September 2023

Virginia State Fair Skills USA Champions

SVCC Cosmetology students competed at the Virginia State Fair in the Skills USA Cosmetology Competition. They brought home the following awards: 1st place in "Total Fashion Look" & "3rd place in "Total Fantasy Look". Pictured: (left) Nicole Cilborne,

SVCC Cosmetology instructor, Hayley Conwell-model, Hillary Nelson-makeup, and Emma Wilkerson-hair; (right) Hydia Hurt- model, Jessica Foster-hair and Ashlyn Murphy-makeup.

Mecklenburg's CTE Staff See What's HOT in South Hill

Teachers representing Mecklenburg County Public School's Career and Technical Education (CTE) department recently toured the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill. The tour provided the group the opportunity to learn more about SVCC's Center for Information Technology Excellence (CITE), along with programs in welding, electricity, and HVAC (heating and air conditioning). Participants enjoyed talking with faculty and staff, as well as industry partners. Some of the teachers even tried welding with SVCC welding instructor John Evans!

SVCC Receives $2.1 Million USDOE Grant

Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC), with the help of a $2.1 million Title III Part A Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE), will be able to significantly enhance the support systems in place for first year students and online learners.

“This is huge for our students,” says Dr. Quentin R. Johnson, SVCC President. “This grant will allow us to continue making higher education more accessible and equitable for our students.”

The grant will allow SVCC to put intervention systems in place for student groups that need additional support to succeed. It will also allow the College to significantly expand its student services infrastructure, resulting in future positive enrollment growth and increased student outcomes.

The proposed project, designed to take place over the course of five years, will include two overarching activities: enhancing support for first year student success and improving student services support for online students. The first activity will place an emphasis on first year advising, success coaching, career exploration and advising, financial literacy and empowerment, and faculty advisor professional development. The second activity will focus on offering remote students the same enrollment and advising services that are available to on-campus students.

Dr. Johnson states, “We are excited and honored to receive this grant. With this funding, we will be able to ensure that students in all learning formats and from all backgrounds have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

Criminal Justice Academy

Fall semester kicked off the new SVCC Criminal Justice Academy. The program, housed on the SVCC Christanna Campus, is made up of dual enrollment students representing Brunswick, Mecklenburg,

and Nottoway Public School Systems. Spearheaded by Professor Alphonzo Seward, the students recently were part of a hands-on experience conducted by Captain Lopresti and Lt. Myrick with the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office. This criminal investigation class provided information on collecting fingerprints at a crime scene, gunshot residue and casting a footprint that is left at a crime scene. Kudos to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Department for their participation!

Constitution Day Trivia & Cupcakes

On September 18th, the student services team awarded prizes to participates for their correct answers to trivia questions about the United States Constitution to celebrate Constitution Day! Red and blue cupcakes were provided as well.

Join Us for Fall Community Meetings

Dr. Quentin R. Johnson and his staff will present a college update and want to hear from you. All meetings will be held at 10:00 a.m. and refreshments will be provided.

• Tuesday, October 24 at the Golden Leaf Commons (SVEC)

1300 Greensville County Circle, Emporia

• Wednesday, October 25 at the SOVA Innovation Center

715 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston

• Tuesday, October 31 at Centra Hospital

510 W. 3rd Street, Farmville

• Thursday, November 2 at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center

118 E. Danville Street, South Hill

• Tuesday, November 9 at the Occupational Technical Center

1041 10th Street, Pickett Park, Blackstone

To register call (434) 949-1008 or email Brenda.Elder@southside.edu