Frank Ruff Jr. Scholarship | | |
The family of Frank Ruff Jr. has established a scholarship in his memory to continue his legacy of helping people of Southside Virginia better their lives with opportunities of higher education and workforce development.
Frank Ruff’s name and Southside Virginia go hand-in-hand. Through his involvement with the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, Senator Ruff was an advocate for education and training for community colleges in rural Virginia for many years. Thousands of students have earned credentials leading to life changing careers.
As a Senator, he enthusiastically worked for his constituents and encouraged creativity through partnerships which impacted economic success throughout Southside Virginia.
| | SVCC Students Earn Community Service Award | | |
Mrs. Kelsie Crump, center and Ms. Darlene Ferguson, right were awarded the Community Service Award from the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce. Their contributions to not only SVCC but their community has made an impactful difference.
Kelsie Crump of Freeman, President of the SVCC Nursing Club, leads with purpose and compassion. She has spearheaded and assisted with impactful fundraising efforts including Casino Night, bake sales, and T-shirt campaigns—supporting student scholarships, campus organizations, and local healthcare initiatives such as the CMH Heart Walk. As a work-study student, Kelsie serves the SVCC community with professionalism while also playing a key role in organizing Health Care Day, exposing high school students to healthcare careers. Beyond campus, she volunteers with the RAM Clinic, providing life-changing vision services to community members, and gives her time to Red Oak–Sturgeon Elementary School. Through her leadership and selfless service, Kelsie exemplifies the compassion, dedication, and excellence of an outstanding future nurse.
Ms. Darlene Ferguson of Lawrenceville is a Business Management student at SVCC whose academic excellence and lifelong service set her apart. A magna cum laude graduate, she has earned multiple credentials, including certificates in Business, Bookkeeping, and IT Concepts and Applications. With decades of community service, Darlene has served 28 years as an EMT with the Brunswick Volunteer Rescue Squad and has taught CPR and First Aid for more than 30 years. On campus, she has been a dedicated leader as Student Government Association Treasurer, Student Ambassador, and member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She also volunteers at the local hospital and serves as Chair of the VCU Health/CMH Auxiliary Scholarship Fund. Through her academic achievement, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service, Darlene exemplifies the values of dedication, compassion, and excellence.
| | SVCC Recognized at VCCS Hire Ed Conference | | Matt Dunn (Workforce Counselor), Wanda Vaughan (Workforce Administrative Assistant), Dennis Smith (Director of Workforce Development & Continuing Education), Maki Malone (Workforce Credentials & Apprenticeship Advisor), Dr. Keith Harkins (V.P. of Academic & Workforce Programs), Suzanne Shook (Occupational-Technical Center Administrative Support), and Dr. Chad Patton (Dean of Career and Occupational Technologies). | | | | Maki Malone, standing with VCCS Chancellor David Doré, received the Outstanding Achievement by a College Faculty or Staff Member Award. Maki Malone serves to many as the only voice and point of contact for busy power industry professionals who are seeking training and education through Southside Virginia Community College. Through the college’s Power 2 Degree program, powerline workers, substation technicians, powerstation mechanics, and a host of other power industry professionals contact her to begin their journey towards a degree and industry recognized credentials. With exceptional attention to detail, phenomenal customer service, and a true heart and passion to see others succeed, Maki shepherds students from across the commonwealth through initial contact and questions, onto and through the admission process, all during their tenure with SVCC, and finally to graduation. | | | Dr. Keith Harkins received the Expanding Opportunities Award. He exemplifies the core mantra of the VCCS mission, vision, and values: "To give everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened." His unwavering dedication and innovative leadership have forged an undeniable legacy in the arena of workforce development, directly aligning with the VCCS's goal to "align education and economic development to extend workforce development courses, training and programs into communities across Virginia." Dr. Harkins' impact is felt profoundly across multiple groups and regions throughout the Commonwealth, making him an ideal candidate for this recognition. | | South Central Virginia Business Alliance | |
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Crystal Baldwin, SVCC Campus Within Walls Project Manager, recently attended a regional clean energy forum hosted by the South Central Virginia Business Alliance (SCVBA). The forum focused on connecting local contractors and service providers with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firms.
The event highlighted partnership opportunities, emerging energy and infrastructure projects in South Central Virginia, and innovations such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) that are shaping the future of the energy industry.
Crystal is pictured with SVCC Local Board Member, Curtis Morton.
| | | | | College For A Day at the Christanna Campus | | More than 160 high school seniors from Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Brunswick, Brunswick Academy, Kenston Forest, and Greensville were invited to attend College for a Day at the Christanna Campus. Throughout the event, students toured the campus, participated in interactive sessions and demonstrations, and connected with SVCC’s dedicated faculty and staff to experience life as a Panther. Students also learned about the career opportunities available at SVCC, along with the resources and funding options designed to support their success and enhance their college experience. | | | | SVCC’s Casino Night Fundraiser was a big win! Held at the John H. Daniel Campus, the event brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members for an evening of games, laughter, and friendly competition. Guests enjoyed Blackjack, Poker, and Roulette while supporting a great cause. Thanks to our enthusiastic volunteer dealers and attendees, proceeds from the event will be split among participating SVCC clubs to help fund student activities, programs, and leadership opportunities throughout the year. With great prizes, delicious refreshments, and strong community support, Casino Night truly hit the jackpot for student life at SVCC. | | | Charlotte County Elementary Schools Visit SVCC | | SVCC recently welcomed first and fifth graders from Charlotte County Public Schools for a fun and engaging campus visit. Our elementary guests learned what it means to be a Panther while exploring hands-on demonstrations in science, the Teacher’s Academy, and music. They also discovered student clubs and learned the importance of saving money and investing in their futures. We loved having our elementary friends on campus and can’t wait to welcome them back! 🐾 | | Southside Electric Cooperative Donation | | | | |
Joy Stump, Community Relations Coordinator for Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) recently attended the college's Power Line Worker (PLW) Training Graduation to present a check to Dr. Quentin R. Johnson, SVCC President, to support the college's Career Coach Program.
