Meet Our Newest Panthers! | | Faculty returned to campus with smiles and excitement to kick off the new academic year—a day filled with collaboration, connection, and welcoming remarks from President Johnson, all in preparation to greet our students back. | | We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Employee Rewards and Recognition Awards! These awards celebrate the exceptional dedication, talent, and contributions of our faculty and staff across a variety of roles and achievements. | | Matthew Fisher (Adjunct), Mary Manns (Wage), Crystal Jones (Adjunct), Tammy Alexander (Wage), Regina Williams (Adjunct), Celeste Paynter (Adjunct), and Scottie Crockett (Adjunct). Not Pictured: Chanel Reese (Adjunct). | | Cindy Mason, Caitlin Maloney, LaTrisha McCargo, Kathy Whitt, and Theresa Henderson. Not Pictured: Shana Dix, Maki Malone, and Chad Rogers. | | Administrative / Professional | Dr. Melissa Arthur, Dr. Chad Patton, and Dr. Robin Daniel. | | Dr. Alfonzo Seward (Community Impact), Dr. Sarah Horne (Institutional Responsibility), Dr. Elizabeth Anderson (Scholarly and Creative Engagement), Jamie Stock (Teaching Effectiveness), Dr. Leslie Jackson (Institutional Responsibility), Martha Reed (Community Impact), and Dr. Kristine Smetana (Scholarly and Creative Engagement). Not Pictured: Melissa Back (Teaching Effectiveness). | | | Power Line Worker Graduation | | |
On August 14, 2025, twenty eight graduates celebrated their accomplishments as a part of cohort #28. When the last graduate stepped-up he represented the 680th graduate since the program started in March of 2016.
Graduates included (Front row, left to right):Jamie Jamerson (instructor), Mike Costley (instructor), Caleb Owens (Chase City), Ryan Vick (Dyke), Dalton Swaim (Suffolk), Owen Haynes (Gloucester), Christopher Salyers (Barboursville), Zachary Harris (Chesapeake), Dylan Mabe (Appomattox), Bradley Cox (Scottsville), Colby Williams (Suffolk), Christopher Zimmer (Gretna) Bryan Velasquez (Chesapeake), Spiros Reinson (Farmville), and Richard Weathers (Lynchburg).
Back row, left to right: Christian Cook (Chesterfield), James Scheid (Mechanicsville), Luke McDaniels (Powatan), Charles Cespedes (Colonial Heights), Jesse Lanzillotti (Powhatan), Braden Drugatz (Fredericksburg), Chris Dooley (Saxe), Bradley Seay (Glen Allen), Chayanne Duarte-Ceron (Ruckersville), Nicholas Hartwell (Rice), Jacob Scott (Mechanicsville), Braucher Sieverling (Arlington), Nicholas Davis (Dinwiddie), Deon'Ta Jones (Lawrenceville), and Luke Royall (Amelia).
To view the latest Power Line Worker Newsletter, please click here.
| | SVCC Contributes to Statewide Rise in Licensure | | |
Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced a 10% statewide rise in industry-recognized credentials—and SVCC is helping close the gap.
In 2024–2025 alone, 671 students earned licenses through SVCC (a 19% jump from last year!) in programs like:
✅ Information Technology
✅ Truck Driving
✅ Diesel Technology
✅ Welding
✅ Nursing
✅ Power Line & more!
The impact is real: Power Line grads saw wage growth of up to 198%, and Diesel grads saw growth of 180%–318%!
To learn how SVCC has contributed to a rise in licensures, click here.
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Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) recently celebrated its latest group of cosmetology graduates at a ceremony held July 30 at the Estes Center in Chase City. Among the graduates was a remarkable trio, a mother and her two daughters, who completed the program together, proving that education can be both a family bond and a pathway to new opportunities.
When asked why they chose to enroll as a family, Jennifer Rose, the mother explained, “Our family’s decision to embark on this cosmetology journey together was a beautiful blend of passion, creativity, and unity. Ashlyn’s dream of becoming a cosmetologist, which sparked when she was just five, inspired us all. Leah’s revelation during Ashlyn’s birthday salon day—that this field could be the perfect canvas for her artistic talents—sealed the deal. As a mother, my heart is set on paving the way for my children’s success. Much like my husband and I pour our hearts into our tree service business, joining this program together allowed us to support each other, grow as a team, and make unforgettable memories while chasing our dreams.”
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Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) is proud to highlight the journey of Jacob Myrick, a resident of Greensville County, a graduate of SVCC’s Automotive Program and current Service Manager at Boyd Chevrolet GMC of Emporia, VA. Myrick’s story reflects the value of hands-on training, career development, and the power of persistence.
Growing up, Myrick found joy in working with his hands and spending time outdoors. While still in high school, he gravitated toward the automotive field, believing that even if he didn’t pursue it as a career, it would be a valuable life skill.
In 2015, Myrick earned his Automotive Tune-Up Certification from SVCC. Armed with knowledge and practical skills, he joined Boyd Chevrolet GMC of Emporia, VA in 2016 as an oil change technician. “Having the certification allowed me to stand out in the crowd,” Myrick said. “I learned a lot of hands-on skills, and the instructors at SVCC were intelligent and helpful.”
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Giving to the SVCC Foundation gives students the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
If you are interested in supporting SVCC students, please click on the link below.
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