Volume 26, Edition 3

 
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Governor Spanberger Visits SVCC

SVCC students had a special opportunity to meet Governor Spanberger when she visited campus to tour the Health Sciences lab and learn more about the college’s role in preparing the region’s future healthcare workforce.


Student Government Association representatives and Governor’s School of Southside Virginia (GSSV) students welcomed the Governor and shared their experiences in SVCC’s academic programs.



The visit highlighted the importance of hands-on training, student leadership, and partnerships that support career readiness across Southern Virginia.


We appreciate Governor Spanberger taking the time to connect with our students and see firsthand the impact of SVCC’s programs!

Military Cohort 26-1 Visits SVCC

Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) is making a strong impact through its partnership with Microsoft and Hiring Our Heroes, helping graduates of the Microsoft Military Data Center Pathway (MDP) program successfully transition into the workforce. Participants travel from across the globe to train at SVCC’s Center for Information Technology Excellence (CITE) in South Hill, Virginia. There, they complete an intensive IT skills bootcamp while gaining exposure to regional career opportunities.


Most recently, seven graduates secured positions in Mecklenburg County, supporting the continued growth of the region’s emerging technology sector. During their hands-on training, these individuals made the decision to relocate from their home communities including locations as far away as Hawaii and Australia to Southside Virginia. Since settling in the area, they have remained connected to SVCC, returning as volunteers to support future MDP participants.


SVCC proudly welcomed MDP Cohort 26-1 to the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center for an immersive, hands-on training experience. This marked the college’s fifth cohort and the largest to date, growing from just 20 students in the inaugural Summer 2024 cohort to 63 completers in this cohort.

Diesel Graduation

Not pictured with the group, Eugene Moon (Powhatan).

On March 19, thirteen students graduated from the Diesel Technician program at the Occupational Technical Center in Blackstone. Pictured are:  Russ Hicks (Instructor), Ismael Onofre-Hernandez (Kenbridge), James McCain (Manakin Sabot), Chaise Surley (Chesterfield), Harlin Walton (Henrico), Cody Tompkins (Blackstone), Jayden Coles (Mineral), Ethan Wright (Chesterfield), William Pike (Amelia Court House), Samantha Fens (Powhatan), Augustine Sassi (Charlotte Court House), and

Billy McGraw (Instructor).


The next class begins July 7, 2026. For more information, visit our website https://southside.edu/diesel-technician,or contact Suzanne Shook 434-292-3101 or by email, suzanne.shook@southside.edu.


Day in The Life

Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) partnered with SVCC for A Day In The Life event. Students from local high schools were able to hear from SEC's lineman and were even able to use the Lineman's wrench to tighten and loosen "C" Clamps.


Students were able to learn about other career opportunities at SVCC's Occupational Technical Center like Truck Driver Training and Diesel Technician.

Nursing Career Fair

Our ADN and PN students had the opportunity to connect with over 40 employers and colleges, gaining valuable insight into career pathways and continuing education options. The event, held at the Estes Community Center in Chase City, created a welcoming space for students to explore their future in healthcare.

Click on the image above for a video from the day.

Student Leadership Day

The SVCC Student Leadership Retreat, The Leadership Multiverse: Power, Purpose & Presence, brought students together for an engaging, hero-themed experience focused on personal growth and leadership development. The retreat guided participants through a series of interactive sessions designed to help them discover their strengths, build effective teams, and lead with confidence and integrity.


The day opened with “Origin Story: Discovering Your Inner Hero,” where students explored their individual values, leadership styles, and areas for growth laying the foundation for self-awareness. Sessions that followed emphasized the importance of collaboration and teamwork, highlighting how diverse perspectives strengthen organizations and how leaders can foster trust, communication, and shared purpose within their groups.


As the retreat progressed, students learned how to energize their teams and move from simple group efforts to cohesive, high-performing units. A strong focus was also placed on accountability and ethical leadership, encouraging participants to take ownership of their decisions and lead with integrity in the face of challenges.

The retreat concluded with a session on building a personal leadership brand, helping students identify how to present themselves with purpose and create a lasting, positive impact across campus.


Overall, the Student Leadership Retreat equipped participants with practical skills, renewed confidence, and a deeper understanding of what it means to lead. Students left empowered, ready to step into their roles as leaders within the SVCC community and beyond.

A Meaningful Gift That Supports SVCC Students

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 or contact Jamie Jones, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement by phone 434-949-1068 or by email jamie.jones@southside.edu.