says. With Tanner’s humble leadership style and drive for success, there is no doubt that he will continue to achieve great things!

For more leadership-based insights from Tanner, check out his blog at www.servantude.org.

SVCC Announces Inaugural BICSI Cabling Installation Course

SVCC just released its date for the inaugural BICSI Certification Course. The initial week-long course will begin on September 2, 2024 at the Authorized Training Facility located at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill VA.

 BICSI is a professional association supporting the advancement of the information and communications technology (ICT) profession and currently serves more than 26,000 members and credential holders. BICSI is the preeminent resource for the Connected World. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 100 countries.

As a BICSI Authorized Training Facility (ATF), SVCC is approved to teach BICSI’s globally recognized Cabling Installation Program courses. ATFs are BICSI-approved sites that utilize the same quality curriculum, classroom equipment, and materials offered in a BICSI-conducted class. Classes are taught by the facility’s BICSI-certified trainers.

For more information on BICSI Cabling Installation courses being held at SVCC, please contact Chad Patton at chad.patton@southside.edu.

A Foundation of Success

Support Our Students!