Career coaches are a network of community college employees who are based in high schools across Southside Virginia. They help high school students define their career aspirations and to recognize community college and other postsecondary programs, including apprenticeships and workforce training that can help students achieve their educational and financial goals.
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SVCC Welcomes Officer Sydney Nichols
As First Police Officer For The College
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On November 21, 2025, Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) marked a historic milestone at its John H. Daniel Campus with the swearing-in of Officer Sydney Nichols, the first police officer to serve at this location. Mrs. Shannon Feinman, Vice President of Finance and Administration, welcomed guests and recognized the importance of the moment for both the college and the Charlotte County community, which SVCC has proudly served since 1970.
Mrs. Feinman noted that the addition of Officer Nichols follows the successful onboarding of Chief of Police Alefunzo Uzzle last year. “We have already seen Officer Nichols’ professionalism, her proactive relationship-building skills, and her commitment to connecting with students, faculty, staff, and community members,” Feinman shared.
The Honorable Annette Clowdis of Charlotte County presided over the oath of office, officially swearing in Officer Nichols and sealing a historic achievement for SVCC.
| | Congratulations to the following students all across our service area! | | Pictured left to right: Natasha Drake (Virginia Beach), Shalaine Sykes (Emporia), Dameka Prince (Emporia), Mozelle Rose (Instructor), Nitesha Lewis (Emporia), Sharon Asbell (Emporia), and Erica Hamilton (Emporia). | | Alexis Dodson, Akeyla West, Estele Daly, Myanna Draper, Alyce Loeser, Ni'Kerria Reed, Kendra Nelson, Hayden Lawson, and Chelsy Ramirez | | |
Asia Glasgow, Miayana Alston, McKenzie Evans, Curtissa Pryer, Ketata Cain, Tiffany Hatcher, Alexis Wilson, Olymphia Scott, Shakema Wilson, and Crisstina Hailey
Instructors: Monica Newcomb and Debbie Newcomb
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Students graduated from the Diesel Technician program at the Occupational Technical Center in Blackstone. Pictured are: Billy McGraw (Instructor), Sergio Perez (Kenbridge), Marissa Adams (Mechanicsville), Neveah Traylor (Dinwiddie), Tysheik Black (Dinwiddie), Trevor Eckrote (Patrick County), Javion Anderson (Chesterfield), Saveon Casper (Blackstone), Ethan Williams (Buckingham), and Russ Hicks (Instructor).
The next class begins January 5, 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.
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The SVCC Police Department served as a drop off location for the Toys For Tots donation drive.
Pictured above are SVCC Police Officer Sydney Nichols, Safety Patrol Officer Khaled Al Ameri, Safety Patrol Officer Felicia Osborne, and Campus Security Officer Nichole Dawson.
Shown to the left are students: Micah Christian, Khaled Al Ameri, Felicia Osborne, Irelyn Cantrell, Kristen Scott, and Kayla Wright.
| | The SVCC Family recently celebrated the holiday season at our annual holiday luncheon and celebrated those employees reaching milestone in their years of service to the state. Be sure to click on the link below for more pictures from our holiday luncheon. | | |
5 YEARS
Laura Henderson, Karen Wilhelm, Jordan Maxey
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15 YEARS
Pam Jackson and Maki Malone
Not Pictured: Chad Rogers and David Braun
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10 YEARS
Dr. Keith Harkins, Linda Eulert
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20 YEARS
Linda Allen, Dr. Melissa Arthur, Leonard Martin, Angela Rook, and Stacy Hines-Bentley
Not Pictured: Buffy Allgood and Arthur Lyles
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25 YEARS
Dr. Chad Patton, Dr. Robin Daniel, John Duty, and Shannon Feinman
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Recent retirees were honored at the annual holiday luncheon. Sally Tharrington, Katrina Wells, and Joan Tuck were celebrated with heartfelt memories, thoughtful gifts, and sincere appreciation for their years of dedicated service to the college and its students.
Additional retirees, not present, were Brenda Elder and Steven Walker.
Pictured left is Joan Tuck with Pauline Stokes, a former student in the very first class Mrs. Tuck taught in August 1993.
| | A Meaningful Gift That Supports SVCC Students | | |
As the holiday season approaches, many of us look for meaningful ways to recognize and thank one another. If you’re unsure what to give this year, we invite you to consider a gift that makes a lasting impact.
A donation to the SVCC Foundation, made in honor of a loved one or in memory of someone special, is a thoughtful alternative to a traditional gift. Your contribution directly supports SVCC students through scholarships or emergency assistance.
To help share the spirit of giving, the SVCC Foundation will send a card to each person honored, acknowledging the gift made in their name.
Together, we can make this season even more meaningful.
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.
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