SVCC recognizes Tobacco Commission Partnership
Published 2:17 pm Thursday, August 25, 2016
- Southside Virginia Community College President Dr. Al Roberts, right, presents a plaque of recognition to the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission for its valued partnership. Representing the commission, from left, are Sen. Frank Ruff, vice chair, and Tim Pfhol, grants director.
Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) recently recognized the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission as a partner that, according to a press release, has been, and continues to be, instrumental in providing resources to students in the form of scholarships and in the development and expansion of programs.
According to a press release, in making the presentation, Dr. Al Roberts, SVCC president, said, “the college has a history of making the most out of our individual and community partnerships. It is how our institution has grown over the years and how we are better able to serve our communities and all residents of Southside Virginia. Tonight, the SVCC Local Board and the SVCC Foundation Board would like to recognize The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (which) was created in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly to promote growth and development in tobacco dependent communities.”
Roberts noted that, for more than 15 years, SVCC and the communities served have partnered with the commission.
He said funds have assisted in the creation and development of many facilities and programs that are instrumental to SVCC.
Centers, such as The Estes Community Center, Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, Clarksville Enrichment Complex, Southside Virginia Education Center and Occupational Technical Center, allow SVCC to offer classes and programs that make education and training accessible throughout its 4,200 square-mile footprint.
The commission partnered with the communities in the development of these state-of-the-art facilities, according to the release.
Programs offered by SVCC have been established and expanded because of commission funding.
Nursing, welding, precision machining, automotive, truck driver training, diesel technology, information technology and emergency medical services are all included.
According to the release, the commission has supported programs to encourage and assist students to complete their GED. It has provided scholarship assistance to help hundreds of students in their quest for education and training.
